One of the amazing achievements of space exploration is the accuracy involved in guidance systems that can 'land a craft'and direct instructions over space and time. God also provides guidance for us - not just for the here and now but for eternity. In fact His guidance for the believer in the finished work of Jesus Christ, is guaranteed all the way into eternity. He has placed eternity in the hearts of people with the intent of preparing us for eternity.
His guidance is about living well as well as dying well. We are often more ready to accept the former but not the latter. Submitting to the sovereign will of God, including matters relating to death, are challenging for us. Peter rebuked Jesus when he heard that Jesus would die. Jesus however addressed Satan saying "...you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." (Mat. 16:23) Job's wife tempted Job to "Curse God and die" in the face of his apparent torment. But Job responded, "shall we indeed accept good from God and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10) Adversity may well be part of the sovereign purposes of God for our lives as well. Adversity needs to be framed by eternity. Paul said "to live is Christ; to die is gain". "Death is swallowed up in victory... The sting of death is sin...but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 15:57). The sovereign will of God which we cannot change, is always designed to do us good because God is good!
What can we learn from that which we cannot change? How can we frame that which we cannot change? Firstly, accept the things that you cannot change but do take responsibility for the things you can change. You can do a lot "if you swim between the flags". Occupy time with what you can be and do in order to influence others for good. Secondly, learn from the past but don't live in the past. Be thankful for the heritage that you have but determine to become a history maker yourself. Paul encouraged a young Timothy to stand on the shoulders of those who had gone before him and "stir up the gift of God which is in you." (2 Tim. 1:5-6) Thirdly, appreciate the people that are in your life, including the family of God. Be grateful for those who choose to do life with you. Be ready to befriend others. One great way to do this is to offer to listen to someone else's story. Fourthly, reject any thought or suggestion that your life doesn't matter. You matter. Your life matters. God believes in you more than we believe in ourselves. He is for you! Fifthly, keep short accounts with people. Build up the grace bank and starve the bank of bitterness! Don't develop negative thoughts; expose them to the light. Sixthly, learn to laugh at yourself and know that the sun will rise tomorrow! We have all failed but we are never failures!
This blog is based on a message by Ross Smith, The Vine church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia delivered Sunday 31st July 2016. The full message can be accessed by podcast from www. thevine.org.au/teaching
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