It wasn’t until my knees buckled under my own power that I was ready to receive God as the true and one Lord of my life. On that day my natural self was vanquished with its last breath and I was ready to “play second fiddle.”
When bad things happen in life, we need to see them as necessary trials that God uses to glorify himself and bring us closer to him. Through spiritual discipline we will see the advantages brought by our trials as times to learn to trust his promises. If we can learn to depend on God alone, and not our jobs, our smarts, our friends, our “resume creds,” or our “recreational diversions,” we will be fully protected when the proverbial mud hits the wall. It is then that we will be one with the psalmist:
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” Psalm 62:1-2
God knows how tough it is to turn our problems over to him and play second fiddle when we are under siege. Of course it’s easier to trust God when things are going well. But even when we encounter unavoidable obstacles, God gives us a way around them by imploring us to claim his promises to be there every step of the way to help us through the trial.
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1
GOD’S PROTECTION PROMISE
Paul’s truth in Romans is a powerful reminder of just how much God cares about us and promises to be stand up on our behalf no matter what. Below are a few more reminders of that truth, in what I call “God’s Protection Promise.”
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. . . . The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:1-3, 7
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22
“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken (Ps. 62:6).
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Pick up the second fiddle and start playing. The music will be great.
