Chuck Bridges Blog

Have you ever noticed how, just when we least expect it, God shows up with a message or word of inspiration that is just what we needed? I never cease to be amazed at how messages and sermon series themes that are planned weeks in advance manage to be presented on Sundays when someone is going through “LIFE” situations that correspond to the message. Even as a “Communicator” I sometimes forget just how “timely” God’s Word can be.

So, “Where is God When we Suffer?” (this was the final question we answered in our ‘Got Questions’ series). It is certain that we will never be able to answer the question of “WHY?” when painful life-circumstances enter our reality. But, even so, we can be encouraged because we can answer the question of “Where” God is when we are going through this stuff (notice the emphasis on “through” — God is bringing us through this stuff). As God’s Word reminds us, when our Life (i.e. boat) is tossed around by the storms of this world, as God’s children we have the assurance that Jesus is right there in our “boat” with us! (cf. Luke 8:22-25) If that does not bring you some kind of comfort, take some time right now to do some work on your relationship with Christ. You may find that the very thing you are trying to get out of is the place where God is wanting to do His best work in and through your life.

John Ortberg describes these kind of situations as “living in a cave.” I read this quote by this anointed author/teacher this morning and wanted to share it with you:

“Sometimes you are in a cave and no human action is able to get you out. There is something you can’t fix, can’t heal, or can’t escape, and all you can do is trust God. Finding ultimate refuge in God means you become so immersed in his presence, so convinced of his goodness, so devoted to his lordship that you find even the cave is a perfectly safe place to be because he is there with you.”

I hope this helps someone else as much as it has helped me today. I am heading back to some time of being fully immersed in his goodness, provision, grace, timely Word, etc. so that no life-situation can rob me of His Perfect Peace! AS Jesus spoke to the winds and the waves and they obeyed, so too can He speak to our “storms” and they have to obey! Until He ends the storm, REST in HIS PEACE! There really is Peace and JOY in the midst of life’s trials. Of course it is only IN CHRIST that this comes. Enjoy the journey!!!!