It has been said that a crisis can be very revealing, it’s like “putting a tea bag in hot water, it reveals what you are made of”. For some time now, there have been so many crises, uncertainties, and unpleasant changes that have affected everyone in some way. Natural disasters like flooding, storms, earthquakes and fires; global and individual health and economic perils; social isolation; and in many places extreme violence…the list can go on and on. There are some very real dangers as well as perceived ones.
The Israelites experienced many perils after leaving Egypt. The first one was of course the daunting Red Sea in front of them, and Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit behind them. Exodus 14:1-31 tells of this remarkable story. The people had some very real fears and potentially were facing death. They became angry at Moses, but Moses responded, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today…” (v. 13a)
In the subsequent years, the people later complained against Moses because of lack of food or water. These were very real needs, but the LORD repeatedly showed HIS GLORY and power in miraculously providing for them.
What are the perils or circumstances that can cause you to feel fear or anxiety, or keep you up at night? When plagued by impending fear, REMEMBER how God has provided for you in the past!! Instead of an attitude of rebellion or anger towards God, we need to CHOOSE FAITH!
Jesus had an encounter with a father who brought his son to Him, a boy who was possessed with an evil spirit and had been afflicted from childhood. (Mark 9:17-27 NLT) The father had sought out Jesus and pleaded with Him, “…Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, “I do believe; but help me overcome my unbelief.” (v. 23-24) There are times we all need the Lord to help us in our “unbelief”, but just like muscles need to be used and exercised to become stronger, so our faith needs to “exercised”. We need to start just where we are, He will help us in this process. He understands our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4:15)
Hebrews 11 (often called the ‘faith chapter’) defines faith as “…the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (v.1) The assurance comes when the “things hoped for” are in line with God’s will and purposes; and the conviction that we can trust in Him is possible by knowing that God is SOVEREIGN, and all-powerful to do “…exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV)
I have been often encouraged and strengthened in my faith, by listening to Christian radio (I listen to Bott Radio), especially during these months of the pandemic and social distancing.
Other Christian websites (see www.brministry.org) also provide very important resources to strengthen us in our faith! Seek God and His Word, and you will find Him.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
(Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)