Uncontainable Power and Love

Uncontainable Power and Love

by | Oct 27, 2023 | Disappointment, God, Prayer

My mom used to say that when we keep our eyes on others, we’ll always be disappointed. However, if we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will never fail us.

God convicted me on this over the last few days.

In reading a chapter in Jesus and Women by Kristi McLelland, I was reminded how important it is to focus my mind and heart on God.

“When we stare at our lives and glance at God, the troubles and problems in our lives can begin to look huge. If we’re not careful, our problems take up most of the space in our thoughts and consequently govern our hearts and emotions.

When we intentionally focus our minds and hearts on God, our troubles take on their proper perspective. God helps us to see them in light of His generous justice, His generous lifting up in our lives.”

Kristi McLelland, Session Six, Jesus and Women

Where is our focus?

The question is . . . is our focus on God or ourselves?

Many times, we try to fight our battles in our own way – instead of placing focus on Jesus and allowing Him to work.

When the King of Assyria’s field commander camped outside Jerusalem taunting the people of Judah, the people were silent (as they had been commanded by King Hezekiah). After Assyria’s attempts at manipulation, Hezekiah’s ambassadors came to him with torn clothes and the words from Assyria.

As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the House of the Lord. 2 Kings 19:1

I love that after Hezekiah hears the word from Assyria, he goes to God. He doesn’t respond to the enemy’s threat. His first stop in the middle of his despair is to go to the Lord.

Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it: and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD. 2 Kings 19: 14-15a (Read the full story in 2 Kings 19)

Praying for help

So what will we do

  • When we’re accused?
  • When we’re ridiculed?
  • When we’re tempted?
  • When we question whether the Lord is enough?

Will we lay it before the Lord and pray for help?

Let’s follow Hezekiah’s lead and go to God first. Let’s place our focus on who God is and His uncontainable power and love.

 

God completes what He starts

As I have thought on this, I also came across scripture that reminded me that he didn’t start something in me only to fail to finish it.

One of the most familiar verses in scripture, Philippians 1:6, reminds us that God completes what He starts. Jesus didn’t do all He’s done just to leave us alone. His love is beyond comprehension. His power is uncontainable.

God has a word for us. Set our eyes on Him. Place our focus on Him.

I like how bestselling author David Platt says it.

“Don’t lose heart. Don’t give up. Don’t doubt the passion and ability of God to fulfill the plans of God for you and for the world.  – David Platt

 

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

 

 

 

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Straight to the Source

Straight to the Source

by | Aug 22, 2023 | Disappointment, God, Trust

Have you ever wondered how someone as brave and gallant as King David could do an about-face and run from his son Absalom?

Absalom had campaigned against David, garnered support and attempted to take over the throne. (See 2 Samuel 15) With all David had been through and as Israel’s greatest king, why did he take the escape route?

There are several thoughts on this. 1) He wanted to spare Jerusalem from destruction and innocent people from suffering. 2) He wanted to spare his own life. 3) Because of his own sin, he saw the coming attack as God’s discipline. 4) He didn’t want Absalom to be harmed.

I believe David’s words in Psalm 3 also gives us a glimpse into his heart during Absalom’s rebellion. Maybe it was fear that prompted him to fall on his knees and call out to God for deliverance.

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah. (ESV)

 

Finding answers in times like these

Could it be that going through difficult times — even if it’s our own fault or the consequence of our own sin — teaches us, prepares us or moves us along in our journey?

David’s escape from Absalom drove him to God. Although he had had many victories in his life, David committed many sins, as we all do. Yet he knew who to turn to, who to cry out to, who would be sure to answer.

I could write a book about the many things that happened to my family, particularly financially in the last seven months. Not long after we moved into our new home, our 22-year-old truck — parked on the street in front of our house — was hit by another vehicle . . .  and totaled. That truck was the “rite of passage” for my sons as they became first-time drivers. We were about to make that transition for my third and youngest son.

This, along with a host of other repairs and other general issues, sent me wallowing in my misfortune. At one point, my son stopped to ask me “Mom, do you think we’re being tested?” I didn’t know how to answer except to say, “It sure seems like it.”

Oh, I cried out to God but I focused more on complaining to my friends and family. In contrast, Even when betrayed by a family member, David went straight to the source of all comfort — to the one who already knew his situation. While friends offer sympathy and comfort, it is God who lifts my head and answers me.

 

Finding peace in times like these

Times like these do, in fact, draw me closer to God. Difficulties often show me that He is near. And it is in that nearness, peace can be found.

Like David, when fear and disappointment come, I know I can trust Him, not only because he is God and creator of the universe, but because I can see how he has been with me — by my side — over the weeks, months and years. Through each trial, through each heartbreak, through every decision whether good or bad, He is there.

Do you know who to turn to? Who to cry out to? Who is sure to answer? No matter what comes, Jesus Christ is there every step of the way.

 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

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