I love growing older. I really do. Easy to say, perhaps, because I’ve
not yet reached the point of deteriorating health, but the perspective that
comes with age is wonderful!
Stop and look back on your life. No matter what age you are, stop and look back. Can you now see evidence of the invisible hand of God faithfully guiding you through every step of your journey? It might be fascinating to make a list of His works in your life. Who did God send to you with the truth of salvation in Christ? Who responded to His call to teach and nurture you in understanding and wisdom? When did God protect you from—or lead you through—physical danger? How did He sustain you in—or deliver you from—unhealthy relationships? What strength or character did He build into your spirit amid your toughest trials? When did God bandage your wounded soul and carry you through internal struggles? How many times has He surprised you with blessings for which you never even thought to ask?
Maybe He led you around a problem, avoiding certain calamity. More often, likely, He ushered you right through opposition or trouble. Like Daniel’s friends in the furnace or Daniel himself in the lions’ den, you weren’t spared the difficult experience, but you endured it and emerged from it even stronger through the power of Him who is sovereign over all things and in all circumstances. Who knows the number of times God has protected us without our even knowing we were in danger? And through it all, He’s loosened our white-knuckled grip on self-reliance and firmed up our faith in Him.
We naturally fear what we cannot control and, truth be told, we can’t control much. We can be confident, though, for the God whose presence we see through the clarity of hindsight is no less with us today. The God who has guided and supported us every step along the way is no less faithful today. The God who delivered us in the past is no less powerful today. His love truly does endure forever, so in a day yet to come, we will look back on this one and proclaim He was no less God today.
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:10–12)
Stop and look back on your life. No matter what age you are, stop and look back. Can you now see evidence of the invisible hand of God faithfully guiding you through every step of your journey? It might be fascinating to make a list of His works in your life. Who did God send to you with the truth of salvation in Christ? Who responded to His call to teach and nurture you in understanding and wisdom? When did God protect you from—or lead you through—physical danger? How did He sustain you in—or deliver you from—unhealthy relationships? What strength or character did He build into your spirit amid your toughest trials? When did God bandage your wounded soul and carry you through internal struggles? How many times has He surprised you with blessings for which you never even thought to ask?
Maybe He led you around a problem, avoiding certain calamity. More often, likely, He ushered you right through opposition or trouble. Like Daniel’s friends in the furnace or Daniel himself in the lions’ den, you weren’t spared the difficult experience, but you endured it and emerged from it even stronger through the power of Him who is sovereign over all things and in all circumstances. Who knows the number of times God has protected us without our even knowing we were in danger? And through it all, He’s loosened our white-knuckled grip on self-reliance and firmed up our faith in Him.
We naturally fear what we cannot control and, truth be told, we can’t control much. We can be confident, though, for the God whose presence we see through the clarity of hindsight is no less with us today. The God who has guided and supported us every step along the way is no less faithful today. The God who delivered us in the past is no less powerful today. His love truly does endure forever, so in a day yet to come, we will look back on this one and proclaim He was no less God today.
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:10–12)
Christ in me is confidence.
Today’s post is an excerpt from Christ in Me. Copyright © 2016 Paul Nordman. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click here to purchase a copy of Christ in Me by Paul Nordman.
Today’s post is an excerpt from Christ in Me. Copyright © 2016 Paul Nordman. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click here to purchase a copy of Christ in Me by Paul Nordman.
