BBD 10.19.06 Distractions - Part III
Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>
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The Burning Bush Devotional
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10.19.06
Distractions - Part 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, about
distresses, and about tumults. The peace of the Amish was shattered by the
horrendous assault, which left five precious little girls dead. With the
news of the shocking violence flashed across the world 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 have 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.
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 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, to 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)."
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