This last week in So. California we’ve had our share of storms. Being a predominantly desert region this is not a common occurrence, yet it’s good for all of us to remember how nature—and, of course, God—really does control creation. With storms being on my mind all week it was, once again, somewhat ironic that my wife blessed me with yet another tidbit of wisdom the other night for which I can write about. Thank you, honey.
We were on the subject of anxieties and she stated quite profoundly, “Sometimes God calms the storm, and sometimes He simply calms the person.” Well, boy, did I latch on to that pearl of insight right away. And it is so true.
I quickly visited my favorite online Bible search engine and did lookups on the word “storm”. I found numerous examples which affirmed this truth that God does, indeed, approach our troubles in different ways…depending, of course, on how He knows it will benefit us most.
One of the most well known accounts is found in the first three Gospels where Jesus and His disciples were crossing a lake one evening when a violent storm arrived. Jesus was calmly sleeping while the disciples freaked out…pretty much the way a lot of us do every day at signs of trouble. Jesus tisk-tisked them saying, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Jesus then rebuked the storm and the waves immediately died down and all was well.
On the other hand…you also find accounts where God allowed the storm to prevail so as to build up the faith and character of the person enduring it. There is no better example than what Job went through. God was proud of His faithful follower and gave the devil a lot of latitude to try and break him down. Although Job questioned why his life was being turned upside down with trial after trial, he ultimately still praised God for the life he was given and ended up being blessed with greater rewards. The real triumph, however, was that his faith was even stronger and he has become a timeless witness for every one of us that God should be praised under all circumstances.
Storms can be scary; life can be scary. We can all be assured, though, that God will calm the situation…or us…or both. It may not always feel like God is in control, but He is. He allows things to happen that we’ll never quite comprehend but with faith…we can lift our praises high to the One that holds all things in His hands.
Greg Morton
© January 22, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
What’s the “Goliath” in your life?
Most people—even non-Christians—are familiar with the Biblical account of David and Goliath. The seeming underdog standing up to, and defeating, a force appearing more powerful.
There are many things that crop up in life which seem overwhelming and just plain too difficult to conquer. This would be your “Goliath”. As we observe David’s response to the situation, we can learn much on how to address our own circumstances.
Reading through the account in 1 Samuel, the first thing I noticed was how eager David was to confront this formidable opponent when all the other soldiers were too afraid. A righteous anger built up inside him that anyone would disgrace one of the armies of the Living God. When he tells Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him”, he states it with a noticeable enthusiasm. This is how I hope to feel when I see God being disrespected or scoffed at.
Your Goliath—or mine—can come in many forms and flavors. It may be a relationship, addiction or a looming situation but, in any case, appears to be a giant in front of us. We can hold on to the truth that God has put trials in our lives for a purpose…perhaps to prepare us for this very moment. All that pain and anguish you previously endured may very well be the very thing that strengthens you to defeat what is in front of you now.
When David spoke to Saul about confronting Goliath, he told of his encounters with lions and bears and killing them without hesitation or fear; knowing God was with him. Perhaps it’s a bit of conjecture on my part, but I imagine there were times when David questioned some of those circumstances. He seemed the type to talk and pray daily with God and I’m pretty sure the safety of his flock were part of those prayers. What might have been his reaction when he first encountered a wild beast attacking his sheep? There could very well have been brief moments where David asked, “God, haven’t I been praying for protection every day? Why is this happening?”
In hindsight, it’s easy for us to see that those encounters were preparing him for future trials in life…including that pivotal moment where he slew Goliath. Had he not built up his trust and faith that God always has a plan and a purpose with those earlier trials, he would not have become the man God could use for further greatness.
We can turn hindsight into future hope if we continue to pray without ceasing; ask God for guidance, wisdom and understanding; confront those giants in life with a renewed confidence that God is a faithful God and is sovereign over all creation.
I know it’s tough to feel like your current struggles may be part of a bigger plan; and I’m just as guilty in feeling like a “victim” during those times. I do know, however, that the God I serve is a personal and just God and I can rely on His strength every day of my life.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© January 5, 2010
There are many things that crop up in life which seem overwhelming and just plain too difficult to conquer. This would be your “Goliath”. As we observe David’s response to the situation, we can learn much on how to address our own circumstances.
Reading through the account in 1 Samuel, the first thing I noticed was how eager David was to confront this formidable opponent when all the other soldiers were too afraid. A righteous anger built up inside him that anyone would disgrace one of the armies of the Living God. When he tells Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him”, he states it with a noticeable enthusiasm. This is how I hope to feel when I see God being disrespected or scoffed at.
Your Goliath—or mine—can come in many forms and flavors. It may be a relationship, addiction or a looming situation but, in any case, appears to be a giant in front of us. We can hold on to the truth that God has put trials in our lives for a purpose…perhaps to prepare us for this very moment. All that pain and anguish you previously endured may very well be the very thing that strengthens you to defeat what is in front of you now.
When David spoke to Saul about confronting Goliath, he told of his encounters with lions and bears and killing them without hesitation or fear; knowing God was with him. Perhaps it’s a bit of conjecture on my part, but I imagine there were times when David questioned some of those circumstances. He seemed the type to talk and pray daily with God and I’m pretty sure the safety of his flock were part of those prayers. What might have been his reaction when he first encountered a wild beast attacking his sheep? There could very well have been brief moments where David asked, “God, haven’t I been praying for protection every day? Why is this happening?”
In hindsight, it’s easy for us to see that those encounters were preparing him for future trials in life…including that pivotal moment where he slew Goliath. Had he not built up his trust and faith that God always has a plan and a purpose with those earlier trials, he would not have become the man God could use for further greatness.
We can turn hindsight into future hope if we continue to pray without ceasing; ask God for guidance, wisdom and understanding; confront those giants in life with a renewed confidence that God is a faithful God and is sovereign over all creation.
I know it’s tough to feel like your current struggles may be part of a bigger plan; and I’m just as guilty in feeling like a “victim” during those times. I do know, however, that the God I serve is a personal and just God and I can rely on His strength every day of my life.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© January 5, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)