Seeing the Works of God

Hebrews 11:1 ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ Turmoil seems to be the word of the day in the world of drag racing. From changes in racing groups to new car testing, something new or untried always seems to come up in the ever shrinking off season of our sport.

NASCAR calls it the ‘silly season’, for me, it just seems to be the normal life He has called us to lead. Difficulties always bring out the best or worst in people. When problems strike, we have to make a decision on how we will react. I have found living by faith is the easiest way to deal with these difficulties. 2 Corinthians 5:7, ‘For we live by faith, not by sight.’ I know the Lord has a plan, it’s just a matter of waiting for Him to reveal it.

Many years ago a pastor friend made this statement, “If someone can write a check to solve your problem, you really don’t have a problem.” Think about that for a moment. Most of the issues we experience are money or happiness related in our 1st world lives. As I look around the globe and see the problems other Christ followers deal with every day, (persecution, sickness, war, death) I realize I don’t have any problems.

My glass is half full…I choose to make the most of this life for His glory. How about you?

Blessings

Seeing the Works of God
by Os Hillman

Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord…. – Psalm 107:23-24a

When you were a child, perhaps you may have gone to the ocean for a vacation. I recall wading out until the waves began crashing on my knees. As long as I could stand firm, the waves were of no concern to me. However, as I moved farther and farther into the ocean, I had less control over my ability to stand. Sometimes the current was so strong it moved me down the beach, and I even lost my bearings at times. But I have never gone so far into the ocean that I was not able to control the situation.

Sometimes God takes us into such deep waters that we lose control of the situation, and we have no choice but to fully trust in His care for us. This is doing business in great waters. It is in these great waters that we see the works of God.

The Scriptures tell us that the disciples testified of what they saw and heard. It was the power behind the gospel, not the words themselves, which changed the world. The power wasn’t seen until circumstances got to the point that there were no alternatives but God. Sometimes God has to take us into the deep water in order to give us the privilege to see His works.

Sometimes God takes us into the deep waters of life for an extended time. Joseph was taken into deep waters of adversity for 17 years. Rejection by his brothers, enslavement to Pharaoh, and imprisonment were the deep waters for Joseph. During those deep waters, he experienced dreams, a special anointing of his gifts to administrate, and great wisdom beyond his years. The deep water was preparation for a task that was so great he never could have imagined it. He was to see God’s works more clearly than anyone in his generation. God had too much at stake for a 30-year-old to mess it up. So, God took Joseph through the deep waters of preparation to ensure that he would survive what he was about to face. Pride normally engulfs such young servants who have such access to power at such a young age.

If God chooses to take us into deep waters, it is for a reason. The greater the calling, the deeper the water. Trust in His knowledge that your deep waters are preparation to see the works of God in your life.