I just want to tell you a couple of things that were an encouragement to me this past week. On Sunday morning in our Bible class (that's at 9:30 am), we are studying "suffering & evil". You might say, "I get enough of that during the week, why in the world do I want to hear about gloom & doom on Sunday mornings too!". Well, it's not exactly like that. We really had some good discussion about who's responsible for the evil and suffering that happens on earth. Is it God's will? Is it because man has messed everything up? Is God punishing us?
In fact, the discussion was so good, that we didn't get too far into the lesson. So, I want to give you a couple of things we didn't cover so you can be thinking about them...
Read Daniel 3:13-18. We know the story about Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego. Here are three guys who refused to bow down to the king's golden image. These guys believed that their God had the power necessary to deliver them. But the most amazing thing I get out of reading the story now is in verse 18..."but even if He does not (deliver us), let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
These guys were willing and ready to go to the mat for their God. They knew what the consequences would be if they refused to bow down to the false god, but they chose their God.
This story also blends right in with the scripture from Sunday morning worship. Proverbs 3:5-7 -Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Sometimes things happen that we don't understand. This past week my uncle, 63 years old with no major physical problems, was stung by a wasp and died within a couple of hours. We question, "why did this happen?" How come? What's the purpose? Why now?
Sometime things occur through the process of life. My daughter left for college this past week (gulp!). The little girl that used to sit on my lap, run and hug me when I got home (well she still does do that) is now starting the next chapter of her life, and "dad" just doesn't think she's ready for the the nasty, evil world that's waiting her...There are too many unknowns out there. She's too naive. She's not ready for college. She won't know what to do. I won't be there to hold her when she's sad..."trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...He shall direct your paths."
God is in control and get this...He know's what He's doing. Our plans are not His plans. Are we really, truly giving everything over to Him. Do we really trust Him to take it?
Have a great rest of the week!! Hope to see you Sunday!
Todd Nince
