Musings from the Eye of the Storm
At the beginning of the year Awakening Reformation Podcast published an episode titled “Knowing God in 2018”. We talked about trusting God in the unknown. Trust in God is necessary since we never know what each year may bring. Little did we know that 2018 was brewing a storm for us. Without being pretentious, these past few weeks alone have gifted us with an out of state move, extra financial obligations, logistical nightmares, and Ericha's dear father being diagnosed with several terminal illnesses. We had no clue that these challen
ges were being sent our way when we published that podcast.
Trials and tribulations are inevitable in life. In fact, they are promised to us.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. - James 1:2
Upon the penning of this article, we find ourselves in the eye of the storm. Trials and tribulations of various kinds serve to point us to our dependence on God. Here are some of our exchanges as the eye of the storm hovers overhead.
1. God always equips us through His Word even though we may not feel prepared. His word offers refreshment in the darkest trial.
2. The disordered creation points us to the grand narrative promise of restoration. None of this is how God originally designed His creation which makes the pledge of a new creation a sweet reminder.
3. Trials are handpicked and tailor made. There is a purpose in every trial. James says that trials are meant to perfect us. God chooses trials for us that will conform us into the image of His Son. Our trials are meant to serve us, we aren't meant to serve our trials. We can easily be consumed and revolve our lives around the circumstances instead of rejoicing in the refining process.
4. God supplies for all of our needs. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep. He will not lose one that the Father has given to Him.
5. God is our strong tower, the rock that is higher than I. We don't have to know the prognosis or the plan. When we've lost control we can trust that God hasn't.
Lastly,
6. Theology Matters...a lot! If it were not for a sturdy understanding of biblical theology, we would despair. Theology isn't just for the academics and the know-it-alls. It is how God communicates who He is. Knowing God becomes central to our trust and growth, with the objective of glorifying Him in the process.
We can never trust a God we don't know.
Though we had no idea how prophetic our New Year Podcast would become, its message rings true. Amidst the storm clouds and doubts, we have an unchanging, sovereign, loving God.
“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”
- Charles Spurgeon