“Ups and Downs”

Psalm 85: 1; 4: “O Lord, You showed favor to Your land; You restored the captivity of Jacob ... Restore us, O God of Jacob, and cause Your indignation toward us to cease.” Sometimes we feel God’s favor towards us; sometimes we feel His indignation. Sometimes both in the same psalm; sometimes both in the same day. To level out this roller coaster ride, God gives us a great gift: faith. It teaches and empowers us to go beyond feelings, even sight; and makes us “Trust in Him at all times, O people.” (Psalm 62: 8)

Friday, September 25: “Ins and Outs”

Acts 19: 34: “… a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’” St. Paul had spent two years in Ephesus, his longest stay ever, and experienced great success (vv. 10-12, 20). But even after this, there were still a number of Ephesians who were quite fervent in their exaltation of a false idol. As someone used to say, “In life, one day you’re in, the next day you’re out.” But never forget that every day is the day the Lord has made (Psalm 118: 24).

Saturday, September 26: “Short and Long”

Luke 4: 43: “He (Jesus) said to them, ‘I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.’” How can we remain faithful through the highs and lows, the ups and downs, the ins and outs? Among other things, we must always remember our purpose. God’s purpose for us never changes (Romans 11: 29), whatever our evaluation of its current effectiveness might be. Looking at short-term results can be disappointing at times, but keeping our eyes on the long-term purpose (and promises) of God will sustain our lives and our ministry for the duration.