02/18/2020
When we face hardships how do we attempt to solve them? Do we quickly enter into the fray and tackle them headlong, or do we pause to consider the best approach, and only then begin to methodically confront them? Where in our processes do we engage our faith against the trials we face, and at what point does prayer come into play? Our faith should be our first thought, not our last resort.
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalms 9:9-10 ESV
I love the children’s story of the three little pigs. It might not be a bible story but it certainly has many of the same attributes. It has preparation, it has guidance, it has love for one’s neighbor, it has a Satan-like character in the wolf, and in the person of the third little pig it has a Christ-like image. When my grandchildren were very young we made up a play in which we re-enacted the story of the three little pigs, and I used it to teach them as we had fun.
In the course of our play we learned about preparing for adversity, and how Jesus teaches us to prepare our faith and make it strong so that when trouble arises we will be ready. Jesus tells a story about building our house upon the rock, and it was a handy example to use in making this point, and how the third little pig, by building his house of brick, was getting ready for trouble... like the wolf, or even rains, floods, and strong winds.
“"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24-25 ESV
Sometimes children’s stories can help adults as well. Jesus told His simple story about building on the rock to adults... he wasn’t surrounded by little kids. It is the same with the children’s story About the three little pigs; they are both common sense approaches to preparing for future problems, and leaning on our strength.
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;”
Ephesians 6:16 ESV
So seeking God first when we face trouble is not a hard concept to grasp, and in fact is childlike in it’s simplicity, but when we are in the throes of adversity it can be wisdom that escapes us... unless of course we have prepared ourselves ahead of time. If we have built our house of faith on rock, and not sand, or out of bricks rather than straw or sticks, then seeking God first becomes natural to us; otherwise its not our first, nor instinctive, choice.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
Let’s sit like children at the feet of Jesus and listen as He teaches us about faith, and how we should strengthen it, practice it, and thus make it our natural first choice to seek God when trouble surfaces. Let’s go back to the Old Testament and read about this same straightforward concept.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”
Proverbs 3:5-7 ESV
This is not new, and has been taught through the ages... it is simple and yet wise, and although children can grasp it, it seems that adults often can’t. Which then are you? Are you living in a straw house; how about one made of sand or sticks? Isn’t today a great day to see wisdom through the eyes of a child, strengthen our faith, and prepare for what lies ahead? Isn’t today a good time to rebuild our faith out of bricks and to do so on a foundation of rock? How do you face hardships, and attempt to solve them?
“The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.”
Psalms 14:2 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the simplicity of faith. Thank you Lord for taking Even the very difficult concepts and distilling them into their essence so that we, your children, can grasp them. Thank you for your Son Jesus who teaches us, and has done the hard things which have redeemed us. Thank you for your grace that requires nothing from us except our ability to believe... our faith. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our Heavenly Father who loves us, Your children, and leads us to see you through childlike eyes, and to see you clearly. Praised be your name for making our paths straight as we walk them in faith. Great are you whose mercy and grace are sufficient, and whose Son, Jesus, has conquered sin and death so that we can have life through our faith in Him. How magnificent you are Father, and we lift you high! All glory is yours now, and forevermore... made perfect in your grace through Jesus. I seek you first in all my troubles, and glorify you alone in victory.
“but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. "As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.”
Job 5:7-11 ESV
Rich Forbes