Thoughts for another day

August 24, 2012.

Today's verse: 2 Ki 3:17. For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When things don't go the way you wanted or become too suffocating to live in what do you do?  As humans we may be tempted to blame God for things that don't turn to our joy but to our disgust; because we always see bad things as bad, not as opportunities for great good by a great display of God's power.  I'll speak of the death of Jesus on the Cross: His apostles would've been appalled and frustrated that He died.  Some would've even thought on the lines of what others said, 'He saved others but He can't save Himself!'  And some would even wonder whether He was the Son of God!!!   But because Jesus died, we were saved and the greatest miracle that God ever worked of saving men was accomplished – right on the Cross of Calvary and what was to be a symbol of shame was transformed into a symbol of glory.  I don't understand why God works that way: first defeat and then victory.  I believe He is that way and I reckon He does it to display His great power in our favor, for how else will we ever experience the greatness of His power?

Our Scripture holds a tremendous work of God through Elisha His prophet.  Joram's attempt to beat Moab turns sour as he moves toward Moab with his army for the water runs out. He thinks Moab will now destroy them.  But Elisha prophesies the above Word and it happens exactly as he says.  Imagine, no rain, no sign of water, yet the valley and the catch basins they dig are filled with water; a remarkable work of God, and that too for Joram, who does evil before Him.  But God did it because the king of Judah who was sincere with Him, was with Joram and Elisha clearly mentions it in v 14.  Similarly God does great things when His men seek Him in their distress.  There're myriad instances in the Bible where God does great things for His people.  Remember what God did for the Israelites when they left Egypt: The manna, the quails and of course the water from the rock.  Don't forget also that even though they were in the desert for 40 years, neither the clothes they wore nor their footwear wore out; Deut. 29:5.  Yeah, and David a Shepherd boy could kill Goliath, a giant military man with a sling and stones; and so many other examples; the wonderful, wonderful works of God.

Sometimes we too are caught up in some trouble which could even be devastating.  But before you start cursing God and blaming Him for your tragedy, remember Him.  Bring to mind the testing of Job and praise Him.  Say to Him, 'Lord I know this is a test and at the end you'll give me a great blessing.  And believe me, when I say this…God will work for you.  He loves when you remember Him as your Savior and look up to Him with a plea in your eyes.  His heart melts when you do that; and then tell me, how can He not help?