Time To Get On Our Tiptoes
Someone shared their thoughts on Pine Valley United Methodist Church Pastor Tim’s Christmas classic sermon, “Miracle on 34th Street”, with me yesterday. They felt it was powerful and said I could share. Apparently the week had been a stormy one - more like a hurricane! Several big things happened and they were very discouraged. At first they were not going to church because they did not feel like it. The choice was to lie in bed and continue listening to Satan’s lies or get up and go to church and get some encouragement. Well, PVUMC is the place to come for encouragement!
The first song that really “spoke” to them was “Chain Breaker” by Zach Williams. Here are some of the lyrics, “...If you've been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies, If you're trying to feel the same old holes inside, There's a better life….If you've got pain He's a pain taker, If you feel lost He's a way maker, If you need freedom or saving, He's a prison-shaking Savior, If you've got chains He's a chain breaker. We've all searched for the light of day in the dead of night. We've all found ourselves worn out from the same old fight. We've all run to things we know just ain't right And there's a better life.”! Wow, they had been listening to lies all week and they were in pain.
All week this person had been saying, “what if”. What if what I heard was true? What if that is how things play out? What if I am left in the cold? Pastor Tim addressed the “what if’s” in our lives. He told us to quit saying, “what if” and say, “even if”. That person went home and changed the what if’s to even if’s. Even if what was heard was true they were going to be ok. Even if things played out that way, it would not change God’s perfect plan for them. Even if they were “left out in the cold,” God would be their Comforter and Provider! God takes care of all of the what if’s!
This person was reminded of God’s perfect plan and that is all we have to dwell on during those times. Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” We just have to trust God during the storms. Psalm 31:14, “But I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’” Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
This person thought it was going to be a sad Christmas for so many reasons. Sometimes we have to look up and that is what happened Sunday morning. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” God can do things we would never think of. And He can bring good from bad situations if we let Him. We have to trust Him. Jesus tells us not to be troubled. John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Pastor Tim talked about expecting great things from God. Having high expectations. How many times have we dreaded or wrestled with something before trusting God? The next day it never comes to be or ends up being a blessing. Pastor Tim said it is time to get on our tiptoes to see what great things are happening!
This person did not know how to fight this battle. It all seemed too big. Just in case the sermon was not clear enough, God orchestrated for “Surrounded (This Is How I Fight My Battles)” by Michael W Smith to be played. The lyrics were just what they needed. “It may look like I'm surrounded But I'm surrounded by You. This is how I fight my battles This is how I fight my battles.” When they left they knew it was time to let God fight the battles!
They walked into church burdened by the battles, wilted from all of the lies, and felt no hope. When they left they were filled with joy and peace that only God can give. Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Psalm 94:19, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” And they are on their tiptoes watching for what God is going to do. And they know it is going to be good! They may be surrounded but they are surrounded by God!
Let this story be a reminder to all of us of Romans 15:13. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” I am in awe of the Holy Spirit working on Sunday mornings and I cannot imagine how many stories there are like this! Our God is an awesome God and He is always faithful beyond belief! Psalm 118:24, “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”