Keep Moving Forward

As Pastor Tom stated last week in SBBC’s Facebook-Live broadcast, these are uncertain times. However, there seems to be plenty of time to worry and stress over things we cannot control. As a workaholic, I find myself struggling to find my way in these uncertain times. Although it feels like our world has been turned upside down and all routines have been disrupted, I am reminded in Romans 8:28 NKJV (28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.)  that GOD is in this and Christians are to truly love GOD while preparing to be called for HIS Purpose. Like any athlete preparing to play the game, there must be daily exercises that focus our skills to ensure our full potential when the play calls for it. Like the athlete, Christians must prepare ourselves to fulfill GOD’S Purpose in our lives. “What is GOD’S Purpose?” is not the question, but “Are we prepared?” is. I believe to prepare for GOD’S Purpose requires at least these daily exercises:

1. TRUST GOD: As David wrote when he was captured by the Philistines in Gath, “When I am afraid, I will trust in YOU (GOD)” Psalm 56:3 NKJV. As it is also written in 1 Corinthians 2:7 NKJV (6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.), we are reminded of GOD’S Wisdom and how Jesus’ Disciples must have felt hopeless and thought everything they believed in was ending. Yet we know, had not Jesus been led to the cross, we would not be privileged to receive His free pardon from sin. I know that in this verse alone, I need not attempt to understand this pandemic or understand GOD’S Purpose for why. Instead, I need to trust GOD and know that everything is according to HIS Plan.      

2. COMMIT YOUR WORKS: As we voluntarily “shelter in place”, are your works reflective of the Lord or yourself? In Proverbs 16:1-3 NKJV (16 The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. 3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.). I know that I pray daily for the Lord to reveal HIS Will in these uncertain times, but that feels like I am waiting on the Lord to make the first move. I am convicted about my lack of commitment and reading Proverbs, I can see how my lack of true commitment has led to my negative thoughts. I have stopped repeatedly looking at the news.  Today, I read an article on Villanova basketball star Shelly Pennefather. Now Ms. Pennefather was a Villanova basketball player for the 1983-1987 school years and set a school record of 2,408 points in a single year (which still stands today and did it without the three-point shot). Ms. Pennefather was offered $200,000 to play in Japan in 1987. However after playing in Japan for 2 years, Ms. Pennefather made a commitment to serve the Lord as a Nun for the Poor Clares Convent. Wow, that article really spoke to “Commitment”.      

3. REVERE GOD: Our number one purpose should be to revere the ALL-POWERFUL GOD. To revere is to respect and stand in amazement of HIS Glory. In this digital age of knowledge where everything is at our fingertips, we must not depend on what we know or how good we are. Instead, we must lean on Who we know. In Ecclesiatstes 3:14 NKJV (14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.) We must Revere GOD in our lives if we are to recognize our contribution to HIS Purpose in these uncertain times. We must give GOD First priority in our lives.  We must consult HIM before any decision is made.  We must respect HIS plan for us and accept our role as HE reveals it to us.

Certainly these exercises are not exclusive and do not circumvent your daily prayers, but instead boosts your prayers with action. Janet noted in a devotional to “Keep moving forward with the work GOD has given you”. “Keep moving foward” speaks volumes in our current situation. As we struggle to understand what is going on and how to settle into the new “norm”, we are not become stagnant. Life is not on hold.  If everyone is to hear of what Jesus our Lord and Savior has done for them, then we must KEEP MOVING FORWARD. When someone is expressing fear and anxiety about what the future holds, we must share with them how our Lord Jesus Christ can give them a certain future. Finally, when the news seems bleak and we are gripped by anxiety and fear, we must KEEP MOVING FORWARD and commit ourselves to GOD, trusting that HIS Will and Timing are perfect. May GOD Bless you all in these challenging times!