It was the end of February, and as I stepped out of my home for my
daily evening walk, I noticed that the sky was quite unusual. Two thirds
was completely covered with threatening, dark, cumulus clouds, but the
moon was shining brightly from a completely unclouded one third of the
sky. It was obvious that there was a battle raging for the dominance of
the heavens, and I wondered which side -- The clouds or the moon -- would
eventually get the upper hand.
As I walked, it became apparent
that the dark side of the sky was quickly overtaking that was bright,
and eventually the threatening cloud cover even overtook the light of
the moon. But those clouds couldn't completely hide the moon's light. I
could still see its rays shining out on the side of those menacing
clouds! Sensing God's hand in the skies, I opened my heart to Him, and I
was immediately impressed with the following message: "Even amidst
adversity, I will continue to shine and be with you. Even though you may
feel completely abandoned, I will still be there with you."
I was
immediately reminded of Jesus' experience on the cross: "My God, my God,
why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46b, NIV2), and I felt compelled
to share this message with you. You see, it wasn't directed only to me,
but to everyone who wants to know God intimately.
On my way back
home, I began to wish that I had taken my camera with me so as to have a
memento of this unforgettable encounter. I was assured that I needed to
only "Wait and see". I had no idea what this meant, but upon reaching my
home I ran upstairs for my camera and threw open the window to my
bedroom. What I saw stopped me immediately in my tracks. The threatening
clouds that I expected to see overtaking what was left of the unclouded
sky was actually retreating, and the moon was in plain view, reflecting
the light of the sun so brightly that I didn't even have to turn on the
light in my room. Eventually the dark cloud cover ceased to exist
completely. At least in my corner of the neighbourhood.
I had
never seen anything like this. How was it even possible that a
threatening storm, determined to advance no matter what, is stopped in
its tracks? And not only this, but that it retreats like a naughty puppy
with its tail tucked between its legs?
It's then that I realized
the following: "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in
the world." (1 John 4:4b, NIV2). You see, God is way bigger than any of
our circumstances. He is in control no matter what we go through. He is
surrounding us with His presence, even though our perceptions may be off
the wall.
Feeling discouraged? Fix your eyes on the true light:
Jesus the Christ.
Feel overwhelmed? Fix your eyes on Jesus.
Feel life is not worth living? Fix your eyes on the One who died so
that we could live.
I invite you to meditate of the following
nugget of gold. It will revive you: "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both
began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he
never lost sight of where he was headed-that exhilarating finish in and
with God-he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame,
whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside
God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story
again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through.
That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!" (Hebrews 12:2-3, MSG)
If you feel threatened by your circumstances, know that even though
you may feel completely abandoned, God is at your side, shining as
brightly as ever. He will give you victory, but first you have to claim
it. His kingdom is, after all, a kingdom of power.
Where's the
moon?
Even though heavy clouds of adversity may be covering our
neighbourhood, the moon is still reflecting the light of the sun!
Rob Chaffart