I was reading the book of Psalms the other day and stumbled on something. In Psalm 13:2 David says,
“How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (NLT)
These words jumped right at me because the other day, I was just thinking the same thing. I was watching the news, and particularly engrossed in all the stories about the persecution of the church in Nigeria, and the world at large. Christians are being murdered or facing some form of harassment on a daily basis, it now seems so normal.
My biggest issue was only a few Sundays back I heard a message about how we sometimes magnify our problems. The pastor suggested that the next time we found ourselves worrying; we should measure the size of our problems against the strength of our God. This was an amazing revelation for me, because I had never heard anyone say it like that. With this new strategy I set out comparing.
Blood-thirsty terrorists, compared to the God who brought powerful rulers like Nebuchadnezzar, and Pharaoh to their knees. The God who transformed a heartless terrorist called Saul, into one of the most remarkable evangelists to ever walk the planet. Oh! I started to get really excited. But then something else occurred to me, so if God is so powerful why does He let all these things happen? It’s just not fair.
As I thought and searched the scriptures, the Holy Spirit drew my attention to Psalm 37, especially verses 7-13:
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone. The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance, but the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.” (NLT)
As I read this, it suddenly occurred to me that God really does preserve the wicked for the day of destruction. He actually hardened the heart of Pharaoh knowing that one day he will be drowned in the red sea with all his horses and chariots. WOW! I jumped for joy at this revelation completely free from all my worries. I am now confident, or do I say “Godfident” that my God has absolute control.
– SARAH OKOYE, October 20, 2016
