We have seen complete devastation this week from the Hurricane along the Gulf Coast. Not only did it make land fall and destroy a whole city with it’s fury once, but it actually went back out to sea and made a second land fall! After watching over 50 inches of rain fall in some areas, people were rescued and there has been an incredible loss of life, property, and hope. It’s too much pain and suffering to even fathom. In the midst of this, it’s hard to believe anything good could emerge. But it has…
Victims of the flood in a Houston shelter belted out – “We want to see your kingdom here.”
Jesus brings hope in the midst of well, ANYTHING. I don’t understand always why, but “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” No easy answers, just truth. There is a great story in the book of Daniel that amplifies this truth. It is the story of three young men who refuse to bow in worship to a golden statue and they end up in a literal fire. Then God brings them through. We don’t here much about the rest of their life, but we do know of their faithfulness. Here’s one thing to remember – God’s timing is not our timing.
Three Things God Wants to do For You
1 – Protection – When will God deliver us from the pain? I don’t have the timing, but I do know God wants to deliver you. When you look closely at any situation that seems hopeless, you can see Jesus walking with you, protecting you. Even if it seems like He isn’t, He is protecting you. Where you find the presence of God, this is where you’ll find power.
“But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt” Daniel 3:25
2 – Perfection – Really, perfection? C’mon! Yes God has us all in process. Watch closely and you’ll see out of this tragedy, the situation will be redeemed. The world is a very hard place to live in, but God promises not to keep us in this temporary place forever. He is using everything for his good purpose, even your situation.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
3 – Promotion – I love how the story ends. The king declares that God’s name shall not be spoken of negatively, and anyone who does will be torn limb from limb. He also Promotes these three young men. To what? I am not sure, but when you come out on the other side of the fire, promotion just seems natural with the wisdom and experience you have gained.
“Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.” Daniel 3:30
My prayer for you today is you will hope again in the dream God has for your life. How is God protecting, perfecting and promoting you? I would love to hear below…
Josh
Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ. 217church meets Sundays at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here. On Sunday September 17th 2017 we will have our Fall Launch celebration service.
217church is affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and we are helping in the Hurricane devastated area. Here is a link on how you can VOLUNTEER or GIVE FINANCIALLY to support Hurricane victims.
This message truly resonates with what I am going through with my son. In the midst of crisis, as long as we are faithful, he will surely see us through. Knowing the promises of our good God has kept me going. To God be the glory!!! Thank you pastor for the message.
Amen Mina! Keep progressing forward and believing God for his good result! Hope is a powerful word. Here is another scripture that speaks to hope that is so encouraging.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight!”