It was the end of February, and as I stepped out of
my home for my daily evening walk, I noticed that the sky was quite unusual. Two
thirds was completely covered with threatening, dark, cumulus clouds, but the
moon was shining brightly from a completely unclouded one third of the sky. It
was obvious that there was a battle raging for the dominance of the heavens, and
I wondered which side - The clouds or the moon -- would eventually get the upper
hand.
As I walked, it became apparent that the dark side of
the sky was quickly overtaking that was bright, and eventually the threatening
cloud cover even overtook the light of the moon. But those clouds couldn't
completely hide the moon's light. I could still see its rays shining out on the
side of those menacing clouds! Sensing God's hand in the skies, I opened my
heart to Him, and I was immediately impressed with the following message: "Even
amidst adversity, I will continue to shine and be with you. Even though you may
feel completely abandoned, I will still be there with you."
I was immediately reminded of Jesus' experience on the
cross: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46b, NIV2), and I
felt compelled to share this message with you. You see, it wasn't directed only
to me, but to everyone who wants to know God intimately.
On my way back home, I began to wish that I had taken
my camera with me so as to have a memento of this unforgettable encounter. I was
assured that I needed to only "Wait and see". I had no idea what this meant, but
upon reaching my home I ran upstairs for my camera and threw open the window to
my bedroom. What I saw stopped me immediately in my tracks. The threatening
clouds that I expected to see overtaking what was left of the unclouded sky was
actually retreating, and the moon was in plain view, reflecting the light of the
sun so brightly that I didn't even have to turn on the light in my room.
Eventually the dark cloud cover ceased to exist completely. At least in my
corner of the neighbourhood.
I had never seen anything like this. How was it even
possible that a threatening storm, determined to advance no matter what, is
stopped in its tracks? And not only this, but that it retreats like a naughty
puppy with its tail tucked between its legs?
It's then that I realized the following: "The one who
is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4b, NIV2). You
see, God is way bigger than any of our circumstances. He is in control no matter
what we go through. He is surrounding us with His presence, even though our
perceptions may be off the wall.
Feeling discouraged? Fix your eyes on the true light:
Jesus the Christ.
Feel overwhelmed? Fix your eyes on Jesus.
Feel life is not worth living? Fix your eyes on the
One who died so that we could live.
I invite you to meditate of the following nugget of
gold. It will revive you: "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished
this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he
was headed-that exhilarating finish in and with God-he could put up with
anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place
of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith,
go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed
through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!" (Hebrews 12:2-3, MSG)
If you feel threatened by your circumstances, know
that even though you may feel completely abandoned, God is at your side, shining
as brightly as ever. He will give you victory, but first you have to claim it.
His kingdom is, after all, a kingdom of power.
Where's the moon?
Even though heavy clouds of adversity may be covering
our neighbourhood, the moon is still reflecting the light of the sun!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.