Recognizing God in the Disruptive Moments and Storms of Life

What do you do when you face those personal storms – disruptive moments in life? Storms have a way of revealing what lies below the waterline.

In the autumn 1992 Michael Plant, an American yachtsman, commenced a solo crossing of the North Atlantic to France in his sailboat the Coyote. It was state of the art - best of sailing expertise, experience & equipment. He left with the assumption that nothing could go wrong but 11 days into the voyage radio contact was lost. His boat was found upside down with no sign of Plant. What they did find was that the 8,400 lb ballast was missing. There is an important principle in sailing - there must be more weight below the waterline than there is above. Any violation of this weight distribution principle spells disaster because it compromises the stability of the boat. The first threatening wind or wave presents a serious problem.

The Bible warns us to “Guard your heart - for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). What have you been building into your life below the waterline that will provide you with stability when storms hit – those disruptive moments that invade your life? Storms happen! We learn more about what’s below the waterline of our existence when we experience personal pain, loss or sorrow. Are you paying attention to your soul?

Younger generations especially in Western society believe life is to be lived without pain, without struggle, without inconvenience. The Psalmist Asaph experienced storms in life which caused him to question the validity of faith in God. Psalm 73 records his inner anguish facing troubled times in his life. When he viewed life from a worldly perspective he was almost ready to dump his faith. He engaged in some serious soul-talk.

As Asaph contemplated life and viewed it from God’s perspective he realized “when all you have is God - God is enough”. That’s what really matters. Asaph points out that we are inclined to neglect the soul and all else beneath the waterline unless or until these disruptive moments come. We don’t like disruptive moments - too often they are associated with pain, inconvenience, failure and humiliation. Charles Colson (former “hatchet man for President Richard Nixon) discovered in prison, where all worldly props had been stripped away, what true security and meaning was. He found true life in Christ.

Gordon McDonald in his book The Life God Blesses encourages readers to take time to nurture their soul – to pay attention to developing a walk with God - a deep spirituality - a soul in which the Spirit of God is invited to dwell. It involves disciplined living where we take cues not from the world around but from the inner world out of which bubbles heavenly discernment, conviction and decision. McDonald differentiates between spiritual experiences and spirituality. Spiritual experience tends to be the “quick fix” approach which is superficial and more centered on the emotions or the mind. Spirituality on the other hand is like a well that produces and produces with long term profitability.
The biblical character Job experienced huge disruptive moments in his life. His trust in God did not waver in these difficult times. “I don’t know where you are but You know where I am!” (Job 23:1-10) Job continued to address issues that lay ‘below the waterline’:
“My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread..” (Job 23:11, 12)

David Ruis, worship pastor of Winnipeg Vineyard Church, wrote a song based on Psalm 73:24-28
Whom Have I But You?
Whom have I but You?
Though the mountains fall; they fall into the sea,
Though my colored dawn, may turn to shades of grey,
Though the questions asked may never be resolved,
Whom have I but YOU! Whom have I BUT YOU!

Twenty years ago my wife was diagnosed with cancer and I felt overwhelmed. I was pastor of small church, director of children’s camp, father of 4 children. I clung to the promises of God and His Word and He carried us through. When we faced the agony of our son’s struggle with schizophrenia and then suicide we went to the “ballast” of our lives – our faith and trust in Jesus Christ who walks with us no matter what. That’s what kept us buoyant. And faith in Christ will do the same for you. Trust Him.

On Pandemics and Skepticism

The H1N1 influenza dominated the media and political arena this past summer and fall.

The outbreak was first detected on March 18, 2009, in Mexico City. Before it was over, hundreds of Mexicans succumbed to the disease, and most of the city had to be closed down. It didn't take long for the disease to be spread to other parts of the world, and on June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization declared the outbreak to be pandemic.

During the summer, the virus seemed to be dormant, but with the onset of fall, medical officials declared there would be an outbreak equivalent to the bubonic plague. Governments raced to purchase the vaccine, but not enough could be produced on time. Because of this the serum initially was offered only to people at high risk. Those who were considered "low risk" would be vaccinated when enough of the vaccine became available.

It was interesting observing the response to the news of this new pandemic that was threatening the world. Much of the hype was fuelled by media speculation and then by government officials who were in a “no-win” situation - they were damned if they didn’t deal with it as a crisis and damned if they did. Although statistics of people dying from the common flu influenza were substantially greater than from those dying from the H1N1 influenza the media aroused public fears by focusing on a few scattered reports of individuals dying because of the virus.

When the vaccination program began many believed the reports and hurried to “get the shot”. Others were leery about a vaccine that was produced so rapidly without proper testing. I confess to being sceptical of the whole media hype. Part of it was that I only knew one person who “may have had H1N1”. Yet, I knew 2 persons who had the vaccination and had experienced some pretty serious side effects. Then too, since I was in the “low risk” category I didn’t take it as seriously as others in the “high risk” category. Our children didn’t have our grandkids vaccinated because they didn’t trust that it was safe – not enough testing had been done.

A vaccine was and is available but no one is forced to take it. It’s up to you - your choice.

As I reflected on this I drew a parallel to another “deadly pandemic” that has infected everyone in the world. The Scriptures declare that all of humankind is infected with a disease called “sin”. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) And it’s deadly – “the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a). However, there is a vaccine available for everyone and it’s free! “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b).

Many people are sceptics when they hear this good news. They either don’t believe the verdict that they have the death-dealing illness of sin or they don’t believe Jesus Christ is the only One who can save them from their sin and give them life. They may have heard the news but refuse to take it seriously. Or they acknowledge that they have the disease but are confident that they can gain life “in their own way.”

Again the Scripture is clear – there is only One Vaccine available – and it’s for all people, everywhere. You’re not forced to take Him – Jesus. But there is “salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

If you “receive” Jesus – God’s Vaccine for your disease of sin – you will be given new life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The gospel writer John states that “…to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12).

Again the choice is yours – it’s up to you what you do with the “Vaccine” God has provided. It still isn't too late to get God's Inoculation. He is the only One who can truly save you! Your choice has eternal ramifications!