Philippians 1:21
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Paul’s statement is one of the most radical declarations made by a disciple of Jesus Christ. Living and dying were equal in Paul’s estimation. His confidence rested in believing that whatever happened was God’s best for him because the Lord is aware of and intimately involved in every detail of life, no matter how difficult.
Unfortunately, many Christians worship a distorted version of God who isn’t involved in the ugly stuff. Certainly, He is present in the good, but their confidence fades when the bad arrives. The Bible never says your faith won’t be challenged, but your mindset will become like Paul’s when you believe that a good God is in control. Until then, like Elijah, you can expect to vacillate between doubt and belief regarding God’s care for you.
Elijah defeated 450 prophets of Baal, yet the great prophet ran from one enraged queen. He hid in a cave until God said, “What are you doing here? Go stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And God sent a strong and great wind, an earthquake, and a fire. But it wasn’t until Elijah heard God’s still, small voice that he understood God’s ways are not always visible or dramatic—yet He is always working for our good. God doesn’t create the bad but will use it to bring about good because goodness is His nature.
Dear saint, I urge you to default to God’s unchanging nature if you are unsure of the present or future. When you believe God is in the details, worry dissipates, and you become unstoppable.
Awaiting His Return,
– Pastor Jack
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