Last weekend my family and I went camping near a beautiful lake. In fact, our
trailer was right at the top of a rise, overlooking the beach and the
surrounding lake below. It was beautiful. But my kids didn't really seem to
appreciate the beauty. For them, the only thing that was important was the
campfire so that they could roast marshmallows and make S'mores! As we arrived
late after work on Friday evening, we decided to postpone building their
campfire until the next day. The boys were beside themselves with impatience!
But to our dismay, it poured during the night. As unexpected as this rain was
(the weather report had called for 0% precipitation!), we hadn't thought it
necessary to bring in the firewood. So of course, it lay outside, at the mercy
of the elements, and when we tried to start our campfire the next evening, we
found that our wood was ruined. We decided to try anyway, so we gathered sticks,
bark, and of course, lots of paper! But the only result of my attempt to ignite
the fire was an abundance of smoke that flared up quickly, and just as quickly
died out. The wood was wet, and nothing (except perhaps, gasoline!) would cause
it to light! As I was setting fire to my last piece of paper, I glanced up at my
boys. Their faces already drug the floor. They knew as well as I did that this
was hopeless! And my heart sank with them.
However in this last futile attempt to start a fire, I did something different.
I approached God's throne and thanked Him for coming to my help. Nothing I could
do would start that fire. It was just impossible. But God is a God of the
impossible! Luke 18:27 "What is impossible with men is possible with God." So I
approached His throne and received the assurance that He would come through.
Then I lit the paper and put it immediately under the wood.
I totally expected that fire to blaze up immediately. It didn't. Instead, the
paper burned up, the typical spout of smoke exploded, and I was sure it would
die off immediately, just like al of my other attempts.
But wait. Didn't I ask the assistance of my faithful friend? "Out of me you
doubts!" I cried. "I believe in the promises of my forever friend!"
As I watched the wood, it suddenly burst into flames. It shouldn't have been
possible, but it was! We praised the Lord and thanked Him for being part of our
picnic. My kids really enjoyed roasting those marshmallows in that fire! They
knew that this was made possible by the one and only Saviour of the world, their
true friend.
My friend, are you facing impossibilities? Have you tried over and over again to
solve some impossible dilemma, only to face more rejection and frustrations? You
may be facing an estranged spouse or maybe a financial disaster or even a
disastrous disease. My friend your efforts will only dig you deeper into your
despair.
Should you give up and walk away? Absolutely not! You would miss a fabulous,
miraculous blessing that can come only from your faithful friend Jesus Christ.
Come to Him and share your burden with Him. He will give you rest. Only stand
back and watch Him come through for you. Believe in Him. He is faithful!
Matt 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest."
A picture of our fire provided by the Lord
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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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.