No One Could Know

When your back’s against the wall and daggers are blazing at you what do you do?

This year we decided to make a move to another city to help another pastor start a second campus. Since that decision was made, a ridiculous number of unfortunate events have taken place to pull us off track. That’s how it goes sometimes, isn’t it? We have an enemy set out to throw all our toys on the floor to make us cry.

But in the midst of the storm, we have resolve and are resilient because God’s Word is more real than circumstances. Circumstances are subject to change, but God’s Word will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8)  A ridiculously lengthy list of challenges have come our way, but rather than detail the mess of toys on the floor, here’s a sample of how we’re cleaning it up:

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Zephaniah 3:17  The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;  he will rejoice over you with gladness;  he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Jeremiah 29:11-12  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

Philippians 4:6-7  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 50:15  Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.

Spending time in the Word silences the enemy, the storms in our mind, and sorts out the mess in the playroom of our lives. I continue to rely on my go-to verse:

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Because, no matter what we go through, God is faithful to His promises, always present in time of trouble, and when we call on that name of Jesus, he answers us. It’s important to note that depending on the words we choose to loose from our lips, we will set the course ahead and bring us out of — or keep us in — trouble.

Matthew 12:37 By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

So, when our backs are against the wall and daggers are flying at us, if we’re quick to rely on His Word, we are guaranteed a better outcome. As I write this, I’m still trusting God that this house is sold so we can be finished with the transition into our new place. I see the sun on the other side of the clouds, and know that the grass will be green again in the spring.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.