I'm reading a book called, "The 100 Most Encouraging Verses in the Bible," by Troy Schmidt. I like what he said here:
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can
be against us?" Romans 8:31
If God is for you, on your side, cheering you on, what opponent could
possibly overcome Him? We want life to be like a blowout in sports. A blowout
occurs when one team scores in the opening seconds and continues to pound the
opponents with more points, blocking the opponents from ever scoring. 48–0.
76–0. 102–0.
Life isn’t like that. We face forces that push back and get ahead at
times. We’ll score big in a relationship, then lose a job. Or we’ll ace our
exam, only to have our car stolen. We’ll see a prayer answered, then get bad
news from the doctor.
During those times we think God has lost His edge, that the enemy found
His weakness and we’re doomed to lose. As long as we live on earth, the
score will go up and down.
All God promises is that at the final buzzer, all those who believe in
Him will win. It might seem like a close game, but it’s not. No matter how
difficult life may have been, a believer in Christ will stand in the winner’s
circle with Jesus, holding His hand high. You will win because God is eternally
for you.
Photo by Ty J. Young
Recently, my mother had a bad day and I shared that with my sister. She
called and asked why this happened after so many good days. All I could think
of to say was, “Because this is life. This is what is happening all over the
world to everyone.”
I think most North Americans (including me) expect or want life to be on an
even keel – all the time. I’m not sure where we all get this crazy idea. Certainly
not from life itself! From books? Movies? TV? Maybe, I don’t know. “Happily
ever after.” I actually believed
that. It didn’t prepare me for real
life.
Real life is days of happiness, days of sadness with a little terror
thrown in once in awhile just to keep you on your toes. I like the words from a
song called, “Lord You are Good,” by Don Moen,
“Where would I be if you had not been by my side?
How could I rise to
meet the morning of the day?
Your tender mercy always calling from behind.
At times I could not see you,
even though you were close by.”
Real life
can be hard, but it is definitely better with Jesus.
