The verse continues, “But a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). We live a life of faith. That doesn’t mean a reckless, careless, blind approach to living. Rather a hope-filled trust/reliance upon promises that the Lord desires to “make happen.”
Pastor Cathy and I are experiencing part A of the passage. Since the beginning of the year we made plans, prepared in every possible way, to make “vacation happen.” Not as simple as it may sound. This would be the first time in five years we would return to a favorite vacation spot we’ve enjoyed with family and friends over time. Muchly needing part B…”a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” thanks to hurricane Irma, our plans have to be “deferred.” Thus making the “sick heart.” Now I am not writing this to gain a sympathy thought from you but to relate just how often circumstances can set us back.
As believers we are not strangers to the biblical stories of storms. Remember Jesus told the winds and waves to “hush and be still” and they were (Mark 4:39). Then there is the storm that Jesus didn’t rebuke, rather He and Peter walked through (Matt. 14:24-33). Perhaps most relate-able is the storm Paul endured recorded in Acts 27.
Inspired by Tony Cooke’s article, “About Faith and Storms,” he sites Abraham Maslow’s comment, “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” Obviously Jesus must have had more than one tool. He didn’t treat all storms the same.
Now it is not recorded that Paul, “rebuked” the winds, rain and violence of the hurricane. Nor is it suggested that he attempted to “walk” away from the ship. I believe he reached for every tool he could lay his hands on. What he did, is recorded. He prayed and fasted, for the lives of those on board. The angel of the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “God has granted you all those who sail with you.” Yet there was tremendous material loss. Paul wasn’t aboard the ship by his own choosing, he was a prisoner destined to appear before Caesar, and therefore he couldn’t remove himself from the circumstances.
He had to endure.
In a most vivid and visible way we are experiencing what Paul penned in Romans 8:22, “the whole creation groans and labors …” The upheaval of this world’s violent forces are no respecter of persons. From Texas to Florida, Mexico to Montana the earth longs for its promised redemption.
Faith always has a resilient dimension called hope! That is why and how I look forward to another moment for the, “longing to be fulfilled!” In the meantime we continue to feel the loss and pain of millions whose lives are interrupted, delayed and lost. May the Lord be Merciful!
See You in Church,
Pastor Greg
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