We live in an age of relativism regarding what is true and what is not. Basically, whatever someone says is true – is true. Convenient. How many times have you heard or seen “that’s just your truth”? Jesus offers a distinct contrast: I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Imperfection is all around us. Our own personal turbulence is very real. Our suffering and our limitations are integrated into the design of our individualized turbulence. By cooperating with our Creator, imperfection and turbulence are allies of the truth. Don’t get me wrong, it is sad that the world is such a twisted place, but that’s kind of the point. Something in God’s nature makes Him a Rescuer. After all, what is the alternative?
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Here are several things to consider regarding turbulence and truth:
√ Where there is turbulence, there is movement and therefore opportunity. When presented with a problem or a challenge in my own life or concerning someone I love, I am much more prone to walk toward it than I was even a decade ago. Why? I simply trust Jesus more than I ever have. His ways truly are not my ways. His thoughts are not my thoughts. I am so blessed to be able to embrace His Words into my life and trust Him for both process and outcome.
√ Where there is imperfection, there is the opportunity for faith. Paul said “the sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed.” In other words, there is no comparison between the hard times I am presently experiencing and the good times and rewards that await me. I am immersed in now for now, but soon I will break free into a whole new reality brought to me by the incomparable work of Jesus. We have limited data on the realities of heaven – but plenty to understand the perks such is no pain, perfect peace, reunion with other God souls – and my favorite – learning about an inexhaustible God – forever!
√ Where there is suffering, God is present. I remain chilled by the words “have you considered my servant Job” in God’s interaction with the evil one. God doesn’t apologize. He certainly doesn’t back off. There is no fear present. Our struggle goes beyond our lives on this earth. It involves powerful authority structures which include angelic and wicked spiritual intent in heavenly places. It is entirely possible and probable that we are part of a story design that will blow our minds.
√ I am not a pawn: I am a partner. His Kingdom is my Kingdom. I am made in His image. His grace is my greatest treasure.
There is eternal value as we follow in the sufferings of Christ. Because of Jesus, the Father has great credibility with me regarding turbulence and loss. Remember at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry when He was tempted for 40 days in the wilderness? With what was He tempted? The exact things we are tempted by. He was challenged by Who He could be (powerful, wealthy, prestigious) if He took things into His own hands and ignored His Father’s will. Amazing. This is a well-used pattern from which we can learn much.
So that’s our choice: true truth or twisted truth. We choose the solid Rock.
Dave and Burnadette
Two ends of the same rope. Finding true truth or twisting the truth.
The Plain Truth
Twisting the Truth