The Best is Yet to Come
By Ernie Vanderwalt
When Pastor Nate taught on Mark 1, he pointed out that Jesus was almost immediately in conflict because of the Kingdom and likewise warned us, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).
Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a battle you did not choose, through no fault of your own? Trouble disrupts your life, and conflict brings feelings of insecurity and uncertainty--threatening you with anxiety. Such circumstances may cause our souls to experience a form of emotional and spiritual strangulation.
David experienced all such trauma and more. He speaks plainly in Psalm 139:23: “Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Amplified). The mighty warrior king who slayed the giant, Goliath, had anxiety? David faced a battle and had a choice. Would he be still, assured that God was in control, or allow his heart to quiver and fluctuate with fear?
Countless saints before us have faced bewildering dilemmas. Even John the Baptist who attested that Jesus was the Lamb of God, when in prison, sent His disciples to ask Him: “Are you the one...?” The threat of death constricted John’s soul, and few of us may ever face such a test. Yet listen to Jesus’ response in Matthew 11:4: “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”
Jesus speaks first of miracles, supernatural healing and deliverance, almost raising expectations. Then He speaks a very sobering word: “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of Me” (vs. 5). What was He saying? Basically, that He would not deliver John. Others may experience an extraordinary work of God, but that is not what He chose for John who could have been left offended.
Saints, without exception, we all experience darkness and pain! You may be in some precarious situation right now, crying out to the LORD for a miracle, for some supernatural deliverance! You have been obedient, faithfully following His voice and guidance. Yet you feel vexed, afflicted, and overwhelmed.
The LORD does desire to do a work, but it may not be what you expect. He may not take you out of the battle, but perhaps desire to do an extraordinary work within you. If any of us are willing to accept the path He has for us, He frees our hearts from the fetters of fear. When the clay yields unconditionally to the potter, His Spirit floods our souls with an assurance of His faithfulness and fills our hearts with a dauntless resolve to obey!
Jesus asked likewise to be rescued: “Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will’”(Matthew 26:39 niv). Jesus’ love for the Father was so compelling that He chose to accept God’s will regardless of the consequences. Likewise, the depth of our love for God will determine our willingness for obedience.
Prayer:“Heavenly Father, I feel overwhelmed at times when everything going on is just too much! Yet, LORD you said: “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5).Thank you for Your abiding presence. I understand the price of being a disciple is obedience. I do desire to embrace Your will and leave the consequences up to You--even if it means bearing suffering. I am Yours, not my own. I love You, LORD! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Digging Deeper: John 12:26; Psalm 50:15;Psalm 91:14–16;Jeremiah 33:3; Isaiah 65:24; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 138:7; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:1–2; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8.
Soaking Song: Who Am I? by Casting Crowns --
I Am Not Alone by Kari Jobe --
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