BBD 08.21.13 Distractions III (Classic)
Posted by: theburningbushdevotional <theburningbushdevotional@...>
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The Burning Bush Devotional
14,000 Subscribers
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Classic from 2006
08.21.13
Distractions III
But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much
patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in
imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity,
by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere
love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness
on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and
good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as
dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet
always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet
possessing all things. - 2 Corinthians 6:4-10.
The Amish community in Pennsylvania knows about
tribulations,distresses, and about tumults. The peace of the Amish was shattered
by the horrendous assault, which left five precious little girls dead. The news
of the shocking violence flashed across the world scene and was horrendous, but
it must have been even more shocking to learn of the response of the Amish
people to the attack. The headline that was on newspapers across the world
proclaimed, "Forgiveness, not anger, after Amish
school massacre." Instead of
lashing out in anger, the Amish reached out in love to the widow and family of
the killer, Charles Carl Roberts. The Amish have not turned away from their
faith. No, they have demonstrated their faith, and no one who has
seen it will soon forget their actions.
Many things may happen to us, both good and bad. But it
is of eternal importance that we continue on. There are many watching us as we,
"stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly .
. . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and
mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart,
clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love…(The
Message)."
There will be major distractions for most people and
even, for most Christians during their lifetimes. Most people will experience
the death of loved ones, and many may face serious illnesses, even debilitating
illnesses. Some may face a severe financial reversal from riches to poverty.
Some may see a good profession or job replaced with one that barely pays the
bills. Some will see their children or their grandchildren become
disappointments to them. Some people are in terrible accidents or like the
Amish become victims of crime.
What will you do when there is a major distraction in
your life? I believe the Amish have given an example of
what we should do. Many will turn away from the Lord during such times and sadly,
I have seen many do that. When the major distraction comes you must,, "look(ing) unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for
the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2)." You must "consider
Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become
weary and discouraged in your souls (Hebrews 12:3)." This is the time that you must, "draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8a)."
The distractions will come but if we have our focus on
our Lord Jesus then we will be able to survive, continue on, and see God’s will
and purpose fulfilled in our lives to the ultimate degree. Now we see, "through a glass, darkly (1 Corinthians 13:12a)", but some bright shining day we will see clearly and
understand why all these things have happened during our lives. Until then we
must, "trust in the Lord with all" our hearts, "and lean
not on" our "own
understanding (Proverbs 3:5)" and say
with the Psalmist, "I will praise the
LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live (Psalm
146:2)."
Copyright © 2006-2013. Ed
Wrather. The Burning Bush website has been online since January 31, 1998. On
June 8, 1998 the email version of the Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
Ed Wrather began writing devotionals in the early 1990s. The distribution of
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