Start from zero
By Christopher Myers
Difficulties are sure. Life is full of ups and downs, obstacles we’d never have imagined and processes for remedies that are both annoying and expensive. This is also sure: we have a choice as far as how we respond to our circumstances.
When things are going well, each of us has an easy go of it and there is really little effort to be happy under these circumstances. But when things turn difficult or confusing, how often have you thought, “Why does God let this happen?” When things are going well, do you Praise the Lord? I can tell you, God is using the current circumstances in my life to give me strength. This strength is not man made strength like we’d see in a body builder’s physique or in a Wall Street mogul’s portfolio. Rather it is a strength that comes directly from our Maker. Strength is a character. Strength is a commodity that comes from endurance and being tested.
David was rescued many times by God, and here is a portion of his song of praise: “You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turn my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.”
2 Samuel 22:29-34
Strength is not purposeless; it is a great asset. What good is strength if we are unsatisfied by its power? Strength is not to be used for selfish ambition—that is called arrogance. The emergencies in my life that are surrounding me could be debilitating and act to push me further away from God. Indeed that is what happens to most of us as we ask why— we become self absorbed and indignant at the process. But the satisfaction of painful humbling growth is that it blossoms into strength.
What is awesome about God-given strength is that it keeps us anchored to the One Who Knows. Like David or Naomi we can navigate through hair-raising obstacles while remaining in his grip, because it is HIS STRENGTH. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
This notion, or promise that we can do everything is not based upon our own egotistical desires, as I used to exemplify, rather it is based on the nitty-gritty challenges and needs God himself puts in our daily lives to deal with: His plan being worked out in us. Accepting this, our responses to circumstances become the workout and discipline that bring strength.
Christopher Myers is a designer/writer/forgiven sinner and has fellowshipped with believers around the world. Faith is his passion. Email him at c.myers@me.com