August 26 – Today’s Readings – Ezekiel 19-21 and Psalms 56
Let me take a break from Ezekiel today and focus on a thought from Psalms 56:3&11 and Romans 8:38-39 – “When I am afraid, I will trust in you… in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
It is a wonderful thing to be free of fear – to be relaxed in the knowledge that God is in control – even when it seems that “all hell” is breaking loose.
There have been several occasions I my life when my earthly existence literally rested in “the balance” – whether facing serious surgery or some other life-threatening medical trial – fighting some medical complication, systemic infection or large blood clot – these kinds of things are perfect opportunities for Christians to grow in “trust”. Let me encourage you so that if you or a loved one faces tribulation in the coming months, you will be prepared spiritually. NOW is the time to place your physical life (your body and your health) in God’s hands. Once you have put them in His care, LEAVE THEM THERE! When it comes time to speak to the Lord while facing a physical trial, you have already “positioned yourself” in faith. The test comes as you realize that things are really completely out of your control and only God Himself must be trusted. This is an uncomfortable feeling, but know this – when you have placed your life in the hands of the Lord, nothing can hasten your going to heaven prematurely. Your life is His and as long as His plan for your life is incomplete, you will be around for a while longer.
The worst thing that can happen to a Christian when facing an extreme physical trial is to start playing “mind games” with God – “but God, you promised in your Word!” – or “God what is wrong with my faith that these things are happening to me?” No – these times of trial are a perfect occasion to rest in your secure relationship with Him – knowing that He loves you more than anything and that He is with you – very close to you – even though you may not be “feeling it”.
Let me say however, that your “resting place” in God is not the same as being spiritually or physically inactive. When something goes amuck, you speak to the situation – this is what Jesus did – this is what the Apostles did. You already know where all the “bad stuff” in this world comes from – these things are the enemies of God and Jesus died to eradicate all of God’s enemies. The last enemy to be conquered, of course is death itself but in the meantime we speak to all troubled situations concerning the perfect will of God – things contrary to what we know are good and perfect. How do you identify these things? Think of the Garden of Eden before the sin of Adam and Eve – now think of how heaven will be – then you will understand what the perfect will of God is!
Questions:
1. Give another Scriptural example of a person facing death but God preserving their life because it was not their time yet.
2. Tell about a trial where God preserved your life.