Do we trust God only when he is bringing us good stuff, and not also trust him when bad things happen in life? Is God good only when he causes things to happen which make us happy? Is God not just as good when pain and loss enter life?
If we believe God, and take pain with the same confidence as the pleasures of life, then the darkness will be as rich with blessing as the light, and sorrow will bring us as close to God as joy.
It seems as though the words “possible” and “probable” have become synonymous. But there is a very real difference between the two. Many things in life may not be probable, their possibility being very slim — but they are still possible. Nothing is ever accomplished by giving up.
Working for and with God is no different. When probability is at its lowest, God is at his best. Where else is a miracle found than in the improbable, the unexpected, and the impossible? If it is expected, then it becomes no more than an act; then where is the miracle? If it is a counted on result, then were is the victory in the face of defeat; cure of the terminal illness; resurrection of the dead? As improbable as those might be, with God, all things are possible — and therein lies the miracle.
For the Christian, one of the most difficult tasks is to find joy in the midst of sorrow. Yet, if we trust God’s promises, that is exactly what is found.
Afflictions come upon us in life, but God does not mean to hurt us through them. Heavy disappointments are often God’s appointments, and what God sends us as growth may look more like misfortune. Even that which appears as outright evil can contain inside it a rich compensation when we allow God to work it out.
The old time preachers used to say: “Beyond sorrow’s Jordan’s green fields lie” That is still true today.
Each generation that inhabits the earth is brought forth according to God’s great plan. When the appointed time has come, each appears on the stage of history; and when the time for their dismissal comes, he sends them away.
The time of our appearing is now. Our ancestors have left vacant their place and gone down into the dust — as did theirs before them. Now is our time to be permitted to act out our part freely, without restraint or reservation. So we proceed, steadfast in the knowledge that there is not a day in our life, nor an event in a day, that is unforeseen by God.
Many people deal with feelings outwardly; they share them with others in hopes of finding sympathy or resolution. But this type of sharing is also nothing more than self-involvement. By opening to another, we speak about ourselves and thereby become engrossed on our own situation.
Christian’s are to submit themselves to God’s will without complaint. By doing so, the Christian is more balanced in character, healthier mentally, and capable of dealing with a vast range of emotions which life brings.
Those who talk about themselves dwell on themselves. Those who quietly trust themselves to God move on from their problems.
When the seasons of our years give us a warning that our duration on earth is short, it behooves us to look toward God, and remember by whose hand our life was made. Then, in all humility, it is right and proper to thank God that we have been permitted to partake so long in the wonderment of life. It is God who has endured our incitements against Him; our ugly behavior; and in spite of it all, still shared with us the grace of Himself. So it should be that not just in faith and hope, but gratitude as well, that we commit unto Him the trust of our soul.
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for my eyes have seen thy salvation.” —Luke 2:29
(God bless you A.R. Go in peace.)
The history of the world shows that tyrants, dictators, and oppressors have always failed to understand the fear of God which is contained in the heart of the believer. Such is the power and providence of God that men and women have long stood against and defeated transgressors such as these. Those who would wield pain, suffering, and fear upon a populace bring with them great power, but so strong is the person whose faith rests upon God, that no power on earth can force it to break.
Many people, and Christians are among them, think of forgiveness as a common, ordinary thing. Forgiveness is seen as a way to be excused from punishment, an avoidance of the consequences for doing wrong. But true forgiveness must be much more.
If forgiveness is to be more than just not facing consequences, then what is it? It is the hostility which results from wrong, gone away. It is trust restored. It is reconciliation in the highest form. While the president may pardon a criminal, that person is still a criminal; but when God forgives, the sin is gone completely, and the person becomes a new creation in Christ.
Before we can have any kind of a meaningful relationship or friendship with a person, trust must exist. Doubt digs great chasms between people, and distrust builds high walls which keep us apart. Trust is what overcomes these obstacles.
The same is true for having a relationship with Jesus. In order to know and to be near him, there must be trust. However, the rewards for such trust is beyond belief. Whether walking through calamity or joy; whether experiencing the heights or the depths of life, we remain calm, secure, and unbroken in our faith.
To wait quietly while remaining steadfast is very difficult but extremely important. It is not unusual for God to speak into the life of an individual the path or principal to follow. Yet, the rest of the world, the best of friends, the most competent of colleagues advise otherwise.
The Christian must listen for God, discern the right course, and stand firm against all who would detract. God will come, and lead you forward. Only then will the world see the truth of your stance.
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.” Psalm 130:5
