Topsy-Turvy God

"I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart;

I will sing your praises before the gods.

I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.

I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;

for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name."

Psalm 138:1-2 NLT

God surprises me every time.  If I expect Him to come from the right, I'm startled when I turn around and He's showing up on the other side.  When I think He'll act immediately, His plan is for me to wait, or if I assume I know what's best, He'll invariably give me a lesson on His radical best that blows my mind.

God doesn't operate according to the norms and traditions of man.  He has His own ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Supreme.  There are many gods created by man.  As many people groups as exist in this world, there are at least as many religions, methods for finding peace and purpose, and convictions that drive each life.  I could never succeed at counting all the regimens that people follow in a quest for a longer, more meaningful, healthier, success-filled life.  

Yet as happy as the worshipers of these gods may be, or content as the followers of these alternate lifestyles are, or as positive as the influence of these lifestyles are, they are not God.  There is only one true God, and only He is above all things.  Anything else I choose to trust in, then, will one day let me down.  Therefore, I would be wise to pin my hopes on the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth, giving Him praise in the midst of all other gods, religions and lifestyles.

God's dominion and power is not diminished by the plethora of other alternatives.

High. A successful CEO or politician is all about his own agenda, intent on exalting himself and those with which he has surrounded himself. He knows how to use people, befriending those who can help further his career and staying away from those who can do nothing for him. Rarely will he stoop to the level of the lowly, considering their needs as important or caring whether they suffer or not.  As long as his needs are tended to, this kind of leader is content to focus on his own life.  After all, he must do what is necessary to make it to the top!

God does not follow this template.  As powerful as He is, able to do more than I could ever imagine, He is never so high that He will not stoop low to regard the lowly, to care for the humble, to consider the poor (Psalm 138:6).  In fact, His eye is even on the humble sparrow as it flits from bush to bush in its search for food.  If His scope is so wide, He will surely pay attention to my needs and tend to my hurts (Matthew 10:29-31).  

God's high position does not prevent Him from seeing and caring for even the lowliest.

Trouble.  In this world I'm used to bearing the consequences of not only my own stupid actions, but also the foolish ones of those around me.  I learn early on that if I make that bed, I must lie in it; or that I must suck it up and carry on, taking like a man what's coming to me;  or fighting my own battles, cleaning up my own mess, facing my own demons.  It can be discouraging as I face this difficult life alone, left to deal with troubles all by myself, in the best way I know how.

God has a different plan (Psalm 138:7).  He doesn't adhere to the "every man for himself" mentality and He certainly doesn't offer His assistance to only those who are able to help themselves.  Instead, He protects, is in the business of preserving all life not matter how messy or lowly, and He saves even if He must step in to rescue me from my own stupid decisions.  While He is disciplinary in nature, His desire is always to draw me closer to Him.  Therefore, whatever it takes to show me the way to Him is what I can expect from Him, especially if that means giving me a hand when I'm overwhelmed with difficulties.  

God is kindhearted, even if I expect Him to leave me alone to get myself out of my own mess, He'll often surprise me by extending a helping hand right when I most need it.

It's easy to pigeon-hole God, placing Him in box and expecting certain behavior from Him based on past experiences or flawed expectations.  Still, God is God and His nature is not diminished by my faulty ideas.  His supremacy places Him above every other religion or god but does not prevent Him from caring for the lowly, nor keep Him from helping me, even if I don't deserve it.  He is a God who surprises me every time.  He is a topsy-turvy God!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to let Him be God.

When do I limit God by expecting little from Him?

How do I pigeonhole God, placing Him in a category where He doesn't fit?   

Rock of Refuge

"But the LORD has become my fortress,

and my God the rock in whom I take refuge."

Psalm 94:22

They run but there is nowhere they can go where the insidious evil will not find them.  Even the innocent children are not exempt from the brutal acts of terror.  How do our brothers and sisters cope in such darkness, under such pressure, in the face of such evil?  They have a safe Place, a Refuge where they can take shelter; and He is the Lord whom they worship.

I may not face trouble on this level, but living in an evil, dark world can lead me to discouragement and heartbreak as I witness all the suffering and experience some myself.  Even though it may seem wickedness is winning and I have nowhere to take shelter, I am offered a refuge by faith in Jesus.  I may be on the verge of destruction, but I can take heart that through Christ, I will not be crushed, driven to despair or abandoned by God (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).  

Here is the kind of protection I need and can expect when I take refuge in Him.

Help.  When I was in the hospital recovering from surgery, I appreciated the tender, loving care of my husband.  Normal daily tasks like getting out of bed, taking a shower and putting on my clothes became a huge undertaking.  The pain and swelling in my abdomen and the slight confusion and wooziness caused by the drugs and anesthesia still lingering in my body teamed up to make it hard for me to function normally.  I needed assistance to accomplish most everything.  

I remember attempting to eat my first meal.  The nurses' aid delivered the tray to my table and helped me get in position to eat.  As I tried to raise my hand with the arm tethered to the IV, I found it awkward and difficult.  I spent several minutes attempting to adjust the tray table, to pull it closer and lower it down, but I just couldn't get it.  Finally my husband returned with his meal and was able to help me so I could eat.  Without help, most simple functions were difficult and overwhelming.

This is a picture of God as I'm going through hard times, facing evil attack, or in the midst of strife.  He offers gentle assistance, empowering me to keep on living and carrying on in the face of such hardship.  In the same way I couldn't function normally on my own after surgery, I need the help of my ever-present God who is my 24-7 support system (Psalm 46:1).

When I take refuge in God during times of trouble, I will find the help I need to get through.

Love.  I felt my foot slipping but before I even knew what was happening, a strong arm upheld me until I could regain my footing.  If my husband hadn't been right there beside me, paying attention to my plight, I may have fallen.  Similarly, God is right there with me, paying attention to every step I take.  His love-nature drives Him toward the suffering, the hurting, the needy.  Therefore, I can count on Him to be there for me when I need Him.

Not only that, but there's more about the love of God that keeps Him by my side, holding me up.  God's love never gives out, runs out of steam, or stops working (1 Corinthians 13:8).  His love just is, and it's the same now as it always has been, ever strong and faithful.  Therefore, I can cry out to Him in my greatest hour of need or in the smallest of irritations and His love will sustain me.

When I take refuge in God during times of trouble, I will find the love that holds me up.

Consolations.  Nothing I said made a difference.  Her heartache was so deep that she could not be consoled.  Only God was able to bring relief to my friend's hurting soul.

When the cares of life get me down and I feel discouraged by all that is coming my way, I can trust God to cheer me in just the way I need.  He knows how to comfort me in all my troubles, to ease my pain, and to encourage my heart.  He is "the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. . ." (2 Corinthians 1:3b).

When I take refuge in God during times of trouble, I will find the consolation that cheers my soul.

There is no doubt this world is filled with darkness and evil.  As I pray for my brothers and sisters in harms way, I know they are finding haven in our Father who is their Rock of refuge.  I can follow suit, and when I do, I will find the help I need, the love that holds me up, and the consolation that brings cheer to my soul.  In these ways, I will join with the family of God and take shelter in my Rock of refuge.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to help me.

How do I try to muddle through on my own, attempting to negotiate the potholes of life without my Helper?

When do I wallow in sorrow, robbing God of the joy He finds in consoling me in my pain? 

   

In the Vacuum

"When I was in deep trouble,

I searched for the Lord.

All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven,

but my soul was not comforted.

I think of God, and I moan,

overwhelmed with longing for his help."

Psalm 77:2-3 NLT

Sleep was impossible for her.  Instead, she paced the floor, peering out the window between the curtains, searching the sky for some sign of Him.  Her heart was leaden, weighed down with every mother's worst nightmare that had become her reality.  The daughter she had worked so hard to protect, guide and nurture was suddenly gone, cruelly snatched from her home by an unknown evil.  

This mother needed her daughter back.  She yearned to once again hear her sweet laughter, be interrupted by her silly antics, to watch her peacefully sleep.  Instead, her home once warmed by the girl's presence was now empty as a tomb.  She wondered why God offered no solace for her aching soul.

God had not left my friend in her greatest hour of need, just as He had faithfully been with His people of old, as He had promised.  Sometimes, though, His silence is deafening and His inaction speaks volumes to my wounded heart.  This is when it's important that I follow Asaph's lead, turning my attention away from what distresses me and toward what will give me strength to carry on.

Remember.  He is mighty and strong.  He has done great things in the lives of His people, in the history of His nation, in the heart of this follower.  There were times when my head exploded as I tried to comprehend His ability to care so intimately about me along with the throngs of others He personally attended to.  How could He direct my footsteps so carefully while keeping His eye upon each wounded heart, wayward soul, and weakening spirit?  My heart rejoiced in such a Father as this.

So where was my praise now, as I sat in the quiet, failing to sense His presence nor see the work of His sovereign hand?  It was time to recall the acts that showcased His power and strength in the past, reminding me of what He is capable of doing, giving me a refresher of His might to jog my memory that He is a good God for which nothing is impossible.

I don't need to feel God's presence in order to remember His mighty acts of old.

Meditate.  I often use my brain power to analyze situations, searching for the perfect solution, rehashing prior situations to look for flaws and discover how I failed.  My mind is constantly at work, always thinking, never quiet.  Why not use such a powerhouse to meditate on God's mighty works?

When I think of meditation I often picture a woman whose legs are tied up in an impossible position that reminds me of a pretzel.  Her eyes are closed and her upturned hands rest quietly on her knees.  She sits without moving for an unbearable amount of time, clearing her mind of all thought while eerie music floats on the air and the smoke of incense filters through the room.

This may be one form of meditation, but there is another which would benefit me in times of trouble when God seems so far away.  Instead of clearing my mind, I can use it's power to ponder God's mighty works, thinking deeply about His constant character and how His faithfulness effects my life.  Instead of focusing on what is wrong in my life or in the world around me, I can center my attention on all the good found in the nature of God.  

I don't need to feel God's presence in order to meditate on how God's faithful and powerful nature has shown up in my life and in the lives of His people.

Praise Him.  There are things I know about God.  I read His Word which clearly speaks of His greatness, power and holiness, telling stories of His goodness, love and faithfulness and giving examples of His redemptive, supernatural and intimate nature.  I often mistakenly believe I must feel His Spirit moving in me in order to give Him praise.  In reality, it's when I don't sense His presence that my worship is most meaningful.

William Law, 18th Century priest, evangelical thinker and theological writer, left something behind for modern-day believers to ponder.  "One who makes it a rule to be content in every part and accident of life because it comes from God praises God in a much higher manner than one who has some set time for the singing of psalms."  This sounds like Romans 12:1 put in practice, does it not?  May it be my constant custom, then, to liberally give honor and glory to God for who He is, what He has done, is doing, and will do, and because He is always worthy of praise, no matter what is going on in my life.  When I humbly accept my lot in life, this submission to God's sovereignty speaks volumes to His heart.

I don't need to feel God's presence in order to accept my current situation while giving praise to Him for His many attributes.

Sometime God seems distant and silent, as if He no longer exists.  I wonder why He won't answer; is it something I've done or not done?  How have I failed?  It's easy to take it personally.  Instead, why not remember His acts of might and power, meditate on His nature, and be content with my circumstances while praising Him for who He is.  In these ways, I'll find peace in the vacuum.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my mind trained on God's faithfulness instead of depending upon my sense of His presence to sustain me.

When do I despair because I can't feel God with me?

How does my faith falter if I no longer sense His constant presence?

Mental Toughness

"They spread a net for my feet--

I was bowed down in distress.

They dug a pit in my path--

but they have fallen into it themselves.

My heart, O God, is steadfast,

my heart is steadfast;

I will sing and make music."

Psalm 57:6-7

She's trying to live for God, walking with Him in all her ways, yet it seems there is resistance at every step.  "No good deed goes unpunished," she mutters to herself as she walks down the hallway at her workplace.  "Why does everyone mock me and my faith?  I'm the only Jesus many of them have ever seen, yet they treat me like dirt. That's the thanks I get for showing them love."  Then she remembers the words of her Lord and Savior.  "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. . ." (John 15:18-19a)  Her heart lifts as she remembers Who she follows.

The world is tough, cruel and harsh.  When it seems to work against me, I can take heart, remembering it is really working against Jesus in me.  It's easy to lash out, grow bitter, and cultivate a cynical heart in the face of such treatment.  Or, I could develop the mental toughness David possessed and choose to remember the nature of my God.

Hope.  The world is a cold place filled with heartache.  To live here means to suffer loss, pain and misery; there's no getting around it.  The world is not as God created it to be, broken and twisted by sin as it is.  In the face of such distress, it seems like there is no reason to carry on, no reason to have confidence in what is to come.  Won't it just be more of the same?

No.  For those in Christ Jesus, there is hope.  Because of what Jesus has done, I have something to look forward to.  Since I belong to Him by faith, I have the promise of His strength to get me through the hard times I face now and will inevitably come up against in the days to come (Isaiah 43:1-3).

As I live in this dark world I can choose hope in God my strength (Psalm 46:1).

Steadfast.  His heart is at peace, his countenance resolute, his determination to continue on steady and strong.  How can he walk forward with such unwavering faith in the face of losing his beloved wife?

He can because his eyes are fixed on Jesus, the originator and finisher of his faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).  I, too, can maintain a steadfast heart while chaos swirls around me.  Knowing God is still on the throne despite the state of the world, acknowledging that He has a plan even though it seems I'm at the mercy of a continuous stream of cruelty, trusting in His redemptive nature while my enemy is out for my destruction takes a committed belief in the One I follow.

As I live in this dark world, my heart can be steadfast no matter what comes.

Believe.  He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  God is with me, no matter what I face (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Time means nothing to God; He is already there in the unknown of my future and every act of my life is written in His book (Psalm 139:16).  He has a plan for my life that will use even the evil and darkness for my good (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28).

I can choose to doubt God's goodness in the face of opposition.  It's easy to wonder if He really is the Victor who is constantly present, has gone before me and written a good plan for my life.  Really?  This is a part of that plan, God?  I can quickly turn angry and bitter.  If I choose to believe, however, trusting God despite what my senses tell me, my faith will grow and peace will prevail in my heart.

As I live in this dark world, I can choose to believe God will do what He says He will do.

Walking the narrow path in the darkness of this fallen world is difficult, to say the least.  I face many challenges to my faith and I am often tempted to waver.  I have been given a spirit of God's power, however, that can propel me to choose hope, a steadiness of heart, and faith.  In these ways I'll develop a mental toughness that will help me keep moving forward on the path that leads to righteousness no matter what the enemy throws my way.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God's plan for my life, even when it seems everything is falling apart.

How do I doubt there is any good in my current situation?

When am I failing to trust God the most?       

Trouble with a Capital "T"

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

but the LORD delivers him out of them all."

Psalm 34:19 ESV

"I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden, along with the sunshine; there's gotta be a little rain sometime!"  I remember singing along to this catchy 1973 hit by Lynn Anderson.  As a child, I didn't really pay attention to the lyrics, but as an adult I think this first line could have been penned by God Himself.  

Committing my life to following Jesus does not mean my life will be trouble-free.  It's quite the contrary, really, as I live in enemy territory in a body that can be my greatest adversary until I'm called home (John 16:33, 1 Peter 2:11-12).  This sounds like a recipe for difficulty, if you ask me!  I'm not promised a life free of hard times but an abundant life in the midst of the mess (John 10:10).

But.  If the first part of today's scripture passage was the whole message, life would be hopeless indeed!  Thankfully, there is a "but."  The "but" means there is something more; an Overcomer who has vanquished death and has authority over sin and evil!  

Through Jesus, my Champion, I can live without fear of death.  It is no longer the end, but only the beginning of an eternity of bliss in the presence of the One who loves me perfectly!  I can trust Him that the everlasting home that is promised me will be one that fulfills me perfectly, giving me complete contentment as things return to how they were meant to be (John 14:2-3).  

I can also live a life free from the bondage of sin where temptation is not my slave driver but I can choose to take the out He's provided and walk a new way that is contrary to my fleshly desires (1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 6:6).

Furthermore, Satan has no license to operate freely in my life.  Instead, through Jesus I have authority over him, giving him no leeway except for what I allow.  When I recognize his evil plot, my Warrior has given me armor and weapons with which to fight him off (Ephesians 6:13-18).

Jesus is who I need to withstand the trouble I face in this world.

Deliverance.  It was like nothing anyone had ever seen before.  The men walked in the fiery furnace that was hot enough to melt iron yet emerged unscathed, without even the smell of smoke upon them (Daniel 3:19-30).  How could this be?  God delivered them!

The same is promised for me as His child through faith in Jesus Christ. Even though the waters may rise up until I may fear drowning, He will be with me keeping my head above the waters.  When rapids rush around me, threatening to take me back from where I came, I won't succumb to the current.  While I may not escape the fire, the flames will not destroy me (Isaiah 43:1-3).

In the same way that Jesus was there with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as they walked in Nebuchadnezzar's deadly furnace, He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me (Daniel 3:25, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).  With Him at my side, what weapon can prevail, what trouble can overcome me (Romans 8:31, Isaiah 54:17 )?

Jesus is my deliverer who will stand with me through the trial, delivering me through it unscathed.

Complete.  Ever present.  Always ready. Very present.  Well-proved.  God is my refuge and strength.  Always, without fail, never to let me down in my time of need (Psalm 46:1).  With such a God as this at my side, what do I have to fear?

God's help is complete and whole.  He does not do a job half-way, but delivers total healing, full recovery, and thorough transformation.  He does not miss a detail.  Therefore, I can trust Him completely no matter what chaos is going on around me.  

Still, I must keep close to Him and train my attention upon Him to keep the current crisis from sending me into a tailspin of panic.  God is my refuge, but I must stick with Him in order to experience the help He is ready to give.  He will not let me down.

Jesus can be counted on to always provide complete help at just the right time.

Yes, life is full of trouble with a capital "T."  Even though I'm ushered into God's kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ, I'm not promised an easy, comfortable life.  I do have hope, though, in the person of Jesus Christ who will always be with me, faithfully delivering me through whatever trial may come.  Therefore, I can choose faith in Jesus instead of fear of what surrounds me.  I'm not promised a rose garden, but the joy that comes with walking through the fire with Jesus smells sweeter than any flower ever could!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on Jesus as I encounter today's trouble with the grace God has promised me.

When do I let the trouble send me into fear and doubt?

In my panic, how do I forget Who is right beside me?           

With the Enemy

"You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies."

Psalm 23:5a

My idea of a perfect life would mean there was no resistance, no evil, no adversary.  In this ideal world, I'd be able to live as God meant for me to live without anyone to oppose me, tempt me, or trick me.  

While I may fantasize about such a place, it is not a part of reality.  In this world there is an Enemy who is out to steal, kill and destroy, and there is evil which is in direct opposition to God's plan.   As I live in this dark place under the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, these enemies actually serve a purpose in my life.  Even though I'd rather avoid them and wipe them out, God has something else in mind.

Faith.  It's only something I can talk about until it is tested.  I'll never know if it's real until I have to use it.  It stays as an idea in my head until I'm forced to put the concept into practice.  

Faith.  It's worth more than gold in God's economy.  And like gold, it must be purified.  The contaminants must be burned out by fire.  If the faith is real, it will survive the ordeals I'm faced with in life.  If it's not genuine, it will perish (1 Peter 1:6-7).

When I come face to face with an enemy, running into opposition as I go about my life, it's easy to doubt whether what I'm doing is important enough to put up with such difficulty.  I'm may be tempted to give in, letting my convictions go and living as if my choices don't matter.  Or, I can trust God in the plan He has for my life, believing it is good and that He will give me the strength to persevere.  

When I run into obstacles as I walk the path God has marked out for me, I may wonder if I've strayed away from God's will, mistakenly thinking He would only take me on a road that is free from difficulty or that He'd steer me around evil.  In reality, I must trust Him enough to feel comfortable even though there's darkness all around, believing God will protect me.  I'm in a war and must expect opposition, but I am under the protective wing of the Almighty no matter how bad things look.  My faith grows as I take a risk and believe in His ability to shelter me through the attacks.

My faith is tested and grown as I trust Him enough to go about my business in the presence of my enemies.

Reality.  We will be hunted down by those who think they're on God's side.  We'll be labeled as blasphemers, persecuted in many ways.  Our hearts will be grieved as those around us party like there's no tomorrow.  This is our time of grief, but joy will come.  

Jesus warned His disciples of what was to come, what has been experienced since the beginning of the Church and what we now see as 21st Century followers.  He had a purpose for revealing such realities, not just trying to scare us but to teach us of a truth.  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)

Evil is a reality of living in this dark world that is ruled by a prince whose purpose is opposed to God's.  My battle as I live in such a wicked place is not against those I see, but versus the unseen powers of evil that are swirling around me in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).  They are hatching plans against me, dispatching troops to oppose me, and always thinking of ways to trip me up.  

Even though I face such insidious  and persistent evil, I am ruled by the Overcomer!  The power of Jesus is greater than any darkness I will come up against and He will not fail as my mighty Warrior.  Therefore, I can rest easy, knowing I am fighting on the winning side!

I must realize the reality of life in this world is that I will run into opposition, but He who is with me is greater than any foe I can face (Isaiah 54:17, 1 John 4:4).

Redemptive Power.  There seemed to be no hope.  Attacks were coming from all sides.  It looked like it may be the end.  Yet among the ruins, in the midst of the rubble, a tender shoot grew.  A flower flourished like a spot of beauty among the ashes.

This is a picture of God's redemptive power.  In the middle of attack, while withstanding blows from my enemies, I can gain sustenance, finding good in the midst of such evil.  Even more incredible is how God can transform that which was meant for my destruction, and go beyond merely protecting me from it, but actually using it for my good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20).  In the hands of God, the most vile and dark act designed to be the end of me becomes the best thing that ever happened.

God can take the ugly and make it beautiful.  He can take that which was dead and breathe new life into it.  He is a God who gives strength to the weak, joy to the mourning, and praise in place of gloominess (Isaiah 61:3, Isaiah 40:29).  He is a redeeming God who is never without hope.  He is more than able to take that which the enemy meant for my destruction and use it as a tool of His redemptive power.

Even though it's easy to be intimidated by the opposition I face, nothing is so great that God is not greater still.

While I'd rather live my life free from trouble and foes, God has something else in mind.  He uses the opposition I face to grow my faith as I trust Him through the inevitable attacks, always transforming the outcome into something good.  In these ways, I can rest easy in the midst of my enemies, knowing that God has a plan through it all.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God even though it seems things are hopeless.

When do I dread the darkness instead of trusting the God who is known for showing up at the darkest hour?

How do I despair when opposition comes, failing to recognize God's redemptive power which transforms the bad into something good?

Really?!

"Then the LORD asked Satan,

'Have you noticed my servant Job?

He is the finest man in all the earth.

He is blameless--a man of integrity.

He fears God and stays away from evil.

And he has maintained his integrity,

even though you urged me to harm him without cause.'"

Job 2:3 NLT

Wasn't it enough?  Hadn't he faced ample suffering?  Did his faith need further testing?  Hadn't he proved himself loyal to God?

It sometimes seems like God is toying with me, pushing me beyond what is necessary.  The truth is, however, He has His good, unfathomable reasons (Isaiah 40:13-14).

Bad with the good.  My idea of a good life is where I am protected from suffering, hurt and difficulty.  If I really think about it, I want a little taste of heaven here on earth.  I expect the world to be the proverbial bowl full of cherries.  If this is true, then, in the words of Erma Bombeck, "what am I doing in the pits?"

Job understood God's sovereignty more than I do. He realized that letting God be God means taking the bad along with the good.  It means things won't go according to my plan because God has something bigger and better in mind.  Even His concept of bigger and better is far different from mine.  Assuming my life here on this fallen earth is going to be all good is a mistake.  

Where, then, is my hope?  If I can't expect all good all the time, what's the point?  My hope is in Jesus Christ and what He can do through the bad.  My hope comes from how He will use every bad thing to transform me into the image of Jesus (Romans 8:28-29).  My hope comes from the realization that this place is not my true home;  I have something far better to which I can look forward (Hebrews 13:14, John 14:1-3).

Walking with God by faith means taking the bad with the good.

Others tested.  She hurts so much she cannot sleep.  Her slumber is often interrupted by bouts of pain.  So great is her suffering that she cannot leave her home.  In the midst of such agony, her beloved cat dies in her arms.  How can she bear such heartache?

It is hard to see others suffer.  When those around me are hurting, it's sometimes hard to know what to do.  Part of me wants to comfort and encourage, another is ready to judge and fix.  How I respond shows where my heart is.

The heart of Jesus is to weep with those who weep.  When he encountered the deep mourning of Mary at the loss of her brother Lazarus, he was deeply moved, so much so that he wept with her (John 11:33-38).  This is our calling as His followers (John 12:15).

Does God sometimes allow suffering into the lives of others to grow the bonds within the body of Christ?  Is His concern for the strength of the church greater than His interest in my welfare?  Does He allow trouble to give opportunities for His family to come together?

Walking with God by faith means sharing in the suffering of others.

Lessons.  Until I saw it with my own eyes, I couldn't comprehend its height.  Standing at the top, however, and looking at the vista spread out before me, I gained a new understanding of how tall the Sears Tower was.  Standing at 1451 feet above the ground was similar to what it would look like to make it to the top of Mt Rainier in Washington state.  My respect for great heights grew that day.

God's ways are similarly higher than mine in ways I have a hard time comprehending.  I often think I can see what God is doing, or guess how He will operate, or assume I know in what way He will come through.  The reality is, however, that I have no idea.

I can't truly grasp God's superior sovereignty until I'm taken somewhere that goes far beyond my own ability to understand.  As I submit to His plan for my life, I gain a greater appreciation for His preeminence.  If I choose to fight His mysterious ways, I will go forward in anger and bitterness, questioning why a loving God would allow such suffering.  It all boils down to God having the right to do what He sees fit to do.  

Walking with God by faith means learning hard lessons about the sovereignty and supremacy of God.

It's hard to know why God allows suffering, especially when it seems I've endured enough already.  Living in relationship with Him, though, means I must let Him lead me through the valley of the shadow of death at times, trusting that He is with me.  I can learn to take the bad with the good, to respond in love to the suffering of others, and to realize His preeminence; I just can't expect to fathom His ways.  Then, when I feel like saying, "Really, God?"  I can instead say simply, "God."  I live in His world, so yes, really.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can give up my rights to direct my own life.

When do I assume God will never take me anyplace bad?

Why do I think I should be protected from suffering when the world is filled with it?           

God is Greater

"God said to Moses:

'I am the eternal God.

So tell them that the LORD,

whose name is "I am," has sent you.

This is my name forever,

and it is the name that people must use from now on.'"

Exodus 3:14-15 CEV

Cancer threatens to snuff out her life.

Fear rises like a dark tide, drowning out his faith.

The unknown of tomorrow keeps her awake at night.

Pain wracks her body, overshadowing all other interests.

His broken marriage weighs heavily upon his heart.

There is much in this life that is overwhelming, marking my life with the suffering it brings.  Nothing, however, is so great that God is not greater still!  Therefore, I can keep my attention on the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth who holds all things in the palm of His hand.  Nothing is too hard for Him! (Jeremiah 32:27)

As I face this day, then, I can boldly approach the throne of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, receiving the grace and mercy I need for this day.  (Hebrews 4:16)  It is then that I will be able to calmly receive the grave medical news, choosing to believe that the One who knit my body together is also able to heal and will use this ugly disease for His glory.  (Mark 5:25-29, John 5:1-9)

My faith returns as I turn away from what strikes terror in my heart, instead keeping my eyes on the Lord and His mighty power.  (Psalm 27:1)

Even though I have no idea what will happen tomorrow, I can rest assured that God has gone before me.  Wherever I am headed, He is already there, making the way smooth for me.  (Judges 4:14)

As unbearable as the physical pain can be, I have never known the compassion of my Father until I experienced the comfort only He can bring in my darkest hour.  (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

While it seems my beloved will never change, God is in the business of softening the hardest of hearts.  Therefore, I can walk forward in confidence, trusting that one day my marital relationship will be healed.  (Ezekiel 36:26)

Whatever I am facing this day, I can be assured that God is greater still.  When I choose to focus my attention on His amazing character, matchless power, and his unfailing love, my troubles will become less while my God will grow in importance.  Then I will be able to face whatever challenge today brings.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can begin to comprehend God's greatness.

When do I let the troubles of this day overpower the greatness of God?

How am I guilty of creating a wimpy God who is unable to help me in my time of need?

In the Midst of Trouble

"Now, do not be upset 

and do not be angry with yourselves 

because you sold me here,

for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life!

For these past two years 

there has been famine in the land

and for five more years there will be neither plowing

nor harvesting.

God sent me ahead of you to preserve you on earth

and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

So now,

it is not you who sent me here,

but God.

He has made me an adviser to Pharaoh,

lord over all his household,

and ruler over all the land of Egypt."

Genesis 45:5-8

It was just plain wrong!  Here she was, a woman enduring every mother's nightmare, yet instead of being treated with sensitivity by the media, her story was used to bring in higher ratings for the station's news program.  While the investigative authorities had the opportunity to bring justice for her daughter's sake, they instead used her as a means for their own political ends.  Even though she had many friends, colleagues, acquaintances and well-wishers, many condemned her demeanor throughout the crises, treated her like a celebrity or only cared about what details of the case they could glean from their conversations.  This woman had every reason to be angry.

Even though I will probably never face such injustice, there are times when others use or abuse me or I face what I think are unreasonably hard times.  When I'm mistreated, I have two choices.  Either I can grow angry, letting bitterness fester and the desire for revenge control me, or I can look for God's sovereign plan in the midst of the trouble.  

Forethought

It is always said that hindsight is 20/20.  Looking back on the past, it is easy to see signs of what was to come that I missed at the time.  Peering into the future, however, there is no way for me to know how all the pieces of my life are going to come together. 

This is precisely the reason we need God.  He has a plan that takes into account what is to come.  The Lord places each person where they need to be and only He knows the perfect timing for the forward progress of His plan.  Nothing can advance until everyone is position.

Since God is the One who possesses the vision, only He knows why there is a delay.  While I may perceive a time of little or no movement as a holdup, frustration or even a setback, God knows it is a necessary time of shifting all the pieces into place.  In the same way that I need all the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to come together before the picture can be completed, the Sovereign Lord is putting all the necessary players into place in order to finish His masterpiece.

When I'm stuck in traffic and my blood pressure is rising, I'm usually only focused on the time I'm wasting or the appointment I'm missing.  God, however, sees the future and is protecting me from an accident that is about to happen.

It is easy for me to feel abandoned when I'm waiting for God to deliver me from my present crisis.  The truth I can't perceive is that God is building my faith until I'm strong enough to handle the resolution He has planned for my predicament.

There are even times when I want to enthusiastically rush forward, believing I am ready to take on the world.  God, however, knows the training I need to undergo before I'll be prepared for such a heavy mission.

When it seems life is not fair, I must remember the forethought of God and let Him move in His own time.

Preservation

People all around them were starving to death.  The man considered his options, consulting the Lord for guidance, and settled on the plan to send his sons down to Egypt to purchase some grain.  While it may have seemed risky, it was part of God's sovereign plan to deliver His chosen people from a slow and steady demise.  

When Jacob saw how desperate was his family's situation, he would have done anything to save them.  Little did he know, however, that God already had a plan to preserve those who called Him Lord.  While many suffered around him, calling on their gods and making sacrifices to their idols as they sought mercy, God had a stake in those who claimed His name as their own.

In the same way, I belong to the Lord as His very own.  I am His adopted daughter through faith in Jesus Christ and thus am infinitely precious to Him. (1 John 3:1, Matthew 6:26)   Therefore, He will go to great lengths to preserve my life and the lives of those who are called by His name.

So, when I'm tired of the struggle against the disease that ravages my body, I can remember how God is using me to deliver the good news of Jesus Christ to all with whom I come in contact.  Or, when I feel like God is against me as He sends trial after trial, I can take heart as I keep in mind how the hard times are keeping me on my knees and in His arms.  I can even draw strength from the fact that God is shielding me from harm that is found in the world by occupying my time with caring for others at home.

When it seems life is not fair, I must remember how God uses circumstances to preserve the lives of His holy people.

Sovereignty

The young woman found blessing and treasure in her enemy's demise.  While Esther would have never killed the evil Haman herself, his death meant great fortune for her.  It also meant deliverance for her people. (Esther 8:7-8)  God is so much in control that He can even use evil to bring about good.  

It is hard to stomach all the news that comes at me in this modern age: There are killings, kidnappings, violent protests and terrorist attacks to name a few atrocities.  If I can keep in mind the sovereignty of God that allows Him to use the bad to His own advantage, however, it may be a bit easier to stomach the reality of living in this fallen world.

The next time I hear some bad news, then, I can look for the good that is hidden within.  As His child, it is vital that I become an expert at recognizing His hand in the midst of evil.  While it is true that I live in Satan's domain, I must always remember that God's plan is not thwarted by the wicked, nor is it overcome by evil.  Instead, Jesus has conquered the world (John 16:33) and nothing is outside of His sphere of influence.

When it seems life is not fair, I must remember the sovereignty of God, trusting that He can even use the evil to bring about good.

When life deals me an unreasonably difficult blow, I can either simmer in my resentment, or I can look for the hand of God in the middle of the crisis.  When I choose the latter, I may see a bit of the forethought of God, how He works to preserve His people, and the miraculous way that He uses even the enemy of our souls to bring about good.  It is then that I will find peace in the midst of the trouble.   

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes of Jesus and all the good that is coming out of the trouble.

When do I lose sight of what God is doing?

How am I paying more attention to the trouble than in looking for God's plan?