Aren't we all looking for that moment of peace when our hearts can simply rest? It's not easy to find anywhere that I've been lately. This afternoon I had some time to spend with a colleague with whom I am usually in agreement about most things concerning the spiritual realms. I pointed out at least three times that he needed to read 2nd Peter, Chapter 4. Never once did he inform me that there are only 3 chapters in 2nd Peter, and I should have been better informed. What I was looking for in my aging memory was 1st Peter, chapter 4. We were talking(as many are these days)about the flood and the ramifications for our various faith perspectives. Has God punished New Orleans? Wow! Why would God stop there if He was going to do some shaking here in the United States. Surely there are places just as deserving of His mighty anger and complete chastisement. I have to laugh at the way some folks try to influence others with their knowledge of God's personality. Peter wrote (4:18) "If the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the impious and sinner appear?" The whole chapter is so moving that I find myself in total agreement with the author... (5:6-9)"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world." It seems to me that for us to be at peace in this life we have to learn to trust God so much that we don't ask how things happen, or why they happen. It is enough to know that they do, and we may never understand in this lifetime. Be at peace with your creator, your God, at all times, and give heed to His spirit which will quicken your heart to a fullness of understanding in His time. I think God's timing is always perfect, much better than mine, to be sure! Let not your heart be troubled, and seek the peace that surpasses all understanding that you might live in the light of hope. Remember that saying, "When you find that God is all you've got, you'll learn that God is all you need!"
Thousands are discovering this truth in their own lives as they relocate to new homes far from the destruction and devestation in our southern states. WWJD is an acronym (?) that we see quite often. I think He and His Father are very happy with how America is responding to the needs of her people. I've also noticed in the media that after things are over, done with, finished, there are always those whose only goal is criticize what went down as events unfolded. People are human, they are fallible. Isn't it enough to have been blasted by nature? Or must we now be attacked on every front for how someone says they would have done things differently.
There will always be those who can see better facing the opposite direction(looking back),and usually they are going nowhere in particular. Like an ancient hunter once told me, "look where you're shootin' and shoot where you're lookin'." If you're seeking peace in this life look to the leader that is out front showing the way, not all them folks that are telling you where we've been and what coulda, mighta, shoulda, if, if, but, and so on & on & on! In Christ's(THE LEADER)Love, Preacher.
