This past Sunday, May 23, Sarah Young’s message in Jesus Always began When the way just ahead of you seems too difficult, turn to Me and say” I can’t, but we (You and I together) can.” Acknowledging your inability to handle things on your own is a healthy dose of reality.
That message led me to think back over the past year when I have written a number of messages on keeping the faith through the COVID pandemic, that God was there with us every step of the way to get us through that crisis…….. and He was!!! That was a difficult walk, but He made the going much more peaceful and manageable. The good news is we are now beginning to stare at COVID through the rear view mirror, that life seems to be returning to some sense of “normal”, although it will be interesting to see how life may be changed forever in some ways.
Psalm 62:8 – Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
Ask Him to carry your burdens and show you the way forward. Don’t waste energy worrying about things that are beyond your control. Instead, use that energy to connect with Him. Seek His face continually. Be ready to follow wherever He leads, trusting Him to open up the way before you as you go.
Psalm 105:4 – Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.
Then, 2 days later on May 25, Sarah began her message Thank Me for all the challenges in your life. They are gifts from Me – opportunities to grow stronger and more dependent on Me. Challenging circumstances highlight your neediness and help you rely on My infinite sufficiency.
This message reminded me that we still have many ongoing life challenges, even if COVID goes away completely. The unrest in our country and world makes us wonder what will be our next crises to deal with? And even in our own lives, health concerns, family concerns, financial concerns, and career concerns (for those reading this message still in the working world !!), constantly provide us something to worry about.
We need to stay in touch with the one person who can provide the peace during the storm, the calm during the turbulence, the One who gave His life for us so that we would face eternal life with Him, no matter the circumstances we may face on this earth.
Matthew 8:24-27 – Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
I have thought a lot about Don Mauldin’s sermon last Sunday, when he talked about how when the storms arrive, too many people choose to turn away from God instead of toward Him. They choose to take the empty, dark, and lonely path instead of the path of love, peace, joy, and hope in Him, the one who can bring us all out of the dark into His light. In this path, we are never alone, we are never without hope, we are never forgotten or left behind. This is why it is so important for us to shine our light always, to be the beacon of hope for others who may be searching for their way to the Truth, and to point them to the one who can turn their lives around to find eternal hope in Him.
James 1:2 – Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.
Your success in handling difficulties also increases your sense of security. You gain confidence that you and I together can cope with whatever hard times the future may bring. You are ready for anything and equal to anything through the One who infuses inner strength into you. Rejoice in my sufficiency!
Psalm 31:14-16 – But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
So don’t turn away from your challenges and certainly don’t turn away from God. Keep him as the focal point of your life, and not only accept but embrace His offer to be with you always throughout the calm times and the more challenging times we will face throughout our lifelong walk.
Isaiah 26:3 – The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.