WINDS OF CHANGE

Seemingly every place we look things are changing, and in many cases the changes don’t look good.  The national debt clock keeps driving the US economy deeper into a hole, while the economy is stagnant and the number of individuals and families in poverty keeps growing.  There is true human tragedy at our borders and stories of tragedy in the homelands from which people are fleeing.  Ukrainian immigrants in the US are worried about their families and friends back home and wondering what will become of their country.  Israel is in a fight for its survival amidst hostile neighbors and a passive if not hostile world.  Terrorism is widespread and growing all over the world, and Western democracies and Christians everywhere are the primary targets.  The Veteran’s Administration and the IRS are two of the many domestic government scandals near the top of the news cycle, undermining confidence in our government.  And all that barely scratches the surface of the troublesome news that blows at us and around us every day. 

What’s the effect of this kind of bombardment?  It wears on us.  It causes us to wonder what’s next.  It makes us want to find shelter from it.  It makes us want to escape to a place no country wants to take over and no terrorist wants to bomb, and where the economy is independent and simple.  It makes us want to turn away from people and avoid conflict wherever we can.  We want to turn inward. 

It’s important to recognize that such influences around us cause us to feel certain ways and think certain things are the solution to our discomfort.  While some responses of turning inward or making changes have some merit, others can seem good, but be very wrong and costly.  For example, deciding to spend more time with the Lord and His Word to combat the pressures of life is a good choice, while turning away from the Lord and seeking comfort or excitement in other people or places is choosing death to our souls.  It’s like going to the ocean to get a drink.  Some people think getting rid of their spouse or having a fling with someone else will brighten their life.  Some think a new hobby, sport or entertainment pastime will ease the pressure they feel.  Some decide to “party”, which is basically giving up on making life work, and trying to bring some passing pleasure into a life that is filled with disappointments and hurts.  Choices.  Winds. 

Someone said, “Since we can’t control the wind, we need to adjust our sails.”  Wise adjustment means setting them in a way that the winds of life push us closer to God, His people, and the important relationships and responsibilities that go with serving His eternal purposes for our lives.  His plan is that trials would grow our faith in Him and develop His character within us as we live in humility and grace with the people He has strategically placed in our lives and to whom we have made commitments.

When the going gets tough, the ones who stay on course get tougher, and are ultimately rewarded.  I pray for you, and let’s pray for each other what Jesus prayed for Peter, that his faith would not give out, even though Satan desired to sift him like wheat.  (Luke 22:31-32)

See also along these lines: James 1:2-4, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, Hebrews 12, Hebrews 10:23-36

Remember, “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) and “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Hang in there, and draw closer to Christ!