These are difficult times for many people. We hear of those who are now unemployed and some even losing their homes. There seems to have been more natural disasters recently. We hear of famines and hunger in so many places even here in the United States. Things certainly are not as comfortable for most as they were 10-15 years ago. Our culture/society is changing with a strong swing to a "serve me first" mentality. Instead of thinking of others first or serving others we want our own needs met. We even see this among our leaders and those who are supposed to be role models. We are also seeing more overt attacks against our Christian values.
We pray, crying out to God for help, for deliverance, and for His peace. We seek Him for direction in these times of trouble and unrest. He loves us so much and He answers our cries. He sends and comorts us with His Holy Spirit and reassures us with His Word; but often these are not the responses for which we are looking. We are looking for a more "natural" or "physical" response. Perhaps we wanted to see our enemies defeated. Maybe we were expecting a huge inheritance check in the mail.
We still have bills to pay. Our mortgage has become an impossible burden in this economic climate. Our car has held together much longer than we expected, and yet we know we cannot just run out and buy another one. Maybe for some it has become increasingly more difficult to maintain relationships with those around you. Perhaps those you work with and maybe even some of your own family members have become a burden to you. Instead of finding "joy" with them you seem to be at odds and in a state of conflict and turmoil. Instead of receiving the answers to our prayer (the answer we wanted) we are left feeling even deeper disappointment, deeper concerns, and maybe even fear as we look at the landscape of our wilderness journey.
Why? Why?
Why do we still have unrest, doubts and fears?
WE HAVE NOT FOUND OUR RESTING PLACE IN GOD.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV) "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls."
In the Book of Hebrews it says there remains a "rest" for the people of God. Pastor has recently been teaching on the subject of "The Word of God." He has really brought a lot of insight into the power and effectiveness of God's word in our lives. If you have not been paying attention, get the messages and listen again. Truly, your Heavenly Father is answering your cries, your prayers in these messages. It's up to us to discern His voice and to listen. Noah preached 120 years and no one listened and received what he had to say except his own family.
Recently on a Wednesday night service Pastor was sharing about the two miracles of feeding the multitudes. One time they fed 5,000 men and the other time they fed 4,000 men. Many scholars believe the actual numbers were significantly more as the scriptures do not mention the women and children who were apparantly also present. The point that Pastor was making in regards to these two miracles is that in each instance His own disciples didn't get it. The disciples, failed to understand the provision of God, the ability of God, and the willingness of God. God was right there in their midst and they did not have the discernment, the awareness. The scripture even says, "Their hearts were hardened."
When you pray are you looking for an external answer? Are you expecting God to respond to a situation in the same way you would? Do you want worldly/natural answers from a spiritual/heavenly God? Beloved He came down to redeem us to take us back up into His presence.
Stop looking to the world for answers! Our founding fathers understood that it was only God Himslef who would provide us with care and sustenance. So many of the original documents of this nation testify of the Providence of God. We as Christians, of all people, must get back to a understanding, a true faith, that God is our source. He fed the thousands at one setting. HE CAN STILL MEET OUR NEEDS!
Dear child of God, do you not know that there is an abundant supply for you? Even as I say this some of you are still thinking carnally, you may desire the wealth of this world. What God has promised us is the His seed will never beg for bread. The thousands that were fed did not complain about the gift, they thankfully received what was offered.
Trust in the Lord. Understand the power of His Word even as it is working in you. He will take care of you in times of famine. It is in our most difficult times that God expects us to call upon Him. He wants us to lean upon His everlasting arms.
Do you need peace? Do you really desire rest for your soul? His voice is clear. The sound of His word is going forth. We must simply trust and obey.
Below are a few scriptures I would encourage you to look up and read. Spend some quiet time in His presence, and allow His Holy Spirit the opportunity to bring revelation and insight into His desire to be your provider. It was never intended to be any other way. Take hold of these scriptures, as they are "life" and "peace." You will finally realize the Father really does have your best interest at heart. He has already made provisions for you and will bring its release when you cease from your own labors. Wait for Him, only then will you find "rest" for your soul.
(Hebrews 3:10-12; Hebrews 4:9-11; Matthew 11:28-29; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 132:11-15; Psalm 33; Psalm 62:8; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Jeremiah 10:23; Isaiah 54:11-14; Proverbs 3:5)
- Dan Johnson
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