But God
We dragged ourselves into our local barbecue place after a long, tiring day – too weary to even think about going home and preparing a meal. We shuffled through the line, picked up our trays and reached for the forks and knives.
“Sorry. We’re out of forks,” said the sullen-looking server. Too tired to walk out, get in the car and drive to another restaurant, we grabbed knives and soup spoons and did our best to eat beef with a spoon.
My husband thought it might be a good idea if someone ran to the grocery store to pick up a few plastic forks, but there wasn’t a manager in sight. It was obviously not a well run restaurant.
Over the next few days we visited my Mom, who is recovering from a stroke, in the Rehab Hospital. A banner over the door proudly announced their high ranking in national polls, and as we became familiar with the facility and the staff it became apparent why they had scored so well. The cleanliness and efficiency were impressive. Everyone from the housekeepers to the nurses did their jobs with excellence. None of it couldn’t have happened without a very capable leader making sure every area of the hospital runs smoothly. For the people who come, it is a place of safety in the midst of devastating circumstances.
We live in a world where it seems as though everything has fallen apart. We look in vain for peace and unity. We are inundated with loud voices bringing news of disaster and division. We look for someone to step in and make things right – someone to bring peace where there is war and love instead of hate – but there is no-one. Leaders fail to keep their promises and truth has become some vague, subjective idea.
But God… Above and below and around all the apparent chaos is One who holds it all together. He is the One who set time in motion with a perfect plan that would encompass creation, a fall, redemption and restoration. Before the story began, the Author knew how it would all end. Before you drew your first breath, He knew your life story. In the midst of uncertain circumstances, we find rest on the solid ground of His unchanging character and absolute truth.
We are promised peace in the midst of the storm, unconditional love, mercy and grace, and a unity that can be found only in Him. We can rest in the absolute certainty that He always keeps His promises, while we wait for His certain redemption.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27
“I in them and You in Me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.” John 17:23
Blessings,
Linda
Thank you Linda for the reminder that He is the Only One that can give peace in a world of hate.