Trying times + Christ = Peace

These are very trying times. The after effects of the terrorist attack have been devastating. In addition to the shock, horror, and insanity of the loss of life and personal tragedy, billions of dollars have gone up in smoke, the stock market has plunged to dangerous levels, over one hundred thousand workers have already been laid off with more to come, businesses, (like mine), have been totally disrupted with sales at a standstill. The economy is already in a recession and could slide into a depression. Whew! Kind of depressing isn’t it?

Yesterday some of the leaders of our company and I met to discuss strategy to overcome some of the very difficult problems facing our company. As I looked around the room I could see the look of fear in several people’s eyes. Uncertainty abounds and with uncertainty comes fear. Perhaps it is the fear of losing one’s job, or perhaps those who are getting on airplanes fear losing their life. Some are afraid of the unknown. It is times like this that we must let God’s presence calm our hearts and give us peace.

I am not afraid to fly, nor am I afraid of dying, even though I realize that there is always risk when I get on an airplane. I am not afraid of losing my business, even though I know that the economy is going to get far worse and many businesses will soon face bankruptcy. I know that all of us in this country are in the same boat and we will weather this storm as we have weathered others. Perhaps some things in our lifestyles will have to change. If so, we can and will adapt and move forward. Whatever happens, I know that God is right here with me and will remain there forever. That is sufficient for me and therefore I am not the least bit worried and/or afraid of what is coming next. I am sincere when I say that. I feel genuine sorrow for those who do not have the peace of God surrounding them. I know that my wife has this peace. We have talked about it at length.

The Bible teaches that it is a sin to worry. Jesus talked about it innumerable times. God wants us to rely on Him, not ourselves. If we do so, there is no reason to worry. If we trust that God is in control and will take care of us according to HIS plan for our lives, it is easier to sit back, enjoy the ride, leave the driving to Him, and watch how everything unfolds. This is not to say that it will always be pretty. Just the opposite, the Bible teaches that we NEED trials and tribulation to help build character and perseverance whereby we can stand firm until the end.

Trying times draw us closer to God. It has always been difficult for me to understand why the Bible teaches that we should actually be happy when we face tribulation and undergo trials. I can understand it far better now because this crisis has definitely brought me and my family back closer to God. Closeness to God brings a serene sense of peace and calm even when faced with the most trying times. The closer I get to God, the better my life is. It is quite a paradox because prior to all of this happening I didn’t face near the problems that I face today, but I did not have the peace that I have today.

How can you have this peace? Do as I have done, ask God through prayer to give it to you. Do not pray that you will not lose your job, house, or car, instead pray that God’s will for your life be done. Ask Him to help you to submit and give you whatever strength that you need to surrender your own will for your life, and what you think is best for your life to Him. Like the song says: “I surrender all”. It is much more peaceful when you just turn everything over to Him. Remember the Bible teaches that you are not here on this earth by accident. God knows you individually; He has a purpose for your life. We must seek that purpose and do our utmost to fulfill it. We can only do that with His help. He wants to help, but we must ask for it. Try it, you will like it.

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Phil.4:6,13
Be anxious for nothing, but in
everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard
your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.
————
I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.