Monday, August 27, 2018

Pastor's Ponderings, August 27, 2018

Beauty Beneath the Fog

I travelled 3000 miles away from home for a work trip in Ireland and managed to squeeze in a bit of sightseeing. Having fond memories of a childhood movie, Princess Bride, I was more than excited to travel to see the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. After an hour drive in a tour bus, we arrive at our destination only to find the entire area covered in a thick fog. The weather had been quite dreary for the past few days with intermittent drizzling and that morning the fog completely obscured our view. I was in disbelief. I came this far from home, I only have one day for me to see this wonder and I couldn’t see anything! But they were there, and I knew it.

Sometimes in life the fog is too thick. We can’t see right from left, up from down. We want to believe that God has a plan and that it will “all work out for good” (Romans 8:28), but we can’t help but think that this time we are doomed. Your fog may be a new diagnosis, a lost job, a family member in crisis, a failed relationship, or the death of a loved one. Things just don’t seem to add up. You did the “right things” made the “right decisions” and the outcome seems completely unfair. During these times, it is nearly impossible to see the beauty around us, but God does.

The Bible says that He knows the plans he has for us, plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). He knows our end from our beginning (Isaiah 46:10). He says He will be a lamp for our feet and light for our path (Psalm 119:105).

As I walked the path to view the cliffs, I saw multiple signs pointing to where they were, but I couldn’t see a thing. I had to believe they were there. Fortunately, in about 20 minutes the wind blew the thick fog away and I saw one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen. 

I don’t know how you felt when you woke up this morning. Perhaps, you too have a fog in your life. Remember, that this is only temporary. Follow the signs and trust God. He will guide our every step and give us beauty instead of ashes, joy instead of mourning, and allow us to be filled with praise instead of despair (Isaiah 61:3). He did not bring you this far to leave you (Deuteronomy 31:6)! 

Romans 8:28
New Living Translation (NLT)
28 
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Jeremiah 29:11
New Living Translation (NLT)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 46:10New International Version (NIV)
10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

Psalm 119:105
New Living Translation (NLT)
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Isaiah 61:3
New Living Translation (NLT)
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

Deuteronomy 31:6
New Living Translation (NLT)
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.







14 comments:

Unknown said...

Amen! Beautiful...

Jacqueline R. said...

So beautiful and powerful especially knowing some of what you are walking through. God is glorified in you!

Deacon Herbert Willis said...

Excellent word! Totally on point. God has already worked everything out, we just need to have patience and trust in Him!

Lesley said...

I needed this today! Thank you!

Saba said...

Beautiful! Love the imagery and the Princess Bride reference

Unknown said...

This message is right on time! Excellent reminder that He has already worked things out for our good, regardless of our struggle to see the beauty in what may appear to be a disappointing or unfair situation.

Malika said...

Thanks! Glad it blessed you

Malika said...

Love you Jacquie!

Malika said...

Thank you!

Malika said...

Next time I’ll have you edit :)

Malika said...

:)

Malika said...

❤️

Holly W. said...

You are amazing Malika! Praying for you. Glad to see this post from you.

Malika said...

Thanks for your prayers, Holly!