21 August 2018
Our lives are constantly changing – but one thing that doesn’t change is God!
We all face the unknown and unexplained from time to time. It might be from a terrifying transition, or just seasons of uncertainty in your personal or family life.
Although change can be daunting, it is nothing other than the ‘not knowing’ that scares us. But when we start recognizing God’s control and constant presence in our every situation, it brings great peace amidst the turbulence of life’s struggles.
After our accident 14 years ago, everything changed. We had to order our lives in a way to be accommodating to Aldo. We couldn’t do the same things that we used to do. We always have to take Aldo’s special needs into consideration.
The other night, Tinus and I went out to dinner with friends. On the way out, we looked at each other commenting that this was the first time in many, many years that we have gone out at night. We are usually there to help Aldo bath and get into bed. We can never leave him alone.
But, in all these changes we realized that man seeks comfort. And when things are uncomfortable, we become afraid.
I studied a few Biblical heroes who faced tough situations. They all overcame by following God’s directions and relying on His omnipresent power in and through all circumstances.
Gideon was weak, but God used him in amazingly remarkable ways (Judges 6). In Gideon’s time, the Israelites had made some poor choices and have been overtaken by the Midianite army.
The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, saying “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior”.
“Mighty warrior?” He seemed rather confused by the use of this title. He argued with God’s messenger, asking why all these bad things were happening if God was indeed with them?
The Lord turned to him and said – “Do what I ask you to do, I AM is sending you, I AM will be with you!”
Gideon replied – “I need a sign”
Excuse after excuse were brought up, but God remained extremely patient with Gideon. He just kept on reminding him – “your strength is from God”. God asked him to tear down his father’s Baal altar and to cut down the Asherah pole beside it. He was commissioned to build an altar to the Lord, on the top of this same height. Gideon was obedient, but was afraid of his own people. So, he did it at night.
We are all so afraid to break down our father’s Baal altars for we don’t always know the outcome, and yes – sometimes it is tough. We get caught up in the fear of man – worrying about what people will think of us and our actions. We need acceptance and fear rejection.
But, in the depths of my pain and hurt I truly know that You YHVH have become my shield. You take me and surround me with Yourself. Your glory covers me continually. You lift high my head when I bow low in shame, doubt and fear. I have cried out to You YHVH and from Your Holy presence, You sent me a Father’s help and love.
When things are going well, it is so easy to be confident. When you taste success, it is so tempting to think it is your own accomplishments. But it is always God who is doing the work in us and through us and for us. We are never alone.
Whatever God is asking of us – we do not need to be afraid. All the worry, fear and doubt were the enemy’s way of weakening Gideon – and the same for us.
I look at Esther, David and Ruth. All of them had to undergo drastic changes and transitions. But their faithfulness to God was richly rewarded. Even Jesus Christ Himself had the greatest transition. God became man and walked on the earth and was killed. For you and for me – so that whatever change we might go through – it does not have to be so painful.
What do you need to surrender? Your harmful habits, toxic thought patterns, relationship changes, changes in your situation, your income, your abilities?
Do not worry about change – worry about obedience! Most of the time our fear is based on the unknown. Just invite Jesus into your unknown. Do what you have to do then rest in God’s grace and provision.
Our lives have been constantly changing the last 14 years. And we tasted even more changes this year. Just like Gideon I faced fear, but God constantly said, “Trust Me”.
God said, “Retah, life is constantly changing, and many things are still going to change for you – but one thing that will never change is “Me” - My love for you, My hand over you, My provision for you and My ability in you. Keep on destroying your father’s house idols, images and statues. What you worship is whatever takes up the bulk of your mental space. Submit to Me those things that might be interrupting time spend in My presence. Follow Me – I will give you rest.”
Psalm 3 “My true hero comes to my rescue, for the Lord alone is my Savior”.
I had such an amazing time in the USA. I truly believe that God is busy preparing the church for one of the biggest revivals in the USA. The fire in California is only a fleshly manifestation for the fire of Holy Spirit that is coming to America. A true time of grace!
Thank you so very much to all my friends. Thank you for making me feel so much at home and thank you for walking this journey with me. Thank you for all your help, love and prayers. Keep on running the race of faith!
Love to you all.
Retah and family.