Suffering and Trials | Devotions By Jan

March 1, 2016
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Even Keeled

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 1:21 “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us…”

There is nothing more unsettling than a boat rocking! I know from personal experience having taken a sailing class in my college years. We were all “in the same boat” as novices and there were plenty of nail-biting moments. The couple pictured here seem experienced and relaxed. But certainly, the keel has a lot to do with keeping them stable. That long piece of wood along the bottom of the boat is usually unseen but so important to balance.

Today’s verse is not so much about an object but a Person who helps us stand firmly, balanced and stable. God does this for the believer. He does this through our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. But He also does this through His Spirit in our hearts (verse 22). We bear the seal of His ownership and nothing can shake that! His Spirit is a guarantee of what is to come. Being convinced of this truth keeps the boat from rocking. He keeps the boat from capsizing.

I need to be even keeled. When I stand firm in my faith I can have that “quiet and gentle spirit” that God values (I Peter 3:4). It is a matter of trusting Him and what He says. His Word stands firm in the heavens (Psalm 119:89) and will make me to stand firm as well. Changes may seem overwhelming and the next crisis daunting, but trusting Him keeps me firm and upright. When my heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord, then there is no fear of bad news (Psalm 112:7). Life will always seem unstable but He is not!

Lord, thank you for being my stability. Keep me trusting You completely.

January 12, 2016
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Teflon

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 19:11 “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

It has been years since we have cooked with teflon-coated pans in our home. With the controversy over the PFOA used in its production, and the release of toxins at high heat, we thought it better to stick with the cast iron. And stick we do! I have to say I miss the ease of clean-up with non-stick coatings. But as long as there is a question about risk to health, I would rather be safe than sorry. A few extra minutes at the sink seems a small price to pay.

Today’s verse talks about overlooking an offense. Those insults and innuendos do not have to stick. The one who lets that verbal jibe slide is the one who is taking the high road. The intended insult and humiliation does not stick when there is no response or biting reply. That offense may have been unintended. Sometimes, the offense is only a perceived one. In any case, what was nasty or negative can actually work in one’s favor when responded to with wisdom and patience.

I wish I were coated with teflon! I wish those hurts would slide right off my back. Too often, I remember every word of a past insult. How unlike the Lord! Jesus did not take offense and quit when He was insulted, spit upon and mocked. He went all the way to the cross and was glorified by the Father. Any offense I face from others is so very small in comparison. He wants me to overlook it with grace and forgiveness. In doing so I am well viewed by others, but more importantly, He is glorified!

Lord, make me wise and patient enough to let it go.

January 11, 2016
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Puddle Jumping

Scripture for Today: John 21:7b “…As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, ‘It is the Lord,’ he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.”

Puddle splashing and little boys go together! My grandsons happily jump into the biggest puddle they can find with both feet, hoping to make as big a splash as possible. With the recent rains and flooding in Southern California, there are plenty of opportunities. At their age it is a supervised controlled activity, but I imagine when they are older, shoes, socks and pants will be well soaked.

Today’s verse has someone jumping in the water. The disciples were not too sure who exactly it was on the shore telling them how to fish. But in following His instruction, these experienced fishermen realized that their huge haul was a miracle. With John’s declaration, impetuous Peter jumps into the water to meet the Lord! He is excited to brave the wet and cold in order to reach Jesus first. If it meant getting wet and soggy he was willing. That cold water was surely a shock to the system for Peter, especially after fishing all night. But after the humiliation of his recent denial, Peter may have been anxious to prove his love and faithfulness with that jump.

Jumping in with both feet into something cold, wet and uncomfortable does not appeal to me. But often, the Lord puts those trials or puddles directly in my path. That path could lead to a deeper more intimate relationship with Him. If going through that difficulty can result in a closer more loving relationship, than maybe I should “consider it joy” (James 1:2) and jump in with both feet!

Lord, help me live life with joy, regardless of the puddles.

January 8, 2016
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High Surf Advisory

Scripture for Today: Psalm 107:29 “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”

It is not uncommon to hear of high surf advisories in our area of Southern California. The National Weather Service uses this term to describe any pounding surf that poses a danger to those in the water. This alert can also mean the presence of dangerous rip currents or “sneaker waves.” The sneaker wave is a coastal wave that is much greater in force and height than the ones preceding it. It is unanticipated and takes one by surprise.

Today’s verse is reassuring as a reminder of God’s absolute control of the waves and the weather. He stills the storm to just a whisper. The waves that looked so menacing are hushed in a moment at His command. What is less reassuring is verse 25 where He spoke and stirred up the tempest that lifted the waves up high to begin with. In this psalm several negative scenarios are described where God allows circumstances that cause people distress. Each time they cry to the Lord and each time with love and tenderness He responds. The Lord allows the difficulty to show Himself powerful. He shows His unfailing love and His wonderful work in a way that would not have been otherwise seen.

Those waves ebb and flow in each life. There are wonderful times of calm, but perhaps more often, the winds are blowing and the waves are rough. But with each storm He is there, ready to show Himself powerful and build up my faith. He is faithful and has never yet failed me. He will not let those waves overcome me. He has already overcome the world and I can trust Him!

Thank you Lord, for Your steady love holding me up!

January 5, 2016
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Oil Tasting

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 1:9 “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

There are so many varieties of flavored-infused olive oils to choose from that stores will sometimes offer a “tasting bar.” The salesman was adept at explaining the different pairings and recipes possible, so much so that I walked away with an expensive bottle of rosemary flavored oil. I am supposed to feel good about olive oil as it is better for good health than some others. But oil is still fat and I hesitate to feel too enthusiastic about it!

Today’s verse mentions an oil of joy and is speaking of Christ which means, “the anointed One.” Jesus is set apart as holy and righteous, superior to the angels or any other created being. There is joy in this righteous relationship Christ shares with the Father. There is joy despite the fact that Jesus was called a “Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” (Is. 53:3) It was for the joy set before Him that He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). It is this same joy that we can experience even when going through trial and difficulty (James 1:2).

Just as oil was used in biblical times to consecrate and set apart a person, so this “oil of joy” does for me today. Living with joy when nothing is going according to plan sets me apart and makes me different! Joy in spite of grave health problems, uncertain finances or dashed dreams is not the norm. But His Spirit’s fruit includes a joy that I can set before me as I endure whatever life may throw at me!

Lord, may the oil of joy overflow my heart regardless of what today may bring.