It’s a catch 22 for me. I want to be informed about what’s going on. But, on the other hand, when I watch and listen to too much news, especially now, I get upset and disillusioned. I pray and speak life over the issues, but I don’t recognize ‘life’ in the statistics, pictures, and stories! We can ‘see’ too much.
Hebrews 11:1-3 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."[i]
What about what we don't see, does that matter? Yes! Faith allows us to believe in things we don’t see. Faith acts—(perceives, speaks, moves), without the need for visual or emotional confirmation. God spoke the world into existence. We weren’t there, but we know it’s true — we are here today, aren’t we?
Moses heard the voice of God in the burning bush, but He did not see God himself.
Deuteronomy 4:12 "Then the Lord spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form-only a voice." (emphasis added)
If we believe that God is the Creator of the World, then we must have faith that nothing escapes Him. He knows what’s happened yesterday, what’s going on today, and what will be, forever, He still is the Great I AM, no matter what!
2 Corinthians 4:18 "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."[ii] Can we dwell within this moment, seeking after Him with our entire being and have the faith to trust? Can we praise Him in the storm?
Out of trusting faithfulness, Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, because he had faith to believe that God would raise him from the dead. He believed! God spoke to Abraham, but he did not see God, only God’s provision in an extreme circumstance.
Genesis 22:12-14 "Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”[iii]
We are in an extreme circumstance today! God WILL provide in this storm, God saves, God loves, God forgives, and God is God even though we can’t see Him. Our Abba is always at work, ever present, and watchful. Nothing escapes His notice. He is the Creator of the Universe!
1 Corinthians 2:9 but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him."[iv] John 4:24 “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs:
Praise You in This Storm, by Casting Crowns[v]
I was sure by now God
You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it's still raining
-
As the thunder rolls I barely hear
You whisper through the rain, “I'm with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives, And takes away
-
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are, No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm
-
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on, If I can't find You
-
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain, “I'm with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives, And takes away
-
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of Heaven and Earth
My friends — be encouraged during this time. Let’s allow our faith to arise in the unseen God and believe He is in charge. Let us praise Him in the storm even if our hearts are torn. Remember, He has NEVER left our side.
In Jesus Name, amen!
[i] Hebrews 11:1-3 English Standard Version (ESV)
[ii] 2 Corinthians 4:18 English Standard Version (ESV)
[iii] Genesis 22:12-14 English Standard Version (ESV)
[iv] 1 Corinthians 2:9; John 4:24 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
[v]"Praise You In This Storm" (Mark Hall, Bernie Herms) © 2005 Be Essential Songs (BMI) (admin. at EssentialMusicPublishing.com) / My Refuge Music (BMI) (admin. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com);Banahama Tunes / Word Music LLC (ASCAP) (admin. by WB Music Corp.)