Stand Firm

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27a)

"Laughter," says an anonymous commentator, "is like changing a baby's diaper--it doesn't permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while." Who is in charge here? The secular humanist raises his/her hand and states, "I am in charge of my life" The pessimist weakly raises his hand, although not above his head just chest high, and states, "I would like to be, but I know I can't, so you are in charge." The atheist raises both hands and shouts, "No one is in charge." Charles Darwin stated, "Only by natural selection of the fittest can anything be in charge."  While I was sitting around trying to figure out who is in charge the rain was pouring down. Looking out my window I thought, "Hmmm...here I am inside being philosophic and God is out washing my car." "...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Philippians 1:13). I bet He will want me to dry it after He finishes washing the car. "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God..." (Philippians 1:14-15a). So who is in charge? "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy" (Colossians 1:18). So, there it is; God is in charge! I better get busy, "What good is it, by brother, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds" (James 2:14)?

I began this devotional in the midst of a great pity party. Have you ever had one? I kept getting this thought, "am I willing to stand firm and let God be in charge?" I was being a lot like the man who in the midst of a power failure complained that he was stuck on the escalator for hours. The way was plain before that man only he found it easier to complain that [God] was taking to long to get him moving towards his destination. All he had to do was start walking. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22). Therefore, to stand firm is to "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up" (James 4:10).  He is in charge if I allow Him to be, it is in Him that I can stand.

I will end this devotional with laughter. The prosecuting attorney faced the witness. "Isn't it true the defendant talks to himself when alone?" "Couldn't say. Never been with him when he was alone."  God is Good!

Daily Prayer:

Father we can only come before you for even though you are in charge of all things in your love you allow us to choose for ourselves. You are courteous, and have great patience. I humbly submit to your will.   Amen