You Can Trust Him!
Often, when calling someone overseas I use phone cards. I prefer using my landline over my mobile, the reason being that I am able to perform household chores as I chat. The phone cradles snugly between my ear and my shoulder, leaving my hands free - something my mobile (being flat), can't do as efficiently. Years ago, I discovered that calls to America cost only 4 cents a minute. Brilliant!
I was off to the shops one day to buy a new phone card when my beloved stopped me in my tracks. 'Why don't you check what it costs on our landline?' Oh? I'd never checked, assuming that it would be too expensive. What a surprise then to discover that it cost half of what I was paying using a phone card. Amazing! And I'd been investing in phone cards for years. Silly me! If only I had realised that what I was looking for was already in my hands!
It was a reminder to me of many treasures I already possess but omit to live by. Too often I conduct myself like a pauper in God's kingdom rather than as a child of God. Instead of worrying over events I can't control, I can heed the wise words of St Paul (in Philippians 4:6-7), pour out my concerns into my Heavenly Father's ears and leave them with Him, exchanging His perfect peace for my burdens. I can turn to His Word - a lamp that burns bright, (as Psalm 119:105 reminds me), so I can find my way through an often dark and challenging world.
I can trust God (as Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds me), discarding unhelpful thinking so I permit God to fulfil His purposes in my life without my interference. I can learn to abide in Jesus (as John 15:4-5 mentions), so that my life bears good fruit. I can aspire to love others well so that (as John 15:10-11 reminds me) as a consequence of my obedience to Him I will be filled with His inexpressible joy. I can lay aside all negative attitudes that drain me, replacing them with the mind of Christ (as Philippians 4:8 asks me to do), as I reflect on what's true and noble and good and praiseworthy.
Why is it that although scripture give us many great promises, we often live lives that are bowed down in defeat and fear? If you and I really believed what the Bible says, we can revolutionise the world. So how do I reach out and accept the promises of God, so they make a positive impact on my life? How do I live as if those promises were true? Which they are. A group of Christians seeking to live as Jesus taught us to live, formed a group called 'Renovare' - meaning 'Renewal'. I've been listening to a number of their conferences held in the US, absorbing their teaching and talks like a sponge absorbs water - greedy and thirsty for more about kingdom living.
One truth that has been reinforced over and over again by many speakers is that when we place ourselves in God's capable Hands, the world becomes a very safe place for us. For instance, Jesus' disciples were distraught when a storm arose and they cried out to Him, 'Lord, don't you care than we might perish'? But Jesus had been fast asleep. He knew that it's not that the boat we are in would never capsize but the comforting truth that even if it did - we are still safe in God's loving Hands. Joseph's story in the Old Testament is such an example. He went through many difficult years when he could have questioned God. But he was faithful to persevere in doing good in spite of all he went through. And finally ... he was able to tell his brothers the wonderful truth:
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" Genesis 50:20
And so today, you and I can look ahead with confidence. We can place all our dreams, hopes and desires into our Father's capable Hands. There are times I cling tightly to my desires, thinking that if I don't, I might lose them. But the truth is that I can sleep safely in the boat just as Jesus did, even while the storm rages, because He, the King of kings and the Lord of lords and the Saviour of the world is right there in the boat with me. Always.
The truth is that we can trust Him. He will do as He promised.
The truth is that even if the boat sinks, He's still got me.
Safe. Within His care. And He will use everything that happens in my life for my good.
And it's true for you too dear friend. Yes, for you too.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33