11/27/2024
I was reading Charles H. Spurgeon this morning and he was writing about our being called away from our homes and comfort, but that God still gives us rest... and how He continued to do this, even in our uncertainty. He used God's Word to Moses to make this point:
“And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."”
Exodus 33:14 ESV
Spurgeon wrote these words...
"It often happens that when we feel most at home in a place, we are suddenly called away from it. Here is an antidote for this ill. The Lord Himself will keep us company. His presence, which includes His favor, His fellowship, His care, and His power, shall be ever with us in every one of our marchings. If we have God present with us, we have possession of heaven and earth. Go with me, Lord, and command me where You wish." – Charles H. Spurgeon
Thinking back on my life I see where God has continually led me away from places of comfort into various trials or difficult journeys which resulted in my growth in Him and, eventually, a resting place in His presence one again. Sometimes the Lord called me into a new job or home, sometimes he led me into a new church, sometimes He took me through the death of a loved one, or the illness of a friend, but He was with me always, and His rest allowed me to make the journey, or suffer through the hardship. Then, once I had reached the new place and level of faith He desired for me, He gave me comfort for a season before beginning a new and challenging leg of my ongoing adventure with Him.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:10 ESV
God doesn't desire for us to be stagnant; He leads us through life and its hardships; holding our hands, comforting us in our fears and distress, and yet always, always, giving us rest in Him. Then, as we reach our new destination, we realize that our faith has become so much stronger than when we began, and that our relationship with the Lord has strengthened beyond our wildest dreams.
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5 ESV
Sometimes these callings are small or short lived but, occasionally, they are almost overwhelming and challenge us to the point of breaking... sometimes we find that our earthly status has been diminished, yet our heavenly presence has grown by leaps and bounds. God's intention was never to prepare us for a wonderful life on earth, but to get us ready for an eternal life with Him.
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10 ESV
As a teenager I had a near death experience that gave me a glimpse into what was to come for me. The one thing, regarding this world, that I remember most was how easily it was to give it up and how trivial it was in comparison to where I was going. Our loves don't die... they are finally realized in their fullness. Our homes on earth become like shanties that are easily abandoned, and the joy of God is beyond description. This is where our struggle in life leads us. This is what we are being prepared to receive.
Father, lead us through this life and always give us rest in you. Take the hardships, losses, and sufferings of this world and replace them with your lessons of faith and joy, then let us experience the glory of your presence. Lord, as we rest between the callings you have prepared for us long ago, don't let us get too comfortable, but instead, give us an anticipation for what lies ahead... a yearning for more of you.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14 ESV
Prayer:
Thank you Father for every trial and tribulation that increases me in perseverance, faith, allows me to rest in you. Thank you for being with me always; walking with me through every challenge and valley that lies before me, and strengthening my faith with every step I take. Thank you for your presence in which I am at peace, and find great joy. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who is greater than all that the world can muster against me. Holy are you who created all things and knows the beginning from the end. You are my alpha and omega, and outside of you I have nothing, for you are my all in all. You are good Father, and you work all things together for my good because I love you. This is your word, and your promise, and I hold firmly to it. Help me to remain faithful, and thus remain founded in your Son Jesus Christ, bearing His image so that on the day of my judgement you will see only His face, and His perfection, not my sinful countenance, and stumbles in life. Help me as I travel through my life, and in the end I pray that you will be well pleased in me, and allow me to share eternity with Jesus… together in your presence forevermore.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 ESV
“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.”
John 16:33 ESV
Rich Forbes