A FAMILIAR QUESTION
He is the Mighty God
Did you ever wonder why God allowed certain things to happen in your life? If He is the mighty God, as the Bible says He is, don’t you think He could have prevented these things from happening? Of course He could. Then why did He allow them to happen?
Two young parents were blessed with a precious baby. Several months after his birth, the baby became seriously ill and died. The grieving parents asked, “Why did God allow this to happen?” Probably, there are thousands of such questions directed to God every day. “Why did God do this?” “Why did God permit such a thing?” Let us think about the question “why?” as it pertains to God.
True believers trust
The true believer (that is, one who has sincerely trusted Christ for salvation) need never ask God why. Our God knows best in everything. What He permits for us is the very best, even though this may be far beyond our comprehension. He tells us in His word that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Often, that which appears to be the darkest hour of life is merely God’s intervention to preserve us from something even more severe.
God gets our attention
James Thornhill, the famous English painter, had just finished the picture on which he was working in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. As he made the final stroke with his brush, his arms relaxed and an expression of satisfaction slowly appeared on his face. A few friends had gathered to watch the great artist complete the painting. As Thornhill stood admiring his work, he started stepping backward on the scaffold. With his eyes and mind fixed on the painting, he did not realize he was nearing the edge. One more step and he would have plunged to his death. A quick-thinking friend, realizing that it would be disastrous to call to him, picked up a brush, dipped it in paint, and threw it past Thornhill’s head, striking and marring the masterpiece of art. Thornhill did what his friend expected. He stepped forward to the painting. Thus, his life wa s saved. Learning the purpose of the shocking disappointment, Thornhill was most grateful. He proceeded to clean and re-finish the painting, thankful that his life had been spared.
Rest in His promise
Frequently it may be necessary for God to spoil our picture of life with some distressing disappointment. We may not have the purpose so clearly told us, as did Thornhill, but be assured, God knows the purpose. This being true, we may rest in the promise of His word as found in Hosea 14:9, For the ways of the LORD are right.
Trials are permitted
The trials God permits in the believer’s life are designed to make us more steadfast and confident in relying wholly on Christ. A life of obedience and complete dependence is not easily realized. It must be learned, as Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11. I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Unpleasant, yet useful
These so-called experiences (while never welcome) may serve a more useful purpose than we can suppose. If handled with spiritual discernment, they add unsuspected dimensions to the soul. Failure of our plans may banish our cocksureness, our false pride, and an unsympathetic outlook, so that we may enter joyfully into the fullness of the stature of Christ. You see, God has so many lessons to teach us. His most effective school is affliction. Without suffering, we would know nothing of sympathy. Those of us who have never been made to wait are totally devoid of patience. The heart that has never ached under the strain of a tremendous burden has never discovered the meaning of understanding. Some of the best qualities God has wrought in us are the result of the heavy blows of what we have frequently termed “misfortune.” How we react in the face of trials is the really important matter. We may become embittered and cynical; but on the other hand, through implicit trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall recognize that new dimensions have been added to our lives. Indeed, the testings of life are like knives. They either cut us, or serve us - depending on how we grasp them. Trials may crush us, or strengthen us - depending on whether we face them repulsively or graciously. Afflictions are always blessings to us when we bless God for the afflictions.
Adapting in the hard places
A certain man had a garden which might have been very beautiful, had it not been disfigured by an immense boulder which reached far under the soil. He tried to blast it out with dynamite, but in the attempt only shattered the windows of his house. Being determined, he unsuccessfully used one violent method after another to get rid of the boulder until he died of worry and blighted hopes. The heir saw the hopelessness of trying to remove the boulder and set to work utilizing it in adding to the beauty of the garden. With skill and ingenuity, he covered it with vines, flowers, and ferns. Many commented on the exquisite beauty of the unusual rock garden. The owner could never quite decide which gave him the greater happiness: the beauty of his garden or his success in adapting himself to the thing that was too deep to move.
The apostle Paul's garden
This reminds me of a great New Testament saint by the name of Paul. The garden of the apostle’s life was marred by a huge boulder, which he termed a thorn in the flesh. Three times he prayed to God, seeking divine removal of the thorn. What was the reply? My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The boulder had to remain, but God gave all-sufficient grace to live with it. Because of Paul’s devotedness to Christ, the boulder became beauty, the heartache became joy, and the misery was mastered. Never was his usefulness hindered or his service ineffective. His attitude was, most gladly therefore will I rather glory in mine infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. He could say with confidence, ainI can do all things through Christ which stengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13.)
What will you do?
You too can do all things through Christ if you will trust Him. Don’t worry. Don’t fret. Claim the promises of God.
He is always with you
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust(Psalm 91:1,2).
MUSIC WITH A MESSAGE
The CD by Sammy Poole, produced especially for Glad Tidings, contains 25 songs by Sammy.
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Codes, Tales, and Other Gospels
by Gary Janes
We are being bombarded with fantastic stories about Jesus Christ, the early disciples, and other complex fantasies. Do these so called “new discoveries” affect your faith in the Bible, in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit? Your answer should be a resounding, “NO!” But, this is not the case for many who have claimed to be Christians for years.
The field of apologetics (the defense of the faith based on researched documentation and sound reasoning) is broad and certainly not every person is expected to be able to debate the heretics on each point of contention, but we will all do well to be aware of the origin of the Holy Bible. For example, did you know that there is more evidence to support the authenticity of the Bible than any other ancient document? Did you know that the eye witness reports that we have were written within 40 years after Jesus' death and resurrection, and yet the earliest biographies of Alexander the Great were written 400 years after his death! And they are not even questioned.
What you don't know can hurt you. For example, if you do not know that the Bible has been copied, time and again, throughout the centuries, and that we have no originals, and that many of the books of the Bible have been compiled from fragments written on different kinds of material, does that shake your faith? If so, what you are missing is the fact that the Bible has sufficient evidence from both religious and secular ancient sources to deem it trustworthy.
If you are interested in exploring this area of your Christian faith, then read the book, The Case for Christ, written by Lee Strobel. You can get it in a Christian bookstore, or from the Internet.
Know what you believe and why you believe, and be able to withstand the critics! They are mistaken. Don't fall for their false fantasies!
Studying with Dr. Blair
Study the Gospel of John, an authentic gospel, with Dr. Blair by reading the book, Living Eternally. Dr. Blair wrote this commentary in the same manner as he speaks. Someone told us that reading his book was just like listening to him on the radio, and that she could almost hear his voice!
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