God Knows What He's Doing

 

It’s amazing the things we ask for sometimes, isn’t it? I know we often look at others and say, “That’s ridiculous! You need to be more realistic!” But what if God gave each of us exactly what we ask for? A traveling couple shared this story about a certain journey. “During a trip from California to Indiana, it didn’t help that our connecting flight from Denver was delayed twice because of mechanical problems. Then, after we were aloft, we noticed the lights began an annoying flickering. Mentioning it to a flight attendant we were assured, ‘I’ll take care of it.’ Moments later the lights simply went out. Clearly the problem had been solved. A passenger across the aisle leaned over and said, ‘Whatever you do, don’t say anything about the engines’.” So, what if God granted us everything we asked for – would we be happy with the results? I can pretty much guarantee we would be surprised at the results, because often we really don’t think through what we are asking of God. I recall a fictitious story from my youth about a young man who was killed in an accident in which he was caught in some kind of machinery. Someone gave his grieving mother some sort of magic potion that would bring him back to life. She used it, and he did come back to life. But he came back screaming to die because of the pain from the way his body had been mangled in the accident. The loving mother hadn’t thought of that happening. All she wanted was her boy back with her again.

[Job 42:2-3] “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore, I have uttered what I don’t understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” It’s easy to thank God when He does what we want. But God doesn’t always do what we want. Ask Job – His empire collapsed, his children were killed, and what had been a healthy body became a rage of boils. From whence came this torrent. From whence will come any help. Job goes straight to God and pleads his case. His head hurts. His heart hurts. And God answers. Not with answers – but with questions – an ocean of questions… “Where were you when I created the universe?” type questions. After several dozen questions, Job has gotten the point. What is it? The point is this: God owes no one anything! No reasons; No explanations; Nothing! If He gave them, we wouldn’t understand them.

God is God. He knows what he is doing. When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart. He is trying to bring souls to salvation (1 Timothy 2:1-4) and transform saved souls into the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29). He will do whatever it takes to accomplish that eternal purpose. He’s more concerned with our eternal character than our external comfort.

Jesus was in a tough situation, (about to be killed - assassinated) when He prayed to God the Father, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Do you think perhaps Jesus understood that God the Father had a better understanding of what we need than we do ourselves? Could it be that just perhaps we should adapt Jesus’ method of praying? Surely God wants us to ask Him for the things that are on our heart, for Scripture clearly says, “…you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). Perhaps it’s time we started adding the words of Jesus to our prayer, (and really mean it), “Not my will, but Your’s (Your will) be done.”

What is God using in your life to get your attention? The generation gage serves as my ignorance concerning the Charlie Kirk assassination, but I must reiterate, God knows what He’s doing. Forgive, and press on in God’s love. It’s time to seek God’s will in your life. May God bless you with all you need and with the ability to realize that He’s all you need!

Perseverance Produces Beauty

 

A strand of pearls is a beautiful sought after piece of jewelry. Pearls come from oysters. A small irritant, like a grain of sand, gets in the oyster. Unable to get rid of the grain of sand the oyster covers it with a substance in an attempt to lessen the irritation. Problem is that the irritant keeps growing and the oyster keeps covering it with more substances, changing this small irritant into a beautiful lustrous pearl. If it weren’t for the suffering, there would be no pearl.

The Christian life can be challenging. Due to the many obstacles and trials Christians encounter, we need to “let patience work.” James wrote the following about the need to let patience work: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). Notice the statement: “…let patience have its perfect work.” James informs Christians that we need patience when facing various kinds of trials. “Patience” means “endurance.” Christians may have to cope with the criticism of non-Christians, monetary loss, family problems, failing health, and many other trials. Patience is the virtue needed in such times.

The passage teaches that Christians must “…let patience have its perfect work.” If we do this, then we will be “perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” This sounds appealing, so how do we let patience work? First, consider that we do not let patience work when we hinder or interrupt the process of enduring trials. When facing challenges, we may feel tempted to panic. Sometimes people try to run from problems, and escape through drug abuse and alcohol. Others may turn to illicit relationships with the opposite sex to find comfort. However, turning to these things to escape problems only creates more problems.

What, then, is the solution? How does one allow “…patience to have its perfect work”? There are three basic things we can do to let patience work: 1) Do not try to squirm out of trials. Since trails present an opportunity to gain experience and grow, we should face them. Rather than running from problems, the psalmist wrote: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). Just be still. 2) Trust that God will work things out in His own time. Trials will not last forever. Rather, than rushing God, we should be patient, listen, and learn lessons as life is happening (James 1:19-20). 3) We should pray that God would use this trial to make us stronger. Prayer is an act of submission, showing that the one praying relies on God (James 1:6-7).

[Romans 5:3-5] There is more we can learn from the way pearls are formed. The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” When we have suffering or trials in our lives, we need to turn them into something beautiful. We need to persevere through whatever headache, pain, or trial in order to turn it into the beautiful hope that can be seen in the Spirit God has given us. So, the next time you are faced with a frustrating grain of sand in your life, instead of complaining, work hard, through the Holy Spirit, to turn it into a beautiful pearl. By remaining calm, trusting God, and praying to God, one allows patience to work. After patience completes its work, then one will be “…perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” So, in trials, let patience work! “Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). All things are possible when we journey with God.

Spiritual Retirement Is Not An Option

 

A registered nurse moved to a new community and decided to search for a job. She doubted she’d have a problem since nurses were always in demand. She emailed a letter to several potential employers with her resumé attached. Several weeks later she was surprised that she had not received a single response. Finally, she received a message that explained the lack of interest in he emails. The response read, “Your resumé was not attached as stated, but thank you for the chicken taco recipe you did attach. It’s delicious!”

Two well-to-do Christians, a lawyer and a merchant, joined a group that was traveling around the world. One day in Korea, they passed a field by the side of the road, and in the field a boy pulled a crude plow while an old man held the plow handles directing it through the rice paddy. The lawyer was amused and took a snapshot of the scene. “That’s a curious sight,” he said to the missionary / interpreter guide. “Yes,” was the reply. “That is the family of Chi Noui. When the church building was constructed, they were eager to give something, but they had no money. So, they sold the only ox they had and gave the money to the church. This spring they are pulling the plow themselves.” The lawyer and businessman were silent for several minutes. The businessman said, “That must have been a real sacrifice.” “They did not call it that,” said the missionary. “They thought it was fortunate they had the ox to sell.” The two tourists had not much to say, but when they reached home, the lawyer took the picture to his preacher and told him of the incident. “I want to double my offering to the church,” he said. “And give me some ‘plow work’ to do. I have never seen or known what sacrifice for the Lord really means. I am ashamed to say that I have never given anything to Him that really cost me anything.” (A true story!)

[2 Corinthians 5:8] Most of us look forward to the day of our retirement from our jobs because it will mean that we have more time for things we have always wanted to do. It will give us more time to relax, enjoy life, and experience a true change of pace. One would think that to be true, but most retired people, including myself, are just as busy, if not more so, after they retire. However, it’s a different kind of busy – a busy with less pressure and stress. A mistake that some people make is that they view their retirement to also be a sort of spiritual retirement. Not that they stop going to worship, but they cut back on their involvement in church activities at a time when it would be quite easy to increase it. We talk about young people being the future of the church. If we don’t maintain the purity of today’s church, what will be the condition of the future church? True mature believers must stay involved in the conduct of the church for it to maintain its purity while young people are growing in the faith and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The apostle Paul looked forward to a spiritual retirement, but he didn’t view it as something that would occur in this life. (Philippians 1:19-26) “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that you rejoicing for me will be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.” Retirement is not an option in the Lord’s work, period!

I Wonder

  

I wonder why people who punish a child for lying will tell the same child, “Just say I’m not home.” I wonder why people can disregard thoughtless things that are said at work, by friends, or in a store, but not if the same things are said by someone at church. I wonder why so many feel free to skip attending worship for things they wouldn’t dream of skipping work to do. I wonder why it’s a compliment when a man is sensitive, but an insult to say he’s emotional. I wonder why people who wouldn’t dream of stealing money from the collection plate think nothing of skipping their contributions toward work for the Lord. Or why do people who expect the church to always be there for them when they are in need, give their money to other organizations instead? Odd, don’t you think? I wonder why those who work the hardest in the church, give the most consistently in serving the needs of others, are the ones who appreciate the church the most – but those who don’t and give the least, find the most fault. I wonder why parents who wouldn’t dream of letting their children decide for themselves whether or not to attend school, go to the dentist or wear decent clothes, think it is proper for them to decide for themselves whether to attend Bible school, church, and youth activities. I wonder why other people’s sins are always so much worse than our own. I wonder why other people’s children are so bad, but our own are so cute when doing the same things. Or why is it the fault of other children’s parents when the children do wrong, but our own do wrong in spite of having taught them better. I wonder why people who say, “I can quit any time I want to,” can’t. Or why do people keep themselves enslaved to a habit in order to prove their independence. I wonder why people who stand before God and vow, “Till death do us part,” later decide that means, “till the going gets tough” or “till I find someone I like better.” I wonder why people apologize to the preacher when he hears them use the Lord’s name in vain. Doesn’t it seem they should be apologizing to God? I wonder how long after death it takes for the atheist to discover they were wrong. I wonder how long it takes for those who decided to “end it all” discover they actually just started it all? I wonder why the fertilized egg of a sea tortoise is deserving of all the protection of law given to an adult sea tortoise, but the fertilized egg of a human, or a live baby unborn has no such rights. I wonder how much time we’d have for things we need to do, ought to do, if entertainment media disappeared. I just wonder about a lot of things, don’t you? I wonder if God doesn’t wonder a lot about us too. I wonder if He’s amused, or if He just sadly shakes His divine head in disgust. I wonder - does God cry?

[Psalm 34:11-16] We all face important decisions. These decisions will often have a great impact on us and our families. It may be a question of what job to take, or where to live, or what school to attend, etc. What should we do? Does God offer any help or guidance in making such decisions? The answer is “yes”! How does God give us guidance? Through the Word. The vast majority of answers are found here. They are positive commands that tell us what we should do. Matthew 28:19 instructs us to teach the gospel to others. One doesn’t have to wonder if God wants us to speak to your neighbor about salvation. There are also negative commands to tell us what to avoid. (Ephesians 4:25-32) God’s Word guides us in righteous living and provides us guidance as to what pleases God. Christians are to be consistent in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God promises to answer our prayers (1 Peter 3:12). If you don’t believe this will work, then don’t bother to ask of God (James 1:6-8). Through the counsel of others. (Hebrews 3:12-15, Galatians 6:1-5) Others can help in our decision making but remember each one of us must answer for ourselves one day.

Expensive Loyalty

 

The late great comedian Jerry Clower was the size of a professional football player. He once told that his son was the field goal kicker for his high school football team. One day his son had the chance to kick the goal that would give his team the lead and maybe the win, but the kick went wide of the goal. Four rows from where Clower sat, a man jumped up and began heckling and booing loudly. “Who is that kicker? He couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn with a football!” On and on he went, ridiculing Clower’s son. Clower said, “I took all of it I could, and then I made my way through the crowd, sat down next to that guy, looked him straight in the eye, and said, ‘You need to thank Jesus that you’re still alive.’” The guy said, “What do you mean?” Clower answered, “That’s my son you’re ridiculing, and the only reason you’re not dead right now is because I’m a Christian and Jesus won’t let me kill you.”

Clower’s funny words remind me of a serious truth. As lord, Jesus has the authority to tell us how to live our life. How much authority do you allow Jesus to have over you? E.W. Blandley’s hymn has challenged millions of people to think about the depth of their commitment to Christ. “Where He leads me I will follow (repeat two more times), I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way” (the chorus to “Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow”). Even in this day of user-friendly religion and crossless Christianity, those who read the Bible can still hear Jesus saying, “Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.” Get real – do you allow Jesus to have the final word, even when what you want to believe or how you want to behave is very different from what He demands?

An epitaph on the tombstone of an old English soldier who lost his life in battle spoke volumes: “He served King Charles with a constant, dangerous and expensive loyalty.” That soldier was sold out to his king – prepared to pay any price up to and including his very life to honor and obey his king. Myriads have displayed that kind of dangerous and expensive commitment out of love and respect for earthly, human kings and causes. At this very hour tens of thousands of Americans are scattered around the globe, many of them in harm’s way, because of an expensive commitment to our nation and way of life.

[Matthew 3:13-17] Jesus preached what He practiced. He served the father with a constant, dangerous, and expensive loyalty. In the end, of course, His loyalty led to death on a cross. But Matthew reminds us of the commitment that carried him to and held Him on the cross was there in the very beginning of His public ministry.

Jesus’ loyalty to God’s willed Him to submit to baptism at the hands of John the Baptizer – “a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:3). John was clearly conflicted about baptizing the sinless Son of God (Matthew 3:14), but Jesus insisted saying, “…for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (v.15). The result of Jesus’ commitment to go all the way in doing God’s will is seen in verse 17 as He raised up out of the water after John baptized Him. “Suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’”

From baptism by John to death on a cross, Jesus didn’t balk at anything God asked and/or directed Him to do. How about you? Jus how expensive is your loyalty to Jesus? Have you followed Him in baptism and the new life of obedience that follows it (Romans 6:1-4)? “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Faith and obedience throughout our life will bring about the goal of eternal life.