PURPOSE RESIDES IN PRESSURE
Amid the recurrent problems, pains and pressures of daily life, it
is rather easy to succumb to anxiety, worry, fear, and even depression.
However, I am in possession of a personal prescription that is a sure-fire
remedy for troubled times. Whenever I feel situationally challenged or
overwhelmed, my heart always leads me to “THE ROCK that is higher than I.”
(Psalm 61:2) Typically, this redirection of my spirit is accomplished
through conscientious participation in prayer, praise and the power that is
present in the Word of God.
One of my favorite scripture passages serves the occasional need to
refocus rather well:
Romans 8:28-31 (NKJV)
28 And we know that ALL
THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD to THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, to THOSE
WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed
to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many
brethren.
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called,
these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO [OR WHAT]
CAN BE AGAINST US?
We must never forget: PURPOSE
ALWAYS RESIDES IN PRESSURE.
Therefore, any situation which seems completely incidental,
coincidental, haphazard or even problematic is likely to be a providential door
to divine destiny. Pay attention. Phenomenal possibilities
frequently emerge from irritating conditions. If you have difficulty
believing this, consider the oyster that produces a priceless pearl from an
unlikely grain of sand, or the brilliant diamond that emerges from meager
substances and pressurized conditions.
The following story by an unknown author captures the undeniable
truth that GOD stands by us (ALWAYS) as “a very present help in
trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 – Matthew 28:20)
The
only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,
uninhabited island. He prayed
feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned
the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Totally exhausted,
he eventually managed to build a tiny driftwood hut to protect him
from the elements and to store his few possessions.
However, after
scavenging for food one day, he arrived home to find his hut
engulfed in flames, with the smoke rolling upwards in the sky. The
worst thing possible had happened, and everything was lost. The man was
stunned with grief and anger. “God, how could you do this to me!” he
cried.
Early
the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship
approaching the island. It had arrived to rescue him.
“How did you know I was here?” inquired the weary man of his rescuing
sailors. “We simply saw your smoke signal,” they replied.
It is so easy to
get discouraged when things are going bad. But we should
not lose heart because GOD is at work in our lives, even in the
midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time
your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be the
smoke signal that summons the grace of God.
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And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we
shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all
else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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