Thursday, February 21, 2008

Where Could I Go?

Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Have you ever had something that has happened in your life that has knocked the breath out of you? Has anything ever been taken away from you in an instant and changed your life forever? Everyday, we are vulnerable to life altering changes. Life is fragile and should never be taken for granted. Job 1:21 reminds us, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job clearly reminds us that whether life is going good or seems to be going bad, we must praise the LORD because He is in control.

During this past week, my wife and I have been recovering from losing our first child due to a miscarriage. This is something that is quite common, however, you never really want to go through it. We had a rough sketch of plans that would carry us through this year. By September, our lives would be changing and sleeping patterns taken away. The joy of having a child and the thoughts of being parents was fresh and exciting. However within a few days, all of those dreams, at least for now, were shattered. This is real life, and we must trust that God’s timing and plans are perfect.

Have you ever found yourself in this boat with your marriage, children, job or school? Though life is fragile and changes, Malachi 3:6a says, “For I am the LORD, I change not.” In Psalms 18:1-2 the writer proclaims, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” When Jesus began to speak hard things, many wanted to turn from him and walk away. Many did. However, Jesus asked the twelve disciples, will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life (John 6:67-68).

Where can we go in times of trouble and heartache? The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” ( 2 Corinthians 1:3). He has counted and named every star in space (Psalms 147:4). He feeds and knows every sparrow that falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29). He looks into the womb of a woman and has power to give life in the darkness. Most importantly, He stepped out of Glory, wrapped Himself in human flesh, lived a sinless life and humbled himself to heal man’s broken and sinful hearts by dying on a rugged cross. In him was life; and the life was the light of men (John 1:4).

What a joy it is to be loved and cared for by the one who stretched the heavens in space, scattered the stars, and told the sun, moon and earth where to stand! Though we often can find ourselves faint or out of breath in our spiritual life, look up because help is on the way. Jesus has promised that He will never leave those who have put their trust in Him. There are times that we must stop, reflect and be reminded that, “ we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). A mighty refuge is our God! Glory be to the God Most High!

No comments:

Post a Comment