(Tuesday, January 7, 2014) It’s finally here – the day I have been anxiously looking forward to with joy and, to be honest, a lot of hesitation . We leave for India in a few hours. I’m not real big on situations where I am not in control, in fact where I am very much out of control. That seems to intensify as I get older. Traveling to and around India for 3 weeks certainly qualifies as something out of my hands!
So if I am not in control, what’s the next best thing? Actually, there isn’t a next best thing, there is something even better – God being in control. That is always the case when I go to India, but it is especially true this year because spiritual warfare will be the predominate topic at the pastors’ and leaders’ conferences. Speaking of victory over Satan seems to intensify the battle.
While praying with Nancy about this a few days ago a Bible verse I hadn’t thought of in years popped into my mind strong and clear, obviously from God. Isaiah 54:17 No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. I’ve read this many times since then and think about it often. It brings me great comfort and peace. We stand on God’s promises for they are 100% true all the time. I know the context for this passage doesn’t apply to us today, but God is clearly showing me that the principle He is expressing will be applied to us in the coming weeks. I thank God for that.
Unfortunately the verse doesn’t say weapons won’t be formed against us nor accusations made against us. It assumes these things will happen, and we know that is so. Satan, the world around us, even our own sin nature conspire to oppose God’s kingdom and people in every way possible. God does not prevent that, He allows it. But He uses it for His good. In Sunday’s sermon we talked about how God doesn’t direct us in the easy way but in the best way. All He does is for our growth and His glory. We do what is best for our children, not what is easiest, and our Heavenly Father does the same for us. Would we really want it any other way?
My flesh recoils from discomfort, from distress and from any kind of emotional or physical pain. But I move ahead trusting God’s promises. He is in control no matter what. It’s not the next best thing to me being in control, it’s even better!
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Are you facing situations in life you can’t control, things that bring you stress or pain? What promises in the Bible speak to your situation? Meditate on them, think of them whenever your think of the problem situation. God is in control even when we are not.
PS If you have not received a copy of our daily prayer calendar please let me know and I will email you one. For security places I don’t have it on line. But please feel free to pass it on to anyone who will pray for us.