Pastor's Ponderings, October 30, 2017

What Do You Do When You’ve Done All That You Can?

Many of us have struggled against challenging odds in life and are just hanging on by a thread.  Although we have given our all and we have done all that we know how to do, but it seems that it is not enough. Donnie McClurkin penned a song called “Stand.”  Some of the lyrics ask, “Tell me what do you give when you've given your all and it seems like you can't make it through? Well, you just stand when there's nothing left to do. You just stand; watch the Lord see you through. Yes, after you've done all you can, you just stand.” 

The Bible shares some answers when all hope is lost.  After David’s camp had been raided, his soldier’s families and goods were taken, and his men were ready to mutiny, he encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).  Paul, when facing execution, was victorious when said that he had fought the good fight, he had finished his race, kept the faith and was looking forward to his crown (2 Timothy 4:7-8).  When Moses had led the children of Israel into the Wilderness and there was no water, they rebelled against him, but Moses called on God who answered right on time (Exodus 17:3, 4). As the children of Israel were trapped by the Red Sea with the Egyptian Army behind them, God told Moses to stand still and to see His salvation (Exodus 14:13).  Paul told the Corinthians that they should not let anything move them but just continue to work for God (1 Corinthians 15:58).

But, there are many challenges while waiting such as hopelessness, helplessness, fear, anxiety and worry. And what we should we do while we are waiting?  We must first and foremost turn to our only source, God, and keep our minds firmly, fixated, and focused on Him. God wants someone who has come to the end of themselves and is about to give up in despair to simply wait upon Him (Psalm 27:14).  Although it may not look like it, He knows what He is thinking about us and He will work things out in our favor (Jeremiah 29:11).  What do you do when you have done all you can?  Just stand and wait for our God.

1 Samuel 30:6
King James Version (KJV)

6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
New International Version (NIV)

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Exodus 17:3-4
New International Version (NIV)

3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”

4 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

Exodus 14:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

1 Corinthians 15:58
New International Version (NIV)

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Psalm 27:14
New International Version (NIV)

14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.