Hurricane thought

Daniel 3:15 (ESV)

Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

Unlike most natural disasters, hurricanes you can see coming long in advance.  Days before a hurricane hits land, coastal residents still begin to talk about precautions, just in case it hit’s their community.  “Should we get some extra jugs of water and some extra batteries?”   As the weather forecasters narrow the prediction to a smaller area, there’s more talk.  “Should we board up the windows or move things inside the house?”  Finally the discussion turns to evacuation. “Maybe we should go to your mom’s for a few days.”  But hurricanes are unpredictable.  The hurricane might land somewhere unexpected or it could putters out in the cold waters of the Atlantic.  So here you are at a friends house miles away from home, after spending hundreds of dollars on supplies to board up your house and the hurricane didn’t show up.  Are you beginning to think “Maybe that hurricane wasn’t such a big deal after all?”  How do you know if you didn’t see it?

The Bible tells us of three young men that were waiting for a powerful force to come into their lives.  Three young Jewish men were ordered to die by the Babylonian King because they would not bow down and pray to his gods.  Daniel 3:15 tells us the King ordered the men to be thrown into a fiery furnace saying “What God will be able to rescue you from my hands?”  These were good Jewish boys that knew God rescued the Israelites from Egypt and David from Goliath.  But if it’d been me, I might begin to wonder if God was really able to rescue me.  It’s like wondering if a hurricane that didn’t show up was really that powerful all along.

But these three young men had deep and profound faiths.  The young men say “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it… but even if He does not… we will not serve your gods.”  Their faith in the Lord did not rely on Him rescuing them, even if rescue was the desire of their hearts.   Does your faith depend on God’s rescue?

At times it feels that things like grief, cancer, barrenness, addiction, or past traumas are taunting us like the king taunted the young men “What God will be able to rescue you from my hands?”  I will tell you what God- the Lord God Almighty who is a mighty rescuer.  He sent His Son to rescue you by dying on the cross conquering not only sin but death.   Think of that.  There is nothing, not even death that will keep you from the loving arms of Jesus.

If you are living today in a fiery furnace remember this: God is more than able to rescue you from your suffering but even if He does not, you are still victorious in Jesus.  All believers are victorious through the cross.  Victory is already won!

Dear Lord, we pray for safety in front of the storms of live. Help us to completely trust You in each step along the way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

suffering

Romans 8:18 (ESV)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

  

As you read this, some of you have joints that are screaming from rheumatoid arthritis. Some of you are miserable from chemotherapy. Some of you have back pain so severe you can only stand, sit, or sleep for short periods of time. Some of you get frequent headaches so massive that any kind of light or sound is a torture. Some of you are reeling from multiple surgeries, barely recovering from one when doctors tell you to get ready for another. And some of you possess one of a thousand other maladies—physical or emotional. What they all have in common is that they all define what it is to suffer.

It’s often when our suffering is at its worst that the devil walks in, ready to attack our faith. Many times his weapon of choice is the comparison. He points out other people similar to us in age and circumstance. He comments that they don’t seem to have anything near the suffering and pain that we have. And with that, he lets our sinful nature do the rest. He lets our sinful nature drag us away into the dungeon of self-pity.

But the Lord of your life has something to say about this. He speaks though the apostle Paul. Paul, as you may know, is someone who knew all about severe suffering. He grappled with a terrible problem that appeared to plague him until he died. Instead of comparing himself to others who did not have to suffer as he did, Paul made the comparison that really matters. He said, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

What is the specific reason why the Lord is allowing us to suffer? That is not for us to say. Perhaps it is to nurture within us our faith. Perhaps it is to give others around us a living, breathing sermon on Christian courage. Perhaps it is to bring us into contact with a lost soul the Lord will save through our witness. Perhaps it’s for an entirely different reason.

Never forget, however, the comparison that matters. Your temporary suffering is a droplet in comparison to the oceans of joy that await you in heaven. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why he suffered and died for your sins. That’s why he rose. That’s why he lives!

Dear Lord, stand beside us in our suffering. Strengthen us by your Spirit. Remind us that the pain is temporary and that the joy of heaven is eternal. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Thank you for my hurting.

2 Corinthians 1:5-6  (ESV)

5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.

David, a 2-year old with leukemia, was taken by his mother, Deborah, to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, to see Dr. John Truman who specializes in treating children with cancer and various blood diseases. Dr. Truman's prognosis was devastating: "He has a 50-50 chance." The countless clinic visits, the blood tests, the intravenous drugs, the fear and pain--the mother's ordeal can be almost as bad as the child's because she must stand by, unable to bear the pain herself. David never cried in the waiting room, and although his friends in the clinic had to hurt him and stick needles in him, he hustled in ahead of his mother with a smile, sure of the welcome he always got. When he was three, David had to have a spinal tap--a painful procedure at any age. It was explained to him that, because he was sick, Dr. Truman had to do something to make him better. "If it hurts, remember it's because he loves you," Deborah said. The procedure was horrendous. It took three nurses to hold David still, while he yelled and sobbed and struggled. When it was almost over, the tiny boy, soaked in sweat and tears, looked up at the doctor and gasped, "Thank you, Dr. Tooman, for my hurting."

Dear Lord, we thank You for the suffering we go through knowing that through each thing we become stronger for You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

His Grace is Sufficient

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

This week has been one of those weeks that I have asked the question, “Why?” My back pain has flared up and it is difficult to do anything. When things hurt it is easy to complain and ask why.

Suffering, in many ways, remains a mystery, one that we will never fully understand this side of eternity. Today as I prayed to God and searched His word He gave me some simple truths. I hope they are helpful when you are suffering from some pain or situation that is before you.

Suffering produces intimacy with God (Job 42:5).

Job, who endured unspeakable suffering, said, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."

Intimacy with God is often borne in the furnace of affliction.

"There's an opening of the soul that happens during times of stress or duress," says Dr. Hager. "During times of suffering, we experience God at a deep, profound level."

Suffering equips us to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

Suffering gives us compassion for others who are hurting, enabling us to minister more effectively.

"Sufferers want to be ministered to by people who have suffered.

"People who suffer want people who have suffered to tell them there is hope. They are justifiably suspicious of people who appear to have lived lives of ease." Those who have suffered make the most effective comforters.

Suffering refines us. (Isaiah 48:10)

I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."

The meaning of this verse makes it clear that pain and suffering have a way of bringing our strengths and weaknesses to the surface. When the dross floats to the surface, God skims it off; he purifies and refines us to be the radiant bride of Christ.

Suffering produces growth and maturity (James 1:2-4).

If we turn toward God in our pain, He can use our suffering to mature our faith. We see this biblical truth illustrated through the persecuted church. After hearing their testimonies, few would deny that suffering produces beauty and maturity of spirit.

Suffering conforms us into God's image (Romans 8:28-29).

We may be tempted to read these verses to say that God will bring good out of everything. While He can and does redeem pain in our lives, these verses speak of being conformed to God's image through our suffering.

"If we are willing to sit still and let God work, we will find ourselves being transformed into the image of Jesus.

Simply put, when we seek God through His Word and prayer, we find Jesus. Remember, Jesus understands our pain because he, too, suffered.

Dear Lord, we come before You knowing that You faced suffering. We pray that as we go through the times of pain and suffering that we would use them to draw closer to You and to become more of the person that You want us to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5 (NIV)

For his anger lasts only a moment,

    but his favor lasts a lifetime;

weeping may stay for the night,

    but rejoicing comes in the morning.

So many people are hurting because of the poor economy, rumors of wars, facing terminal diseases and attacks of Christians around the world some people have given up hope and some even contemplating suicide.

Where is our world heading? So much pain! So much suffering! Is there really a light at the end of the tunnel?

Thinking of this brings me to remember the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. When the tide is at its lowest, it cripples businesses. Literally thousands of boats find themselves on dry land! It's at these times that we can truly become desperate and hopeless.

Six hours and 13 minutes later, however, the boats find themselves back in the seawater as incoming tides can raise boats up to 53 feet. They are back in business. They are back to the heights of the ocean.

The high tide will always come back! Of that we can be certain! As we read in our verse God promises us something even more powerful: "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (Ps 30:5 NIV)

We will always experience trouble on this Earth but just like the high tide in the Bay of Fundy, rejoicing will always return.

Instead of mourning, we should be rejoicing! Instead of being discouraged we should be thanking God in song! He will take care of us!

Dear Lord, we thank You that in the darkest lowest times You are still there and that Joy comes in the morning. Help us completely put our trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Lessons from the Eiffel Tower

Romans 8:17-18 (NIV)

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Everyone has heard of and seen pictures of the beautiful Eiffel tower, which dominates the skyline of Paris. Most of us, however, know very little about it or its construction. Recently I read a number of very interesting facts about this world-renown monument, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and built to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the French Revolution. Work started in January 1887 and was finished on March 31, 1889. In total, it was in construction for 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days! They sure worked fast in those days!

Fifty engineers and architects put their heads together to complete the blue prints for this massive structure, and it took 250 workers to put it in place. If you think about it, that's a ratio of 1 engineer/architect per 5 workers! Who is more important?

Pickaxes were used to dig to a depth of seven meters, and sixteen stone blocks were used for each corner of the tower. My poor back!

During the construction, there were no elevators for the workers. This meant that going down was much faster than going up!

Scaffolding was used only for the first floor, but not on any of the higher levels. What a nightmare those workers must have faced!

To help the poor workers save time, a cafeteria was built on the first floor. It must have taken them all day to climb up that tower and back!

In 1905, someone succeeded in climbing the stairs to the first floor in 3 minutes and 12 seconds. Unfortunately, no one seems to remember his name. Poor guy! All that running for nothing!

It takes 60 tons of paint to repaint the Eiffel tower each seven years. Twenty-five daredevil painters are hired for 18 months. Naturally, unleaded paint is used to save the environment. The tower itself weighs 10,100 tons, minus the 60 tons of paint naturally!

Between 1982 and 1985, renovations to the Eiffel tower were made. At that time, it somehow lost 1,348 tons of its weight. I wonder what method they used. Would it work for me?

The tower itself is 324 meters high (higher than a building containing 120 floors), and it takes 1,665 steps to go up to the top. Believe it or not, some hated these steps so much that instead they climbed the tower using ropes, just like alpinists.

All in all, a lot of pain and nightmarish effort went into building the Eiffel Tower. Was it worthwhile?

Just ask the millions of tourists who visit her yearly! Some even refer to her as one of the seven wonders of this world.

Can suffering be worthwhile?

Absolutely! Especially if we compare it with the glorious end result!

Dear Lord, we thank You that You can work through everything.  Help us give our sufferings to You and let You carry them for us. I Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Can Suffering be Worthwhile?

Romans 8:17-18 (New International Version)

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

Everyone has heard of and seen pictures of the beautiful Eiffel tower, which dominates the skyline of Paris. Most of us, however, know very little about it or its construction. By going online and searching for information on the Eiffel tower you can learn a number of very interesting facts about this world-renown monument, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and built to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the French Revolution. Work started in January 1887 and was finished on March 31, 1889. In total, it was in construction for 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days! They sure worked fast in those days!

Fifty engineers and architects put their heads together to complete the blue prints for this massive structure, and it took 250 workers to put it in place. If you think about it, that's a ratio of 1 engineer/architect per 5 workers! Who is more important?

Pickaxes were used to dig to a depth of seven meters, and sixteen stone blocks were used for each corner of the tower.

During the construction, there were no elevators for the workers. This meant that going down was much faster than going up!

Scaffolding was used only for the first floor, but not on any of the higher levels. What a nightmare those workers must have faced!

To help the poor workers save time, a cafeteria was built on the first floor. It must have taken them all day to climb up that tower and back!

In 1905, someone succeeded in climbing the stairs to the first floor in 3 minutes and 12 seconds. Unfortunately, no one seems to remember his name. Poor guy! All that running for nothing!

It takes 60 tons of paint to repaint the Eiffel tower every seven years. Twenty-five daredevil painters are hired for 18 months. Naturally, unleaded paint is used to save the environment. The tower itself weighs 10,100 tons, minus the 60 tons of paint naturally!

Between 1982 and 1985, renovations to the Eiffel tower were made. At that time, it somehow lost 1,348 tons of its weight.

The tower itself is 324 meters high (higher than a building containing 120 floors), and it takes 1,665 steps to go up to the top. Believe it or not, some hated these steps so much that instead they climbed the tower using ropes, just like alpinists.

All in all, a lot of pain and nightmarish effort went into building the Eiffel Tower. Was it worthwhile?

Just ask the millions of tourists who visit her yearly! Some even refer to her as one of the seven wonders of this world.

Can suffering be worthwhile?

Absolutely! Especially if we compare it with the glorious end result!

Dear Lord we pray that we would not complain about the process to accomplish what is before us. We pray that we would look forward to the glorious reward that You have for each of us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Suffering for Christ

Suffer! How is suffering a privilege? It's not unless it is for Jesus. Remember how the early apostles were joyful because they were counted worthy to suffer for the name? You see, he suffered for us so we could be saved. When we face suffering for the cause of Christ and his Kingdom, we help inspire others to live faithfully in adversity and show to all the genuineness of our faith. So few have anything worthy of their living, dying, or suffering. We have reason for all three: our lives will be caught up in Jesus' victory!

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him .…

— Philippians 1:29

Dear Lord make us courageous, O God! Help us to be faithful in times of trouble and strong in times of persecution, hardship, and suffering. In Jesus' name. Amen.