He Already Knew

When, in my daily routine, I find myself coming across the same passage of scripture, or the same thought again and again, I must pause and consider that God is trying to say something to me. It happens often, but if I fail to acknowledge it, or fail to stop and listen, it does me no good. I fail to benefit from the Lord's teaching.

Lately I have been dealing with many major struggles in my life. I have brought them to the Lord, honestly seeking His response... and I've waited. Waiting can be a noble thing, being part of God's way in speaking with us. But if we fail to pay attention to Him, waiting becomes fruitless.

As I wait on God, I tend to think about the problem. I wonder what to do. I spend time thinking about ways to deal with the issue. I ask myself questions. I consider the possibilities. I take other people into consideration. I compare it with similar problems and how I've dealt with them in the past. But still, I want God's will, and God's help. I want a miracle-- besides, I want His direct intervention and that's what we call anything that the Lord does first-hand. But having patience and faith for that miracle is another thing altogether.

The passage of scripture that continues to "pop up" before me is found in John 6. And it is a small, obscure phrase, in the midst of a very familiar event, that continues to "cry out" to me. The little phrase "for He already had in mind what He was going to do" can be lost in the "bigness" of the rest of the story. (John 6:1-15) But it is significant. It speaks volumes to us in our own situations today. It is filled with "riches" that can be ours if we will only take them. Even before we become aware of our problems, Jesus has in mind what He is going to do.

I like Philip. He was a very active disciple, but he was quiet. As presented in scripture, he seldom had anything to say. In this situation Jesus calls to him and does, what one might say, a very "uncharacteristic" thing. He asks Philip for advice. Have you ever heard Jesus ask for advice? Of course not! But it appears that He does here. For those who are familiar with Jesus, however, we quickly realize that the question was for Philips benefit, and that of other disciples. He wanted Philip to consider the problem, realize the impossibility, and then witness the Source of the answer. Jesus waited just long enough to teach an eternal truth.

Can you imagine that day? Things that seemed so trivial became so eternal. Only a little boy... only five loaves of bread... only two fish... only a passing phrase. But the little "obscure phrase" was significant to the disciples. It was so significant that it was passed down verbally until it was recorded in this Gospel decades later, and preserved for you and me today. Nothing is insignificant to God's Word. Everything deserves our deep consideration.

In my life, as in yours, our present "training" is intended to equip us for the next larger struggle, and greater service for Him. If we fail to pass the test, we very well may have to step aside and go no further. Don't fail the test. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Keep listening. Keep learning. Keep growing. Expect the unexpected in your struggle. Prepare now... the biggest test is yet to come. But, He already has in mind what He is going to do.

God Will Answer

Elijah prayed to die. After seeing a great demonstration of the awesome power of God, clothed in His faithfulness to His servant's prayer, Elijah was swayed by the threats of a godless voice promising to take his life within twenty-four hours. He ran for his life. This demonstrated the vulnerability and the fragile nature of the human spirit. But God didn't answer as Elijah had requested. He had bigger plans for him, and protected him from himself. In the process God was glorified.

Nehemiah was burdened by the bad news from his homeland. He grieved and prayed to God and made the unusual request that he might find favor in the presence of the king. What could have resulted in the loss of his life turned out to be a great blessing to the people of Israel. The prayer was granted just as Nehemiah requested. According to God's plan, the walls of Jerusalem rose to stand as a witness to a faithful God. And, He was glorified.

Habakuk accused God of being indifferent to his prayers, of being deaf to the words he lifted up to Him again and again. He hated the injustice he witnessed. He said, "Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds." (Habakuk 1:3, NIV) His prayer was met by God as He instructed Habakuk, "Just wait. You'll see." God was glorified.

Is there a great burden YOU have been lifting to God day after day? Could it be that God is saying, "Just wait. You'll see," even as you pray? Perhaps you have presented a need to God that He is willing to answer, "just as you ask." Are you willing to pray until that answer comes? Or, maybe you have prayed while in the grips of negative emotional influence, clouding your mind to reality. Will you trust God to protect and care for you? If you will, God will be glorified.

In each instance, God demonstrated His faithfulness. He still does. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)