Well, if you read fictional novels then you know how hard it is to believe what the storyline is saying because there is no way in real life that could happen. Then you remember that fact is stranger than fiction. You then realize that as strange as it might be actual life can be just as strange or even stranger.
I am not certain that whoever we might pick as the greatest fictional author could not come up with what is happening around us today. With as much that is out in the open for all to see, can you imagine what must be happening behind the scenes?
I am writing this and may have to make some changes before it is posted for you. (Actually, I didn’t but of course Elaine proofed the product). With that thought in mind let's set some very basic truths into place. As believers in Jesus Christ having accepted God's free gift of eternal life, we know God is in control. In Isaiah 45:7 God said-
I form light and create darkness;
I make well-being and create calamity;
I am the Lord, who does all these things.
We do have a problem with wickedness in the world. It exists because of sin and it is everywhere. In the highest and lowest places. We see it lived out each day. Then we wonder why are things so bad? I don’t think and neither should you that we are above sin because we are saved. We are saved and we will sin. This is a great time to mention pride. It gets us into more trouble than we could shake a stick at and Proverbs 16:18 says that-
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Pride and sin have a lot in common. Pride causes us to think and even believe we are someone more than we are. Sin causes us to act on our thoughts and believe it will make us happy. There is little doubt there is a big problem with pride and sin all around us and in our own lives.
What is lacking for so many today is humility. Following Biblical standards for humility is certainly a problem for the world but it should not be for us. Look at how we see humility described in Scripture.
David said in Psalm 25:9 that-
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”
Jesus took that thought and declared as recorded in Matthew 5:3 that-
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Paul reassured us in Philippians 2:3 that we are to-
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
When you think about it as you are watching and listening to all that is happening around us, it is pretty easy to see what is going on and even why. In a world filled with so much hate and vile, there are those who hold on to the Lord. I wish there were so many more. Especially more in positions of leadership. We are to pray for those in authority over us. In Roman’s 13:1 Paul makes it clear as the Holy Spirit directs him to give us two very important points on this matter.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
He first says we are subject to those in authority and there is no authority that God has not instituted. Paul also says in 2 Timothy 2:1-4 that we are instructed to pray for them.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
So why do it even when we don’t see the answer to the prayer? Well, the answer to the prayer is not about the change it might bring but rather because as we just read that it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
There it is plain and simple, it is not about receiving what we want but instead that which pleases God. It is all about Him and not about us. A reminder that many so often need regularly.
As I am writing this today, I know there are things happening and that will happen which I personally pray don’t and won’t. How God responds is His decision not mine. Early in my life I learned to trust God. It was something that was taught and something observed. Sadly, there are many who apparently did not have that opportunity. I don’t know why and neither do you. Speculating is what gets us into a lot of trouble.
I don’t like it when I hear someone speculating as to what or why someone did or said something. I know I am probably guilty of it but I hope it hasn’t been that often. I don’t think it is because I really try not to. Only God knows a person’s heart. I don’t, you don’t, no one does. In Jeremiah 20:12 it sys that God-
…tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind,…
In Proverbs 21:2 we learn that-
The Lord weighs the heart.
When Samuel goes to find God’s chosen king God in 1 Samuel 16:7 says-
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height. . . . The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart’”
My mother would always say that “the Lord knows my heart”. That is true for everyone of us. So it is incumbent on us all to be truthful with one another and accept what is told us by others. Of course, if it is sadly determined that someone is not truthful in that case we must be careful and cautious of what is said to us. No reason to judge it but rather discern it’s truth and act accordingly.
In God’s Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy
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