AS WE PROCESS OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, GOD IS ALWAYS MOVING

3/22/2020

We are in the midst of an occurrence in our world that most of us have never experienced. History tells us of many things that have affected people’s lives, but nothing quite like this for many of us. The thing that I am realizing is that actually, things like this are happening every day for some people. Perhaps not a virus, although many have seen the horror of SAR’s and MERS. So many people have also had their lives unsettled by wars, with homes and cultures destroyed….forced into running for their lives while trying to protect their families. What must it feel like to experience a devastating tornado, a hurricane, an earthquake of catastrophic strength. Individually at some point in life we are all going to face being in a very difficult or uncomfortable place. It may come in our family relationships, from economic instances, health struggles or from anywhere! The size and scope of challenge directly relate to how it is effecting your personal world. Right here, right now, everything can be defined by one thing for pretty much everyone. “Corona Virus”. It is affecting everyone ! The circumstances encountered have many faces, but one thing is very clear. It is very difficult in some way for all of us. So where should we be focused ? This is the perfect time to look at our God and realize that He is moving in every aspect of our lives as believers.

TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD; BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO TAKES REFUGE IN HIM. FEAR THE LORD, YOU HIS HOLY PEOPLE, FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM LACK NOTHING. Psalm 34: 8-9

THE RIGHTEOUS PERSON MAY HAVE MANY TROUBLES, BUT THE LORD DELIVERS HIM FROM THEM ALL. Psalm 34:19

THE LORD WATCHES OVER YOU - THE LORD IS YOUR SHADE AT YOUR RIGHT HAND; THE SUN WILL NOT HARM YOU BY DAY, NOR THE MOON BY NIGHT. THE LORD WILL KEEP YOU FROM ALL HARM - HE WILL WATCH OVER YOUR LIFE; THE LORD WILL WATCH OVER YOUR COMING AND GOING BOTH NOW AND FOREVERMORE. Psalm 121: 5-8

It should be so clear to us as Christians just how powerful our Lord is in everything, and yet many times we wonder where He is, and why are things happening to us ? Our pastor, Jeff Schwarzentraub, at Brave Church shared an amazing teaching this morning to those of us tuned in online. It revolved around the book of Mark 4: 35-41. After sharing a parable, Jesus asked his disciples to move away from the crowds and sail in a boat across the lake to the other side. On the journey across, a furious squall came up and almost swamped the boat. Amazingly in all this, Jesus was simply asleep on a cushion. Panicking, the disciples awoke Him. saying “ Teacher, don’t you care if we drown ?” Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and waves. “Quiet ! Be Still !”, and all became calm. He asked His disciples, “Why are you so afraid ? Do you still have no faith ?” His disciples were terrified…” Who is this ? Even the wind and the waves obey Him !”. Imagine, after all the time they had spent in his presence physically, and heard His teachings and testimony, they still were made prisoners to their own circumstances and fear. And in His Power and Authority, they realized Just Who He Was….afraid, and also, simply in awe and reverence.

In all the circumstances we face in our lives there are some truly grace filled gifts that come from them. It is the realization that God is Moving in Our Lives to bring us Salvation, Freedom, and Truth. That Truth is this : God loves you unconditionally. He created you, and He sees you. He is aware of your circumstances, and He will see you through them. You are never out of His thoughts or His absolute Love. His Son is your Promise and your Future. He calls you out from the crowd and asks you to be with Him. Abide in Him, and He in you. Be still. You are His.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. John 3:16

Hallelujah ! What a promise and what a gift. As Christians it is time for us to be prepared and ready. Be prepared and ready to share the Gospel ! Be prepared and ready to share our blessings and resources to help those in need. Be prepared to help others overcome fear and anger over the struggles and changes in their lives to embrace a more important life. A life of abiding in Christ ! A life of following and sharing His character and commandments ! An understanding that our true life is Eternal with Jesus. We are citizens of God’s Kingdom, and He loves us. Let the Love and Power and Authority and Light of Jesus and who you are in Him shine into the darkness of the circumstance and deliver the gift of Salvation and Life ! Be free in Christ/JAA

Check out Brave Church ! You can find contact info in my “Ministries I Support “ area. It has blessed my life, and so grateful for who Jeff is, and his love for God’s word.

THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, YOU NEED ONLY TO BE STILL. Exodus 14:14