Daniel 1: 17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams. Daniel wasn’t born with the ability to interpret dreams. He was given this gift when he needed it, when he was older. Even though he was in captivity and in the service of a Godless king, God still blessed Daniel and equipped him for the job at hand. He even gave him a special gift. God loves us and prepares us when we need it. He doesn’t do it in advance. He waits until the time is right and the need is there. Maybe that’s why it’s hard to trust sometimes. We’d like to have it in advance, but God says, “wait.” He provides it at just the right time, at the moment when we need it. And it doesn’t matter the circumstances as long as we are walking in His will.
I need to preface the verses today with a small comment: I woke up this morning struggling not to worry about our finances this next school year. I found out that we won’t be getting our annual cost-of-living raise (no surprise there), but they would be increasing our insurance rates, again. As it is, we struggle to make ends meet, and the prospect of having our income cut even more is a little overwhelming. So, this was the burden of my heart as I sat down this morning. And here is what God gave me: Philippians 4: 4, 6-7, 13 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!… Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus…For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. I can see God up there smiling as I read this morning. These verses aren’t anything new. I even have them memorized. But, for them to be part of what I’m reading this morning, when I’m trying not to worry, when I have a great need, when I greatly need peace, and when I have no idea how to be strong, is such a huge affirmation that God does care about my feelings and about the situations that I find myself in. So, I will find joy in Him, I will thank him for His many blessings (and they are numerous), and I will tell Him what I need (or what I think I need). He knows, He cares, and He’s got all the resources of this universe and millions of others at His fingertips. He sends rain to thirsty flowers and gives food to hungry birds. How much more does He love me and take care of me? I can’t decide if I want to laugh or cry. Yeah God!
Isaiah 41: 9-10, 13, 16b, 17For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand… I am holding you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, “Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.”… And the joy of the Lord will fill you to overflowing. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel…. When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never forsake them. I know that’s a lot to read and it’s a bit all over the place, but the messages here are so sweet. 1. I am chosen by God. He will not throw me away! The Almighty Infinite Creator of the Universe and all the incredibly, beautiful things in it, has chosen me. Out of all these things, He thinks I am the best! He won’t toss me away. He loves me passionately and I am exactly what He wanted! 2. There are so many bad things going on these days. I hate watching the news because it’s so depressing with people hurting each other, rape, murder, child abuse. My heart hurts, and I wish I could hide. I fear for myself sometimes and for my children. With the economy and our finances the way they are, I fear for our ability to provide. If I were to sit down and think about it, I could think of so many things to be afraid of. BUT, God says not to fear. No worries. He is bigger than any problem, more powerful than any criminal, more resourceful than any economy, and certainly smarter than anyone in power or “control” today! I loved reading these verses because they are such a beautiful reminder that I am not alone, that I have a strong, protective God who is watching out for me. 3. This was pretty cool – it isn’t until the people are thirsty, and not just a little thirsty – parched, that God comes to help them. I think that sometimes I search half-heartedly for what I want, but that’s not good enough. Getting what I need then can give me the impression that I can do it myself. Searching for water and finding small puddles to mitigate my thirst puffs me up because then I think, “hey, I found water. I can do this!” God waits until I am parched, there is no water to be found. I can’t do it on my own. I can’t provide for myself. I realize I am well and truly stuck. THEN, I am ready to understand that only God can do what I need him to do. God steps in and reminds me that He won’t forsake me or leave me to die. But He will wait until I stop trying to fix the world myself. For example, John and I are in a tough financial place right now. We’re tithing and trying to be as obedient as we can be. And God promises to provide, to bless us, and to help us… so why aren’t things getting easier? Why aren’t the boys healthier? Why is there sometimes more month than money? And, I think, to some great degree, we aren’t parched. We’re tired and exhausted (literally, some days), but there have been small puddles in the desert. We have hope, but we’re not parched yet. When we are, when our tongues are sticking to the roof of our mouth, when there is nowhere left to turn, the God will come. He will answer. He will not forsake us. Maybe that time is close. I sure hope so. And until then, we cling to the promise that He will keep His words and that He will not leave us or forsake us, that He will bring blessings. He will open then a river in the desert, and a spring where there was no water before. Yeah God!