Why does God let things get worse before they get better? Will they ever really get better? When things get worse is God mad at me? Have I failed? Is there hope? When I face obstacles does it mean God loves me less than those who "seem" to have unlimited favor? Maybe an answer to a bigger question resolves all of the “why” questions. .....are increasing obstacles a really a sign of decreasing potential or could they just be a countdown to a move of God?
1 Kings 18: 33 – 35 NIV
“….Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.” “Do it again,” he said and they did it again. “Do it a third time,” he ordered and they did it the third time. The water ran down and around the altar and even filled the trench.”
God lets things get worse so that there is no doubt that He is God. It is the modern day Mount Carmel challenge. “If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is god, follow him.” All of those jars of water left no doubt that with man, Baal, and any other false god, a fire was impossible. Baal wasn’t even able to ignite the drought dried wood on his altar. Only with The One True God was this possible.
One of the differences in our modern day Mt Carmel moments might be that we aren’t as in touch with what God is doing. So, we become distracted by our need for “fairness”, especially when the odds seem to be stacked against us. Elijah was so in touch with God that he actively took part in tipping the scales of fairness in Baal’s favor. He himself ordered the jars of water added onto his altar.
His confidence in God has me now thinking of negative comments, like that of Dr. Fancy Pants, as a good thing. Yes, finally the third set of jars that completely eliminates the world’s ability to take credit for God’s work in Ryan’s progress. Now the empty checking account, broken head gasket, $50,000 price tag for a van with a lift are all good indicators that we are entering our third set of jars season. I fully recognize and admit that our needs are well beyond our own ability to meet, medically and financially.
Though we are still seeing the third set of jars poured out in our lives, like Elijah, I can hear the sound of rain and even see the small cloud, “the size of a man’s hand” in the distance. It brings a sense of relief because I know that the battle is not mine but the Lord’s. Whew!! I was tired of fighting and it is exciting to know that the best is yet to come. ;)
1 Kings 18: 38 – 39
Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all of the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried,
“The Lord – He is God! The Lord – He is God!”
this is sort of like what I posted....never give up...and He does always come through. thanks for this...hope your weekend is great
ReplyDeleteI was pondering this morning what it would be like if we didn't have God to talk to. I couldn't fathom not having God in my life, there would be no hope at all. God is my mainstay even at the third jar. Thank you for posting this. It was what I needed to know.
ReplyDeleteI am finding such encouragement on Spiritual Sundays this weekend! Thank you for this post. Yes, times are tough. I am afraid they will get much worse. But we need to remember, God is with us and God is for us. Trust Him always.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this inspiring post that affirms, "The Lord - He is God!"
It's been a while since I've read this passage in 1 Kings, but this post reminds me that there is no one like our God. Let the cards be stacked, let the scales be tipped to benefit the enemy of God, so there can be no doubt; The Lord is God.
Like you, I feel as though I'm on my third set of jars, but instead of wondering, Can God? I ought to affirm by faith that God can!. Instead of asking Will God? I must trust Him with a faith that says, "God will!"
Let there be no doubt, "The Lord - He is God!"
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
It always keeps me going knowing that God is in control.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ginger
Thank you for sharing these wonderful observations. We always need to remember that God knows what he's doing although many times we do not understand it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Wonderful post...inspiring! It can be so difficult to not wonder where God is when problems continue on and on...but what you shared here really tells it all..and gives us hope to carry on. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteSo encouraging, and I needed to hear this truth today. Reminds me of the chorus, "Don't give up on the brink of a miracle." I love the thought of being on my fourth jar of water.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Pamela
Thanks for the reminder. Yes God is with us no matter how hard the times and He is in charge.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments and encouragement! God bless!!! Anita
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Never give up. God is good. Thank you for the encouragement.
ReplyDelete