Hammer on Anvil '

My wife and I have been watching The Bible series that's currently airing on the History Channel on Sunday nights. We have really enjoyed it.

Yes, I know they have not showed all the stories. Yes, I know not every single detail is exactly correct. But think about the opportunity it now provides you to have those conversations with people in your community who may not go to church but who watch TV!

Anyway, last night Jenny and I were talking and she started sharing thoughts about how she felt some people in the OT had to have some strong faith.

Abraham had God speak directly to him. He heard God's voice, so either he could have thought he was going crazy, or he needed to follow God! But all those people who followed Abraham never had God speak to them. They just had to have faith that Abraham knew what he was talking about.

Isaac had a connection with God similar to his father's and Jacob did as well. Joseph could interpret dreams. But everyone else had to trust that this family wasn't just being egotistical, but that they actually heard God and wanted what was best for everyone.

Think about that happening today. Most of the time we would brush somebody off. "Well how come God hasn't said anything to me?! What? You think you are more special than me?"

I'm sure some felt that way, but they still followed! It didn't make sense. It was against the norm. They never heard the audible voice of God. They still followed!

We have the very words of God written out for us. Any instructions we need are in the pages of the Bible. He speaks to us. Often calling us to a life that doesn't make sense. A life where we have to step out and trust that God isn't going to let us fall. It reminds me of this:


Following is hardly ever easy. It often makes no sense. Sometimes we don't even have all the details ("Go to the land I will show you" "Um God where is that?" "I'll show you later...just go."). Other people may think you are crazy for following with such passion. But God will reward it.

God loves us and will always take care of us as we live out our faith. So don't let your fear stop you. Take your leap.

You are either walking in a storm, coming out of the storm or about to go into a storm. There are no exceptions. Loving the Lord will not make hurts go away. If you were told this, you were lied to.

Last week my heart was broken for several of my friends in the midst of epic, raging storms. I stood in the middle of my own storm and prayed that the God of peace would wrap His arms around them and I prayed they would stand strong in hope and walk boldly in faith. I prayed that they would continue to put their trust in God the Father, because He will never violate their trust.

The next morning my Twin called to give me an update on his absurd storm. He then turned what could have easily been a whine-a-thon back into praise for the Lord and His endless provision. He didn't call to simply update, he called to spur me on with the Word of God. He had read that morning in his devotion that God doesn't walk away from us, nor does He always spare us from hurts. In Isaiah 43:2 it says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Notice friends, God does not say you won't have to go through those places - He simply says that He will be with you and those things will not destroy you. You still gotta go through it, though.

I needed to hear that, and what a joy it was to hear it from a dear friend who was in the middle of a storm too. That is what we call a testimony! I thanked him for the timely word and we praised God that He is there to give us all a place to stand when we feel things are falling apart. My Twin, knowing my love of nerdy cult movie references, said, "Yes, it's like that scene in Indiana Jones. Remember? He had to step down, walk by faith, but just as it looked like he was about to fall, a place was provided to stand." That's how God works, friends. We need to step out in faith and trust the Lord that regardless of how scary things seem, He is there for you, providing exactly what is needed. It might be an invisible bridge, but, sweetie, it's still there. It's your choice to take the next step.

When I hung up the phone, I wiped my tears and my son, Indiana Jones (I know), says, "Geez, that was dramatic." I love how God always provides a bit of humor with the hurts. I hugged my son and I then pulled out the Indiana Jones movies and watched that amazing scene again. Friends, as my Dad would say, "That'll preach."

Today, be encouraged you are not alone. God is with you. You keep walking in faith, pray for His peace and trust in God, because He loves you. Life doesn't make sense and this world is real mean, but what you need has already been provided. If you can't see that, take the focus away from the hurt and turn your eyes back to the Lord. Pray with me that whatever happens, we will learn to be content and we will continue to trust our Father. I love you, friends. Be encouraged and keep walking in faith.