But God, I Just Don’t Get It: Your house burns to the ground. You lose a child in a tragic accident. You’re stricken with a long lasting illness; you are unjustly accused. Someone you love breaks your heart. You become so discouraged with life you barely hang on.
A recap of my message from Sunday for those of you who missed it or would like the notes. The message came out of the last verse of Acts 24 where Paul has been languishing in prison for over two years. Though in trusting the Lord, Paul must have experienced some tough days cooped up in jail for so long. Below are a five principles to help you understand troubling seasons.
When We Wonder What Is Going On?
- Sometimes life makes no sense whatsoever. For no apparent reason great difficulties suddenly hit us. We suffer a terrible loss; illness blindsides us; we’re overwhelmed with something. Why is Paul languishing in jail for over two years? What the heck is going on? Only God knows. Isaiah 55:8,9
- We’re hurting, confused and discouraged and our tendency is to retreat, run to some temporary comfort, self-medicate, get angry at God, curse life. Paul could have done that. There is only one solution – persevere, endure, keep going, trust God, and believe God is at work, that you will get through it. Psalm 84 1 Peter 1:7
- Delays are maddening. Delays are frustrating. Delays tax our faith. Delays make us crazy. You better believe Paul had some trying days. But a favorite truth of mine is this: “The greater the delay, the greater the answer when it arrives. Joseph, Hannah, Zacharias (Mandela, Wurmbrand) Genesis ch’s 39-41; 1 Samuel ch 1; Luke ch 1
- You make a big mistake to believe man can control your life. Never. No matter how severe a problem, or difficult another person is, it is God overseeing everything. The religious leaders, Felix, Festus, Agrippa are not controlling Paul. God always has His way. Proverbs 16:9, 19:21
- Complete surrender, devoting yourself fully to God, brings freedom. How do you experience the greatest peace and contentment in your trials? How did Paul? By fully surrendering to God, believing everything that happens in your life either comes directly from God or God has permitted it for His purposes in your life. Romans 12:1,2
A typical Sunday morning when the Little Church congregation blesses the kids before they leave for class.
Prayer Focus This Week
- My son Micah undergoing back surgery tomorrow to repair a bad disc. You might remembered his car was totaled and he barely escaped with his life a few months ago when a drunk driver his him head-on.
- Debbie DeSimone – stem cell implants at the City of Hope as she fights this cancer battle. Pray for emotional state also.
- My brother-in-law Mark Blumenfeld undergoing open heart surgery next week to repair an impaired valve
- The upcoming Good News Club at El Morro
- Unsaved husband and wives
- Continue to pray for the Flemings to find the right house in Laguna
Remember that we must walk by faith, not by sight, as we journey through this life.
Pastor Jay