Scripture Meditation: 1Pet. 5:6-9

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." (1Pet. 5:6-9, ESV)

This is what we can take away from this passage:
1. Remain humble unto God's power. (v. 6)
2. If we're sincerely humble, God will honor us at the proper time. (v. 6)
3. Give all our worries and cares (about whatever it may be) to God. "Anxiety has become a common plague that affects approximately...up to 25% of the general [U.S.] population." (p. 7, Caring For People God's Way). God knows what we're dealing with, and He cares about our holistic health. Give it over to Him. His shoulders are big enough to handle it, and He's gentle enough to help His fragile children with it. (v. 7)
4. Be self-controlled. (v. 8a)
5. Be watchful of the enemy. (v. 8a)
6. The devil is at work trying to hinder God's plan in your life and steal God's glory. (v. 8b)
7. Resist the enemy by standing firm in our faith. Do not allow ourselves (yourself) to be used by him. (v. 9a)
8. Know that we have brethren all over the world fighting this same fight and undergoing the same sufferings (some more worse than others). So let that further motivate us not to give up! (v. 9b)

Be encouraged, and continue to love and serve in excellence unto our Lord Jesus!

2011

Showstopper

After reading through Scripture and noting some of the stories in the Old Testament (e.g. Ruth, Esther, Nehemiah, etc), and the tapestry of both the Old and New Testaments, I developed a notion. I sometimes look at life, during certain situations, like a stage play. The present circumstance(s) is the plot, we and any others involved are the supporting characters, and God is the main character.

As we face whatever the situation may be, we always come to a point where we realize, "There is nothing I can do with this, it's out of my hands to control". It's at this point where God drops this reality, "This is My part of the play. Everyone clear the stage, it's time for the Star to take over the show." And thus, in whatever situation we're facing, we are to step aside––by not getting anymore involved or further dabbling with the issue––and allow God to be God––let His glory (magnificence, brilliance, awesomeness) be put on exhibition for all to see, so He and only He can get all the credit and praise.

This real life illustration should relieve us in those situations from constantly trying to figure out something to do, force something, or be concerned about screwing it up, and place it in God's hands for Him to work it out––which is just what He always does, work it out! If and when He wants us to get involved again, He'll usher us out on the stage to play whatever part we have left. Until then, we let God perform the show/take care of that situation.

2007