"Against hope, with hope he believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be" (Rom. 4:18, HCSB).
This is one of my favorite verses in Scripture. I love the language "against hope, with hope he believed." The "he" in this verse is Abraham. Paul is trying to explain Abraham's faith. How is a hundred year old man supposed to believe that he could have a child with his ninety year old wife?
Some would deny Abraham's story. They call it a legend. Yet, I find no reason to believe that they are correct. The birth of Isaac to the aged Abraham and Sarah isn't hard to believe. It is no more difficult to believe than the presidency of Washington. I trust the witnesses.
Abraham looked at his life (and his wife) realistically. Even in his pre-scientific era, they understood enough about biology to know the promise could never be fulfilled "naturally." Sarah was past the age of childbearing. But with eyes of faith, Abraham understood that the One who had fashioned Sarah's womb could fashion a child in it.
There were a thousand reasons he shouldn't have believed the promise. It was against hope. The evidence was certain-people their age didn't have babies. But there was one reason that drove Abraham to believe. The promise was spoken by Almighty God.
God could not tell a lie. Abraham didn't need to know all the details. He just needed to know the character of the Promise-Giver. He knew that God was holy and true. So he pushed on through the doubt, and "with hope he believed."
Life hasn't changed all that much. There are still thousands of reasons to doubt. We don't believe the promise because every aspect of it has been explained. We don't believe the promise because we can understand it fully. We believe the promise because it was spoken by Almighty God. He cannot lie. We rest in his unchanging holiness, and we praise him.
You might be struggling with doubts right now. You know the Lord has promised to love and forgive you. You know he said he would never leave you. But you aren't sure. Everything in you life seems to be suggesting that there is no hope for you. Take a cue from Abraham, and against hope, with hope believe. Jesus won't let you down.
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
A Message of Hope for the Grieving
"But we do not want you to be uniformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as other do who have no hope" (1 Thes. 4:13).
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul offers a message of hope for the grieving. Paul explains that the source of hope and comfort for the believer is the death and resurrection in Christ. He tells believers don't grieve like the hopeless. Those who do not know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, have no hope of eternal life. That is not to say that non-Christians don't have some kind of belief in the afterlife where they'll be rewarded. It means that their notions of the afterlife are misguided and unfounded. Apart from Jesus, they will die and face the wrath of God.
When facing death we must remember: Jesus didn't just die, but he was also raised to life again. Jesus, who died for our sins and rose from the grave, will bring us up from the dead when he returns. The resurrection of Jesus was testified to by eye witnesses, most of whom died for their testimony. The resurrection of Christ is a sure comfort.
Jesus promised to return again (see Mark 13:26-27). Paul states, "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God" (1 Thes. 4:16a). Those who are dead, in Christ, will be raised to life, and those believers who are still alive will be caught up to be with Christ and his people. The pattern described by Paul is similar to wedding rituals in the 1st Century (see Matt. 25:1-13). Also, there were occasions when conquers would send dignitaries ahead so the people would come out and great them. Paul is describing an event where Christ calls for his people and they rush to meet him in the air.
We are called to encourage each other with the message of Christ's death and resurrection. Yes, we should grieve with the grieving, but we must also encourage them to combat despair, depression, and doubt.
Principles from the passage:
1. Doctrine (Theology) matters.
2. Doctrine in practical.
3. The better we understand the Bible, the better we will be able to endure.
4. We should not grieve like the hopeless, but doesn't mean we don't grieve.
5. The resurrection of Christ guarantees that we will be raised to life.
6. Someday we will be reunited with Christ and other believers for ever.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul offers a message of hope for the grieving. Paul explains that the source of hope and comfort for the believer is the death and resurrection in Christ. He tells believers don't grieve like the hopeless. Those who do not know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, have no hope of eternal life. That is not to say that non-Christians don't have some kind of belief in the afterlife where they'll be rewarded. It means that their notions of the afterlife are misguided and unfounded. Apart from Jesus, they will die and face the wrath of God.
When facing death we must remember: Jesus didn't just die, but he was also raised to life again. Jesus, who died for our sins and rose from the grave, will bring us up from the dead when he returns. The resurrection of Jesus was testified to by eye witnesses, most of whom died for their testimony. The resurrection of Christ is a sure comfort.
Jesus promised to return again (see Mark 13:26-27). Paul states, "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God" (1 Thes. 4:16a). Those who are dead, in Christ, will be raised to life, and those believers who are still alive will be caught up to be with Christ and his people. The pattern described by Paul is similar to wedding rituals in the 1st Century (see Matt. 25:1-13). Also, there were occasions when conquers would send dignitaries ahead so the people would come out and great them. Paul is describing an event where Christ calls for his people and they rush to meet him in the air.
We are called to encourage each other with the message of Christ's death and resurrection. Yes, we should grieve with the grieving, but we must also encourage them to combat despair, depression, and doubt.
Principles from the passage:
1. Doctrine (Theology) matters.
2. Doctrine in practical.
3. The better we understand the Bible, the better we will be able to endure.
4. We should not grieve like the hopeless, but doesn't mean we don't grieve.
5. The resurrection of Christ guarantees that we will be raised to life.
6. Someday we will be reunited with Christ and other believers for ever.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Thirsty for God
"As the deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me continually, 'Where is your God?'" (Ps. 42:1-3).
This is a psalm of the sons of Korah. It expresses a deep longing rooted in a overwhelming sense of abandonment. The author(s) cry out, "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of my enemies?" (Ps. 42:9-10). The psalmist has become an object of ridicule, because his enemies no longer God at work in his life.
In the midst of his struggle to understand what is happening to him, the author expresses his unrelenting trust in the Lord. He reasons, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God" (Ps. 42:5). Again he reminds himself, "By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his songs are with me, a prayer to the God of my life" (Ps. 42:8).
Both his external battles and his internal battles create a yearning with him. This son of Korah wants the joy of his salvation back. He wants to worship with fullness of heart and soul. He wants the freedom to rejoice once more in the steadfast love of his God, the Rock of his salvation. He describes this yearning as a thirst.
He pictures a deer stomping through the wilderness in search of a fresh flowing stream. I imagine a deer with it's tongue sticking out, sucking in air, in the hopes that it will quench it's growing thirst. But the heat of the day or sound of hunters drawing closer, have the deer in a panic. Thirsty and weary, the deer is frantically searching for a drink--something that will slake his thirst and renew his energies. The psalmist is that pursued deer, that deer who desperately needs to drink deeply from the stream of God's mercy.
His spiritual walk has dried up. At one time, he was a leader--showing others the way of worship. Now, he feels as if the chastising hand of God has come upon him. He is wrestling with his feelings, which suggest God has left him to the wolves, and the reality he knows, God's love is steadfast. He wants to go back to feel that zeal and joy again, and to savor the sweetness of the praises of God. Others have told him that he has been abandoned by God, and he can't help but wonder. And yet, he finds himself persuaded that God is for him, and will eventually come to his rescue.
Maybe you're in the same place. Your relationship with God isn't what it was, and you want to go back. Maybe it has been a long time since you praised the Lord for his steadfast love. Maybe you are being oppressed by the lie that God has abandoned you. Maybe your soul thirsts for the living God. Maybe you want your life to overflow with the joy of his presence.
I can't speak for you, but I know I feel like that deer. There is a part of me that fears I may die, if I can't be close to God. With the psalmist, I cry out, "When will I come and appear before God?". How long, Father, must I endure this deadness in my heart? How long will they be able to say to me: "Where is your God?" You are the God who is there, my Rock and my Fortress. In you, I place my trust.
A thirst for God is not a fearful thing, as one might first suppose. It is a joyful thing. For it is God who, as someone once put it, "salts the oats," and creates the thirst for himself within us. Being thirsty for God is an indication that God has shown us favor. As Jesus put it, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matt. 5:6).
What about you, are you thirsty for God? Are you panting after him yet? Keep pursuing him, until you find yourself drinking deeply from the stream steadfast love.
This is a psalm of the sons of Korah. It expresses a deep longing rooted in a overwhelming sense of abandonment. The author(s) cry out, "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of my enemies?" (Ps. 42:9-10). The psalmist has become an object of ridicule, because his enemies no longer God at work in his life.
In the midst of his struggle to understand what is happening to him, the author expresses his unrelenting trust in the Lord. He reasons, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God" (Ps. 42:5). Again he reminds himself, "By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his songs are with me, a prayer to the God of my life" (Ps. 42:8).
Both his external battles and his internal battles create a yearning with him. This son of Korah wants the joy of his salvation back. He wants to worship with fullness of heart and soul. He wants the freedom to rejoice once more in the steadfast love of his God, the Rock of his salvation. He describes this yearning as a thirst.
He pictures a deer stomping through the wilderness in search of a fresh flowing stream. I imagine a deer with it's tongue sticking out, sucking in air, in the hopes that it will quench it's growing thirst. But the heat of the day or sound of hunters drawing closer, have the deer in a panic. Thirsty and weary, the deer is frantically searching for a drink--something that will slake his thirst and renew his energies. The psalmist is that pursued deer, that deer who desperately needs to drink deeply from the stream of God's mercy.
His spiritual walk has dried up. At one time, he was a leader--showing others the way of worship. Now, he feels as if the chastising hand of God has come upon him. He is wrestling with his feelings, which suggest God has left him to the wolves, and the reality he knows, God's love is steadfast. He wants to go back to feel that zeal and joy again, and to savor the sweetness of the praises of God. Others have told him that he has been abandoned by God, and he can't help but wonder. And yet, he finds himself persuaded that God is for him, and will eventually come to his rescue.
Maybe you're in the same place. Your relationship with God isn't what it was, and you want to go back. Maybe it has been a long time since you praised the Lord for his steadfast love. Maybe you are being oppressed by the lie that God has abandoned you. Maybe your soul thirsts for the living God. Maybe you want your life to overflow with the joy of his presence.
I can't speak for you, but I know I feel like that deer. There is a part of me that fears I may die, if I can't be close to God. With the psalmist, I cry out, "When will I come and appear before God?". How long, Father, must I endure this deadness in my heart? How long will they be able to say to me: "Where is your God?" You are the God who is there, my Rock and my Fortress. In you, I place my trust.
A thirst for God is not a fearful thing, as one might first suppose. It is a joyful thing. For it is God who, as someone once put it, "salts the oats," and creates the thirst for himself within us. Being thirsty for God is an indication that God has shown us favor. As Jesus put it, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matt. 5:6).
What about you, are you thirsty for God? Are you panting after him yet? Keep pursuing him, until you find yourself drinking deeply from the stream steadfast love.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
It Is Well with My Soul
I have loved the song, "It is Well with My Soul" (or "Peace Like a River"), for a long time. The author, Horatio Spafford, supposedly wrote this song after losing his four daughters. As a work born out of great tragedy, this hymn displays the texture of Christian hope. It demonstrates that hope does not rest in pleasant circumstances, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The believer finds his strength by focusing on Christ, and not his circumstances. I am greatly comforted by the truth this hymn reflects. Here are the words:
My favorite line is, "My sin- oh, the bliss of this glorious thought: my sin not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul." The cross is an undeniable display of the love of God for us (see Rom. 5:6-8). I don't know what all circumstances you all face, but most likely, many of you are enduring great difficulty. I pray that you have anchored your hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, and found it is well with your soul.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul. (chorus)
Though Satan should buffet, thou trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed his own blood for my soul. (chorus)
CHORUS
It is well (It is well) with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul
My sin--oh, the bliss of the glorious thought:
My sin not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul (chorus).
And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be roll'd back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
"Even so," it is well with my soul (chorus)
My favorite line is, "My sin- oh, the bliss of this glorious thought: my sin not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul." The cross is an undeniable display of the love of God for us (see Rom. 5:6-8). I don't know what all circumstances you all face, but most likely, many of you are enduring great difficulty. I pray that you have anchored your hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, and found it is well with your soul.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
His Word My Hope Secures
Like most people, I love the song Amazing Grace. My favorite verse is the original fourth verse, which often goes unsung. It says, "The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures." These words remind me that my hope rests in the One who revealed himself through the Scriptures. His Word secures my hopes, because it as unbreakable as his own character. The Bible is trustworthy and true, because it was breathed out by God.
I am reminded of Agur's words in Proverbs 30:5-6, "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar." God is true, so his Word must also be true. Our assurance rests in the character and nature of God, and it will not prove false. It is comforting to know that he is my shield and portion "as long as life endures." We know that in Jesus life is eternal.
I am reminded of Agur's words in Proverbs 30:5-6, "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar." God is true, so his Word must also be true. Our assurance rests in the character and nature of God, and it will not prove false. It is comforting to know that he is my shield and portion "as long as life endures." We know that in Jesus life is eternal.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Reminders of the Fall
I was looking out the window this morning and noticed a new dent on my truck. Apparently, a limb or something landed a rather hard blow to the roof. I am a bit ashamed to admit it, but it grieved me a little to see the dent. Not that there aren't other dents on the truck. There was one on it when I bought it--the only flaw in an otherwise flawless vehicle. Since I bought it, someone has dented the front passenger's side fender, I dented the front driver's side fender by running over a post in the front yard, and during the ice storm a limb ripped off the driver's side mirror. Then on top of all of those things, there have been mechanical problems and rusting.
Looking at my truck this morning in its diminishing glory made me long for better days. I wanted to turn back the clock or at least halt the steady crawl into ruin. As I stood there looking out the window mourning a dent in my truck, a thought occurred to me: it's a machine. It doesn't know me, it doesn't love me, it couldn't care less if I praise it or curse it. It is a lifeless object designed to serve one purpose: transportation. It is only a thing, and yet, I care about it.
A Scripture came to mind as I stared out the window, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal" (Matt. 6:19). As I thought about this passage, I couldn't help but be reminded of two facts. First, this world is in a fallen condition. Adam's sin has subjected this world to bondage. Second, this world and its conditional are passing away. Somehow I doubt I'll be driving a glorified version of my truck in the new earth.
The slow (and emotionally painful) decay of my truck is only a symptom of a greater tragedy. Paul stated, "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Rom. 8:22-23). There is within all of us the knowledge that the way things are isn't the way they are supposed to be.
But thank God, better things are coming. Sin, hell, and death have been defeated. One day, by faith, we shall see the new heavens and the new earth. All of the decay that reflects the fallenness of creation will be gone. As Jesus said, "Behold, I make all things new" (Rev. 21:5). As I think about the significance of the death and resurrection of Christ, a new dent in my truck seems like a trivial distraction. But, it does remind me that my soul, which was marred by sin and corruption, was redeemed. By the grace of God, I was not consigned to the junk heep. God the Father sent his Son into the world to redeem a people for his glory. Jesus, the Son, in his infinite mercy purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree. The Holy Spirit in his gracious kindness enabled me to trust in Jesus' work on the cross.
Unlike my truck, I'm being renewed day by day. Unlike my truck, I care what the One who owns me thinks about me. I desire his praise; I fear his curse. I stand amazed at the fact that Jesus bore the curse for me. Paul informs us, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree'" (Gal. 3:13). The cross changes everything. When one truly understands the cross it causes a radical shifting of priorities. This world and its trinkets no longer have a hold on us. Let us turn our attention to the cross and find in Christ the hope of renewal.
Looking at my truck this morning in its diminishing glory made me long for better days. I wanted to turn back the clock or at least halt the steady crawl into ruin. As I stood there looking out the window mourning a dent in my truck, a thought occurred to me: it's a machine. It doesn't know me, it doesn't love me, it couldn't care less if I praise it or curse it. It is a lifeless object designed to serve one purpose: transportation. It is only a thing, and yet, I care about it.
A Scripture came to mind as I stared out the window, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal" (Matt. 6:19). As I thought about this passage, I couldn't help but be reminded of two facts. First, this world is in a fallen condition. Adam's sin has subjected this world to bondage. Second, this world and its conditional are passing away. Somehow I doubt I'll be driving a glorified version of my truck in the new earth.
The slow (and emotionally painful) decay of my truck is only a symptom of a greater tragedy. Paul stated, "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Rom. 8:22-23). There is within all of us the knowledge that the way things are isn't the way they are supposed to be.
But thank God, better things are coming. Sin, hell, and death have been defeated. One day, by faith, we shall see the new heavens and the new earth. All of the decay that reflects the fallenness of creation will be gone. As Jesus said, "Behold, I make all things new" (Rev. 21:5). As I think about the significance of the death and resurrection of Christ, a new dent in my truck seems like a trivial distraction. But, it does remind me that my soul, which was marred by sin and corruption, was redeemed. By the grace of God, I was not consigned to the junk heep. God the Father sent his Son into the world to redeem a people for his glory. Jesus, the Son, in his infinite mercy purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree. The Holy Spirit in his gracious kindness enabled me to trust in Jesus' work on the cross.
Unlike my truck, I'm being renewed day by day. Unlike my truck, I care what the One who owns me thinks about me. I desire his praise; I fear his curse. I stand amazed at the fact that Jesus bore the curse for me. Paul informs us, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree'" (Gal. 3:13). The cross changes everything. When one truly understands the cross it causes a radical shifting of priorities. This world and its trinkets no longer have a hold on us. Let us turn our attention to the cross and find in Christ the hope of renewal.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Overcoming the Fear of Hope
"Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will never believe" (John 20:25).
We often label Thomas "the Doubter," but I have often wondered if that was a fair nickname. Surely this one event in his life should not be the defining one. Why don't we call him "Worshiping Thomas" since he also said to Jesus, "My Lord and My God!" If we were fair we would acknowledge that Thomas' response was the natural one. He watched them take his Master away, crucify him, and place him in the grave. Men just don't come back from that kind of thing.
Even as his friends tried to encourage him with the news of Jesus' resurrection, Thomas wouldn't believe. Many would say that Thomas' response was that of a realist. He just took the facts, crunched the numbers, and drew the only logical conclusion. However, when we are tempted to be "realists" we better make sure we are dealing with reality. Resurrection, while difficult for Thomas to accept, was a reality. Thomas knew that Jesus had raised people from the dead. He had witnessed it, but when he was told that Jesus had been raised he doubted. He wasn't crunching all the numbers; he had not collected all the facts.
The Scriptures don't say why Thomas didn't believe Jesus had risen. I choose to believe that it was because of his grief. Often grief is accompanied by bitter despair. Grief can make one cynical, even skeptical. I believe that Thomas' response is the response of the discouraged, the broken-hearted, the bereft. His response demonstrates his fear of hope. If he should let hope ascend in his heart and believe that Jesus was alive, and it be proven untrue, then he would be crushed beyond repair. Yet, without hope, he was already crushed. He took what he thought was the safe road.
But there is no safety in a hopeless road. The trials we face in this life are meant to stir hope in our heart. When I stated that I thought Thomas' response was the natural one, I did not mean that it was a good one. We have a God who can do the impossible. He is a God who can do beyond what we can even imagine. And while many of us are just as afraid to hope as Thomas was, most of us are not as honest about it. Scripture teaches us that God is faithful to his promises. God's faithfulness never changes, it never lags, and it never expires. When we truly rest in this knowledge we find hope kindled. Circumstances which are often beyond our control are never beyond His. Things that occur in our lives that the enemy meant for evil, God means for our good.
The burdens you are enduring right now may have you saying, "Unless I see God do a good thing (like removing this trial) I will never believe." However, we must remember when Scriptures tell us that God is always faithful it does not mean he is faithful to our agenda. God is faithful to his plans and purposes. His plans for us include our salvation, our sanctification, our perseverance, our obedience, and our glorification. His plans are for us to be conformed into the image of His Son. He will faithfully, and without fail, bring his plans to completion. If we are to imitate Thomas, let it be his worshipful attitude, not his skepticism. As God speaks to us through His Word, revealing his nature and character, let us fall down and proclaim, "My Lord and My God." I pray we become those who say, "Until I see . . .I will believe," instead of those who say, "Unless I see . . . I will not believe." For we are waiting for the day when we will see Christ face to face, and until that that day we must press forward in faith.
We often label Thomas "the Doubter," but I have often wondered if that was a fair nickname. Surely this one event in his life should not be the defining one. Why don't we call him "Worshiping Thomas" since he also said to Jesus, "My Lord and My God!" If we were fair we would acknowledge that Thomas' response was the natural one. He watched them take his Master away, crucify him, and place him in the grave. Men just don't come back from that kind of thing.
Even as his friends tried to encourage him with the news of Jesus' resurrection, Thomas wouldn't believe. Many would say that Thomas' response was that of a realist. He just took the facts, crunched the numbers, and drew the only logical conclusion. However, when we are tempted to be "realists" we better make sure we are dealing with reality. Resurrection, while difficult for Thomas to accept, was a reality. Thomas knew that Jesus had raised people from the dead. He had witnessed it, but when he was told that Jesus had been raised he doubted. He wasn't crunching all the numbers; he had not collected all the facts.
The Scriptures don't say why Thomas didn't believe Jesus had risen. I choose to believe that it was because of his grief. Often grief is accompanied by bitter despair. Grief can make one cynical, even skeptical. I believe that Thomas' response is the response of the discouraged, the broken-hearted, the bereft. His response demonstrates his fear of hope. If he should let hope ascend in his heart and believe that Jesus was alive, and it be proven untrue, then he would be crushed beyond repair. Yet, without hope, he was already crushed. He took what he thought was the safe road.
But there is no safety in a hopeless road. The trials we face in this life are meant to stir hope in our heart. When I stated that I thought Thomas' response was the natural one, I did not mean that it was a good one. We have a God who can do the impossible. He is a God who can do beyond what we can even imagine. And while many of us are just as afraid to hope as Thomas was, most of us are not as honest about it. Scripture teaches us that God is faithful to his promises. God's faithfulness never changes, it never lags, and it never expires. When we truly rest in this knowledge we find hope kindled. Circumstances which are often beyond our control are never beyond His. Things that occur in our lives that the enemy meant for evil, God means for our good.
The burdens you are enduring right now may have you saying, "Unless I see God do a good thing (like removing this trial) I will never believe." However, we must remember when Scriptures tell us that God is always faithful it does not mean he is faithful to our agenda. God is faithful to his plans and purposes. His plans for us include our salvation, our sanctification, our perseverance, our obedience, and our glorification. His plans are for us to be conformed into the image of His Son. He will faithfully, and without fail, bring his plans to completion. If we are to imitate Thomas, let it be his worshipful attitude, not his skepticism. As God speaks to us through His Word, revealing his nature and character, let us fall down and proclaim, "My Lord and My God." I pray we become those who say, "Until I see . . .I will believe," instead of those who say, "Unless I see . . . I will not believe." For we are waiting for the day when we will see Christ face to face, and until that that day we must press forward in faith.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Certainty for Uncertain Times
Security is a difficult thing to find in this world. This current crisis on Wall Street is only a reminder that we live with constant uncertainty. I have a few suggestions to help get through uncertain times. First, trust the Lord. One of my all time favorite sayings is, "When you can't see God's hand trust his heart." We are only secure in the Lord. Second, remember we are only a vapor. What I mean is that our time is short. This reality means we have to make the most of every moment. We have to get our priorities right. Do you think when all of life is over we'll really care how much money we had left in the bank? Will we care if we were head honcho or how many promotions we had?
I think it was Cat Stevens who sang "The Cat's in the Cradle." It is a sad song about a man who sacrificed his son's childhood for advancement in the world only to find out that he would never have a relationship with his son. Opportunity had come and gone never to come again. Priorities should be given careful consideration. Long term rewards should be perferred and pursued over quick fixed and easy gain.
Next, avoid debt. If you have debt do whatever you can to get out of it. Iknow it is not easy to do, but careful planning and discipline can help. I am personally trying to live this advice right now as I work to eliminate debt. I am still working at developing planning skills and discipline. Plan for the future with a faith-filled hopefulness that God is in control. Give faithfully and systematically to the Lord through your local church.
Finally, remember that we are aliens in this world. As believers in Jesus Christ we are awaiting a better world. Christ will come and take us to be with him. Then all that will matter is what we have done in humble obedience to our Lord. When it seems the world around us is falling apart, remember our King is still on his throne.
I think it was Cat Stevens who sang "The Cat's in the Cradle." It is a sad song about a man who sacrificed his son's childhood for advancement in the world only to find out that he would never have a relationship with his son. Opportunity had come and gone never to come again. Priorities should be given careful consideration. Long term rewards should be perferred and pursued over quick fixed and easy gain.
Next, avoid debt. If you have debt do whatever you can to get out of it. Iknow it is not easy to do, but careful planning and discipline can help. I am personally trying to live this advice right now as I work to eliminate debt. I am still working at developing planning skills and discipline. Plan for the future with a faith-filled hopefulness that God is in control. Give faithfully and systematically to the Lord through your local church.
Finally, remember that we are aliens in this world. As believers in Jesus Christ we are awaiting a better world. Christ will come and take us to be with him. Then all that will matter is what we have done in humble obedience to our Lord. When it seems the world around us is falling apart, remember our King is still on his throne.
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