Ready for Anything
Wise men store up knowledge, Proverbs 10:14a
Bad stuff happens – even to Christians. We have recently had a string of prayer requests for really sad happenings in the lives and families of our believing friends. I am sure you have, too. It is what happens in life. Grief, illness, broken relationships, financial loss and hardships, poverty, earthquakes, and accidents. That was this week.
Many Christians have testified to the comfort and faithfulness of God (He is Faithful posted 1/18/10) as they have gone through these hardships. Many wonder how anyone can get through them without God.
Hebrews chapter 11 sites example after example of the people of God who stood firm in their faith and were able to achieve great things in spite of fear or suffering. Look at what that chapter says about Moses and his family’s faith.
“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.” (Hebrews 11:23-28)
Moses’ faith gave him the courage to face some pretty harrowing challenges because it was in place when the challenges arose. When God offered Moses faith he took it.
God is the giver of faith but we are not always willing receivers. We see and hear of opportunities to grow our faith through regular attendance at our churches, participation in Bible studies, or even fellowship with other believers but we turn it down. We say we’re too busy. We think that it will stifle some freedom that we have or we just plain would rather be doing something else like watching a game or playing one on the computer!
Then, when the difficult circumstances come there is little in our minds for the Holy Spirit to use in helping us. John 14:26 says that the Holy Spirit will bring to our remembrance all that Jesus has said to us. If we don’t offer Jesus the opportunity to speak to us by being in His Word or spending time listening to others teach and preach it – what will He have to bring to our remembrance? This makes our difficult times even more difficult.
You and I are offered many opportunities to hear the Word of God preached, to fellowship with other believers, to hear the stories of how our gracious and merciful God ministered to others in their troubles (and the peace that they live in now because of it). We always have the choice of going or refusing. Next time, will we choose to go and hear from God to add to our faith or will we make excuses or choose more exciting opportunities that prepare us for nothing beyond the next game or the next sequel to the show?
Difficult times come in life, fear-producing situations occur, people die and future financial stability is uncertain. We all may need to be reminded of God’s goodness and His attributes that speak of His mercy, His provision and His grace. Is there a ready supply of the knowledge of God and His faithfulness stored up for the next storm in our lives? Will you and I have the faith and godly courage to face whatever life brings?