Monday, April 1, 2019

Pastor's Ponderings, April 1, 2019

Life’s Disruptions Are Godly Opportunities

Many times in our lives, events suddenly unfold with a terrifying swiftness that can destroy our sense of safety, security, and solace.  Whether its a phone call advising you to come to the hospital, a pink slip from your employer, a positive indicator of an incurable disease, or a mindless terrorist act, these life interruptions seem unfair and many times will lead to self-recriminations.

We live in an increasingly uncertain world where a single-minded evil entity is endeavoring to ensure that men will lose faith in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The devil wants fear to rule us, our faith in God to shrivel up, and our trust in God’s plan for our lives to wither away.  In the Bible, it is written that when people are saying they have peace and safety in their lives, sometimes destruction is waiting (1 Thessalonians 5:3).  Those who do not listen to Godly instruction find their life disrupted by devastation (Proverbs 29:1).

However, when God shows up suddenly, there is a disruption for good.  When Jesus was born the angels interrupted the shepherds day-to-day work and announced that the King had arrived (Luke 2:13-14).  When Paul and Silas were praying at midnight, God sent an earthquake, which freed all of those with them (Acts 16:26).  It is awesome to know that God is in charge of all of life’s disruptions and He will help us through them by guiding us in them (Isaiah 30:21).  He knows all about our challenges, but says that everything, even life disruptions, will work together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

As we begin the second quarter of 2019, let us remember that things will disrupt our lives, but let us turn to Him in faith and obedience knowing that God will work it all out.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
New International Version (NIV)
While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Proverbs 29:1
New International Version (NIV)
29 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

Luke 2:13-14
New International Version (NIV)
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Acts 16:26
New International Version (NIV)
26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

Isaiah 30:21
New International Version (NIV)
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Romans 8:28
New International Version (NIV)
28 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.


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