When Nothing Makes Sense
Sometimes I wonder if we really understand some Scriptures that are very familiar to us. Like this one where Jesus says, “In this world you will have tribulation but take courage I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) If we really hear what Jesus is saying, we aren’t going to be surprised when trials, suffering and difficulties arrive. We can’t avoid them, these problems that can hit us hard at various times in our life. I was on the phone to Thailand recently because a beloved member of the church I visit had tragically died. I was asked, “I don’t understand Pastor Jay. She was so young, the mother of a seven-year old, so much to live for. Why?”
There is only one answer. We live in a fallen world, in which sin and Satan hold sway. It’s a world that was quite willing to crucify the best man that ever lived. A world in which greed and power and self become so important that anything that gets in its way is often just eliminated. God has made it very clear what our attitude needs to be concerning this world. “Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and its lusts, but the one who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
The word “world” means a fallen system in which we live, a fallen humanity, and the skewered values of this system. It does not mean the beautiful things God has created, such as a majestic mountain or stunning sunset or an arching wave. So it’s important we are cognizant of what this world really is. That there’s going to be trouble but Jesus promises to see us through, and will always be in the boat with us when the storms rage the fiercest. And as we stay true to God, the real world where we will live in forever is shining on the horizon.
This is how I believe we should live in this world. Appreciate all the good things God has given us. Seek to love God and others. But realize this is not our home. Our real home is yet to come. We are on a pilgrimage right now, and one focus we should have is trying to help others work through the difficulties of their journey. And when troubles come our way, keep them in perspective. Do not be surprised because this world can be a tough place at times. Try living in the Middle East right now. Let us try and make a difference in the lives of others. Desiring to lift burdens. Bringing encouragement. Attempting to turn the focus of others upon Christ. And thinking on everything possible that’s good.
And when we don’t understand, let us hold tightly onto God and say to Him, “I am going to trust you Lord, even when none of this makes sense.”
| In Case You Missed It: Here is the recap video that we showed at church last Sunday! This video shows highlights from the 2015 High School summer road trip from Laguna Beach to Victoria, Canada. Freshmen Addie Briggs did an excellent job of putting this together! Thank you Addie |
Prayer Needs This Week
- Dorrie Skadal, undergoing chemo for advanced leukemia
- Pray for the prison ministry work of Bill Devlin and Ed Volk
- Kristine – cancerous colon removed next Monday
- Mike Montgomery, former pastor of our church, speaking this Sunday
- Yvonne Armstrong’s mother – to walk again after a stoke
Inspiring Word: “Let the light of God’s glory shine so brightly that everyone may come to recognize the inestimable value of all human life. Even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.” Attributed to the church father, Irenaeus
May the Presence of the Lord be real to you this week.
Pastor Jay