What a Great God We Serve

2 Peter 1.3 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises…”

For the Christian, these words of St. Peter reassure and comfort us. God has given us all that we need. That is a huge promise. I have to admit that there are times when I am tempted to doubt this. Even in the darkest of times, God’s promises stand out as something we can hold onto because these promises flow from the very heart of God. When earthly things are taken away, what is left? If our hearts are set on earthly things, then we’ll think we have lost everything. But when earthly things are taken away, what remains are the things that will last. I’m not talking about things etched in stone or concrete, but the things that we really cannot place a price tag on. The permanent things of our lives are spiritual, not physical. The Bible warns that all that we see will one day burn up and disappear. So what is left? Our very lives and our relationship with God. If all we have is our lives and do not have a relationship with God, then we would be in a world of trouble. But if we recognize our need for God and trust Him, then we will become a part of something God is doing and that will never end.

The current economy along with every heartache is a reminder for us to not put our trust in money, or the economy, or even in people. We are to put our trust in God. But why God? Because He alone does not change. He alone is the One Constant in the universe. The eternal God has given us all that we need. He has given His word on it. We can bank on it.

So when you are tempted to give up, what are you allowing yourself to focus on? I’d gamble to say that you have separated your problems away from your thoughts of God. God’s promises should encourage us to remain resolute and strong. To not give up or given in. The Lord, speaking through the prophet Isaiah (50.7) said, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” The Apostle Paul summarized this thought well when he asked in Romans 8.31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

When I attended Bible college, 2 events reminded me of this. First, when I was barely making it financially while paying for college, a letter arrived for me. In it was a money order for $150 with Philippians 4.19 written on the signature line. (Phil 4.19 says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.) I still praise God for this gift even though it happened over 25 years ago. The second event was during the my senior year. One night my truck was broken into. The shattered side window revealed that the stereo and tool box were missing. The next day the battery was stolen. I had just purchased a new battery, so this was quite frustrating. While these things were discouraging, yet God was working in a way to encourage me. What I didn’t know was that my fellow students at the school took a collection and placed an envelope on my bed. Their love and generosity replaced my battery and window. Their actions reminded me that God indeed cared for me and also ingrained within my mind that when God provides and blesses, He often will use people. So when I’m down, someone else may be “up.” And if we are open to how God may lead us, we may be either the giver or the receiver. One gives to encourage so that God may be glorified and the other receives, praising God for His mercy and grace.

So, if you are in a time of need, look to God and wait on Him. If you are experiencing a time of blessing, look for how you might share that blessing with someone who needs a reminder that it is a great God that we serve.

Because of who God is and how he helps us, we can keep going. With God’s help we can stand strong. For God has given us His promise to give us all we need. Not the things that we think we need, but the things He thinks we need. So in the days ahead friends, let’s keep our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith, the Lord Jesus. Let’s rely upon His power and provision to see us through. And when better days come, let’s not leave the Lord behind us, but may we walk with Him all the days of our lives, and then enjoy Him forever.