Yesterday, as I drove to a meeting, I returned a call from a leader of our community who was praying for me. In our conversation, I discovered that he was also facing some difficult situations in his work that were taxing, draining, life sapping kind of problems. He shared his heart with me and the desire for God’s will to be done in his work, leadership situation. I appreciated his heart for “God’s will” to be done in this situation, not his selfish desires. His desire was not for self preservation, but for the well-being and effectiveness of those he was responsible to supervise. He was concerned that some in his line of supervision were casting shadows of doubt and accusation regarding his leadership. I was reminded of James 3:13-18 as we talked.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
We each agreed to read and meditate on these verses as we prayed for each other and our responsibilities of leadership in difficult and sometimes confusing circumstances. Isn’t great that as members of Christ’s body, the church, we don’t have to go through our trials and tribulations, struggles and strife alone?
Just as I ended the call, I looked out as I was driving and saw the most beautiful sunset in the western sky over Longview. I knew he was outside as well watching one of his children at soccer practice. I texted him back, “Look at this beautiful sunset and know God is in charge.” He texted back, “No doubt.” Then, as I woke this morning and was spending time with the Father, I looked out the window and saw the first signs of daylight in the eastern sky over the Honey Suckle Farms lake. I got my iPhone and captured it as a time -lapse photo. Enjoy! As I was reading in Job I read these verses and then cross referenced the following verses:
Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. Job 11:7-9,ESV He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV) Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:3 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” Romans 11:33–34 (ESV) If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! Psalm 139:8 (ESV)
As I contemplate the majestic sunset and sunrise and anticipate this evenings sunset I think these words that I love to share with people in our Covid filled, politically, racially divided, hatred and strife driven world in 2o21, “God’s Got This and God’s Got You!” So watch this beautiful time-lapse sunrise, March 26, 2021 and take a deep breath, and say, “God’s got _________________ and God’s got (your name)!” Rejoice in the Lord! This is the day He has made, rejoice and be glad in it!
RESTORING HOPE 