A Moment With Pastor Fred

Have ever been guilty of longing for the “good ole days?”  We all have. Of course, Warren Wiersbe liked to remark, “The good ole days are the product of a poor memory and a vivid imagination.” We chuckle. Memories can be selective. But God’s Word is clear. Ecc 7:10, Say not, “Why were the former days better than these? For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.”

 Focusing on what we had rather than on what we have is a mark of discontentment. And discontentment is a sin. You are where you are right now due to God’s providence – his loving, all-wise and gracious providence. Whether our current circumstances are the result of wise or foolish planning, finding our way back to happiness isn’t returning to our former days. Prov 16:9, The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

We must replace “why is this happening to me” with “what is God trying to teach me?” That changes everything. God doesn’t want us to waste his lessons in the school of life. Elisabeth Elliott said, “The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived – not always looked forward to as though the ‘real’ living were around the next corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.” Someone else has said, “There can be unwavering peace today when an uncertain tomorrow is trusted to an unchanging God.” Dear friend, God is in control. Therefore, in everything I can give thanks – not because of the situation but because the One who directs and rules over it. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer, Rom 12:12.