We stress all day long worrying about results that will be revealed tomorrow. In other words, we are living today what we worried about yesterday. And today? We will worry about what we will live tomorrow based on today’s results.
Jesus assuaged the feelings of those who worry constantly… and it appears to be in the section of scripture we commonly call The Sermon on the Mount.
Therefore take no thought, saying,
What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow:
for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
(Matthew 6:31-34 KJV)
What was the sufficiency he expected us to live with? His peace given to us from him directly. (John 14:27, 16:33)
Think about Paul for a moment. He was Stoned at Lystra, thought to be dead, yet arose to continue his teaching. That must have been his worse day ever! Right?!!? Well, scripture says he re-entered the city, continued his mission, and even dared to come back again! (Acts 14:19-23) In the face of what might have been considered a “sign” from some, he simply goes about his daily business of reaching the masses, forming new congregations, and teaching overseers to continue the job. Tribulations are things we must pass through!
Early This Morning
I’m reminded, as we read the results of yesterday’s voting, there are winners, losers, victory parties, and “oh, well, next time” meetings. But we must keep moving forward. These times come and go. Victory and Loss cost us all. After all, the Presidential race alone is estimated at a 14 billion dollar expenditure. Now. Add in all the races, federal, state, and local… My. My.
Winning and losing costs us all!
When Israel was leaving captivity from Egypt, they were confronted by the Red Sea. The enemy was challenging their flanks, but the obstacle before them made them wish they had never left their lowly state! They complained to Moses, and Moses went to God. God had a solution that would challenge every person to keep moving forward lest they die.
Man wished they had stayed home… I’m sure Moses had a prayer! Pray that the Red Sea drains, or a bridge is built over, or a tunnel under… Pray that the enemy will lose heart and go home… Pray… Pray… Pray… Just don’t complain.
Imagine God’s solution. Tell Israel “…that they go forward…” (Exodus 14:15). He did not give them the solution they sought, rather, he tells them to simply keep moving forward.
That’s leaving today, and moving into tomorrow, where God has a solution we have not even imagined!
Are You Ready?
We hear it every election cycle. If so and so wins, I’m moving. Canada. Australia. Costa Rica. Anywhere but here. Sure. You can do that. But is it any better there? Maybe. Maybe not.
I think the key is we must simply keep moving forward wherever it is God has ordained us to live! Solutions are not found in abandoning the rescue or the hardship, but pitching in with all our might to keep moving forward.
When we feel the sting of loss, it should not make us want to flee. Rather, we need to simply keep moving forward! God is in our tomorrow. He was with us yesterday. God is here right now. Click To TweetThimk It Through
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. A Song For Alamoth.
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
(Psalms 46:1-11 NKJV)
Thimk and Do (Click to Read my thought on Thimk!)