Scanning the Horizon for an Answer

Do you ever feel like you are scanning the horizon for an answer from God? I sure do!

We live with so many uncertainties today that getting an answer from heaven is at a premium. What about my health problems…unemployment…financial worries…marriage issues…aging parent concerns…adult children struggles..regrets? God, where are You? We’re looking everywhere!

The truth is that a tiny flick of God’s little finger could wipe out the earth. Or even better, He spoke the whole universe into existence so a single word could destroy it! His power is at the ready to do incredible things.

The key question is “What is the real truth of my situation?”

When I was in the emotional dumpster recently, my friend, Ron Wilson, asked me “Bruce, what is the invisible reality? You’re only seeing yourself in the visible realm—feeling inadequate and daunted! Actually, God says that every day of your life was written in His book (see Psalm 139:16). Think of Him as an author who is writing the novel of your life! It’s quite a story, but quit trying to figure everything out. Let Him write your story!” That insight got me back on track.

I often read the end of Psalm 138 which says “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me…” That is the real truth of my situation. Everything will be accomplished in my life. Do I believe it?

Ron went on to say “God has things worked out! Remember, the characters in the story never know what is happening. The author creates the plot way outside their scope of understanding.”

He then concluded by saying “The path of our obedience to God is never discovered by measuring the waves of our circumstances.” Another excellent point!

Darlene Zschech sings a powerful song called “In Jesus Name.” It would be worth listening to a few times. I guarantee it will strengthen your resolve to let God write your story even if the plot is too complicated to follow. Here is the chorus:

God is fighting for us! Pushing back the darkness!

Lighting up the kingdom! That cannot be shaken!

In the name of Jesus, the enemy’s defeated!

And we will shout it out! Shout it out!

Another profound verse is Isaiah 63:9a which says “In all their afflication, He was afflicted…” God feels our pain and knows what we are going through. There is a purpose to all that is going on. At the same time, we acknowledge the mystery of it because God has chosen not to reveal the intricacies of His plot.

What songs, verses or other things help steady you when you are scanning the horizon for an answer that is delayed?

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About the Author

Bruce Peppin

Bruce Peppin is the author of The Best is Yet to Be and the Journey of a Lifetime small group study guide.

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