"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will [trust] in the name of the Lord our God." - Psalm 20:7
I was just talking to a friend of mine. It seems their "foolproof plan" had a few flaws. Now they are afraid that they are going to be in a tight spot - something they had not counted on. I encouraged them to look up. Nothing is going to happen that will proof harmful to their health or reputation. Their pride or self confidence might be bruised, perhaps. But for some that is enough to cause desperation and a feeling of hopelessness. Fortunately - not so for my friend.
They understands that the circumstances as they are, might well prove to bring personal hardship. They understands that and would like to avoid it. It may be unavoidable. The results of life's choices are the natural course of the circumstances we finds ourselves in. Unless of course, God intervenes.
"A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:
As Christians, we must remember that God orders our steps - that He sees beginning to end - that He is present no matter how angry the storm of life might be. And even if the Lord does not intervene - He is remains sovereign - our good being His perfect will. The problem is that often what He knows to be our good and what we hope to be our good may not be in sync. That is when we can become fearful - anxious.
Some people say they are afraid of snakes - all snakes. The fact is that not all snakes are dangerous. Of the 3,500 snake species, there are about 600 venomous snake species in the world. So that means that 1 out of 6 snakes are poisonous. I know, some of you say "that is enough". My point is that you should respect snakes - particularly poisonous ones, but not fear them. Maybe bulls with horns might have been a better example. Or maybe the sea. You need not fear the sea, but you must respect it. Remember this story?
"Now when He [Jesus] got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!' But He said to them, 'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, 'Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'” - Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus asked them why they were fearful when Jesus was in the boat with them. Guess what? He is in the boat with you too! I am not going to tell you that bad things are not going to happen in your life - you already know that is not true. We all face trials in life - or put another way - opportunities to trust God in the middle of a storm. Sometimes, like the disciples, I take my eyes off of Jesus and focus squarely on the problem facing me. Like my friend. Like the disciples. Like just about everybody I know. When we are depending upon ourselves - trusting in me and not He. That never goes well. Sometimes the outcome is bad - sometimes not. But bad or good - God is still trustworthy.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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