When I first started writing, I wanted it to be about the passion of living for Christ. I wanted to help people live the life that God had planned for them. I thought, like all human plans, God intervened, He now wanted me to spend my time trying to help people cope with today. I was wrong.
I took my eye off of the ball; I got distracted by everyday issues and became nearsighted. Like a bout of vertigo, I thought the world had shifted, but it was all in my head. It wasn’t God who intervened to change my thinking.
“The best-laid schemes of Mice and Men oft go awry, And leave us nothing but grief and pain, For promised joy!” – Robert Burns
One of the things I have become acutely aware of is that everything on the front page of the news today is temporary. Our next President will not be in office 100 months from now. COVID-19 will be a history note as we deal with whatever is new. Unfortunately, new injustice, lurking in the dark recesses of society as it has been for all of written history, will replace today’s injustice. All of our contemporary concerns will dissolve. But one thing will remain constant, God’s love for all of humanity.
Back to Basics
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God’s plan for our lives is the point on the horizon to which we should all navigate. This promise is the guiding light in the world of darkness. Anything that distracts you from this path is not from the Lord. Anytime you start to believe evil is winning, or even making headway, you have taken your eye off the target. We aren’t the ones that handle overcoming the sins of the world. We are not capable. Our job is to be the person God planned for us to be. If each of us achieves that goal, we will change the world.
Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Seek first – God did not give us suggestions or guidelines. He gave us commands. If our thoughts and conversations do not follow His command, then we are on the wrong track. If we put contemporary issues in front of seeking God first, we have fallen into a trap. We have allowed ourselves to be shanghaied into serving another. Dark forces use worldly issues, crafted in Biblical principles, to distract us. They divert our passion away from chasing God.
Matthew 7:15, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
It is all too easy to give in to worldly fear. We live here and must cope with what it throws at us. I know, my life is no different than yours. I yearn for security here on earth until the day that God takes me home. I forget that I have that. God commands me not to fear for my life and worldly comfort.
Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Our Reality
The foundation of our thinking is also a command. God does not give us the latitude to pick and choose. He makes it perfectly clear.
John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.”
How can God command that? Does He not understand the world in which I live? Yes, He does, He created it. He understands it’s weaknesses, it’s flaws, and it’s darkness. But he also created the light. He promised us that if we discard all of our worldly concerns, he will cover us and protect us.
Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I got distracted, and I apologize for that. I don’t want you to be distracted. If the issues don’t directly affect God’s plan for your life, let it go. Maybe this is the time that will open doors that have previously been closed. God can, and will, use this time. But He will use it for His Kingdom, not anyone else’s. He will use it to forwards His message of peace and reconciliation to Him, not the latest talking head. He will use it to encourage and build, not break down and divide.
Chase God, not man.
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”