Questions are a part of my life. From an early age, I asked “Why?” While a little boy I took my toys apart to
see what made them run. As a young adult, I made authority figures
uncomfortable by pushing back against policies that could not be explained, refusing
to accept “that’s just the way it is.” Did I find all the answers I wanted? No,
I did not.
As the road of my life lengthened I found that there are some things
in life that will remain cloaked in mystery, unexplainable, unfathomable to my
finite mind. Most importantly, I realize that most all of the problems and
challenges are not the result of a single cause and effect. Pulling one string
does not always unravel every knot!
Are you trying to make sense of life in a chaotic era? Does
sorting through the pandemic information, the social protests, the ‘news’ that
fills your TV and smartphone apps, only leave you asking more questions? The
process of inquiry is complicated by
people who offer simplistic solutions, believing that our complex problems can
be solved easily, quickly, with a single change.
For example, we know, or at least
we should know, that there is no single answer for dealing with the pandemic
and the disruptions that have come to us. It is not a ‘one size fits all’ kind
of issue! Shouting at the world in anger is not going to make the virus go
away. Hiding out in our homes is not a permanent solution either. So, we wisely
try to put together a reasonable course of action that manages risk as we
continue to live and work. WE can do it, IF we are willing to take responsibility
and listen to people outside of our normal information stream.
Today, I want to remind you of things you probably already
know.
As I do, my prayer is that you will find the stability promises by this word: "You
will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on
you!" (Isaiah 26:3, NLT)
Our foundation is critical!
Long ago, I committed myself to the Living God, convinced of
the truth of His Word. The Gospel is my solid rock. The love of God, shown to
us in Christ Jesus, holds me secure. Come what may, I know that my eternal home
is guaranteed by His grace and the Resurrection. The One in Whom I trust knows
my yesterdays, my today, and my tomorrows. "All the days ordained for
me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm
139:16, NIV) My faith may be battered
but I can stand because there is a solid foundation in place.
Let’s not confuse faith with apathy.
To just say, “whatever” leaves situations unaddressed, leads to worship of tradition that loses touch with a changing world. Faith anchors in a Person who declares “I am God—yes, I AM. I haven’t changed.” (Malachi 3.6) Faith bridges the gap between what I can see presently and God’s promise. And faith continues to be “careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you.” (Philippians 2:12)
Humility is a key as we prayerfully ponder the mysteries of life.
Angrily demanding that God’s answer or determining that we
can find our own way without Him are both paths that will lead us to
frustration. It may sound like a cliché but it remains true. God asks us to
come to Him, fully expecting to find Him, trusting Him like a child trusts a
beloved parent, so that we can be led by His Spirit.
Wisdom is important, too.
Knowledge is not the same thing as wisdom, is it? A person may know many facts and lack any real understanding of life itself. "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise," (Ephesians 5:15, NIV) "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:13, NIV) Asking our questions and choosing to trust Him while seeing the world with God’s wisdom creates a rich life of godliness that blesses our world.
Here’s an affirmation from the Word. Paul’s life was about
to end. He’s in a Roman prison. Many have deserted him. He has some real
questions – yet he is filled with faith and declares - "I know whom I have believed and am
persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. …
That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells
in us." (2 Timothy 1:12,14, NKJV)
The world in which we live needs people of deep faith, with wisdom, who will lead the lost, the confused, those without hope, to LIFE. We can, we must, we will!
______________
(A song that points us to real faith)
Worthy of ev’ry song we could ever sing
Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe
We live for You
Jesus the name above ev’ry other name
Jesus the only one who could ever save
Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe
We live for You We live for You
Holy there is no one like You
There is none besides You
Open up my eyes in wonder and
show me who You are
And fill me with Your heart
And lead me in Your love to those around me
I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken
Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Elizabeth Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett © 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew (Admin. by Arkyard Music Services Limited) Kaple Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Bethel Music Publishing
CCLI License # 810055
No comments:
Post a Comment