What if the stock market never stopped booming this year -- would we remember that God's name is Jehovah Jireh ("God will provide")?
What if there were no mass layoffs this year -- would we remember that the Lord is an ever-present help in trouble?
What if none of our admired public figures experienced personal scandal this year -- would we remember that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us?
What if there were no floods or other natural disasters this year -- would we remember that even the wind and waves obey the Lord Jesus?
What if we never had to confront terror this year -- would we remember that Jesus is coming soon, giving to everyone according to what he has done?
What if there were no corporate bankruptcies this year -- would we remember that a man reaps what he sows because God cannot be mocked?
What if?
Welcome to the brave new post-modernist reality.
God is still God. Heaven and earth may pass away, but Jesus' words will never pass away. He is the same - yesterday, today and forever. He is the Alpha and the Omega -- the beginning and the end.
All the promises of God are affirmed and settled in Christ. He promises us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." He promises us: "seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you." He promises us: "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." He promises us: "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
And that is just the beginning of what God has promised, and what will come to pass. On one hand, He has warned us that in this world, we will have tribulation. But on the other, He assures us that that He has overcome the world.
Especially when things look absolutely hopeless and miserable, we must remember that "God is good -- all the time." It is when our cupboards are bare and our wallets are empty that we must remember that Jesus came to give us life, and that we might have it more abundantly.
The times when our naked eyes and understanding fail us force us to look more deeply with our spiritual eyes, with a repentant heart and words of praise toward God. During those times, we are able to come earnestly, seeking not only God's provision, but also His priorities. Then, our faith is much more than just a slogan, because we have the purpose of God's glory to fuel us in His grace.
What if God's Church remembered this all the time? What if?
