Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Ever Feel Overwhelmed

Daniel 3:21

Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Ever Feel Overwhelmed?

Ever feel like you're in over your head and there's no way to get back? Like you're at the bottom of a hole that just gets deeper?

I used to hate it when I would be going through something and someone would say 'well, look at so-and-so in the Bible...they made it through.' That would irritate me to no end. 'What does that have to do with me?' I would scream in my head while I nodded to the person, secretly wishing they would just go away.

Not very 'evangelistic' of me, is it? Well, hang with me for a minute.

Truth is, its sometimes hard to find comfort when you're in the midst of your furnace. The heat could be coming from any number of things...Maybe it's deadlines. Maybe it's all the responsibilities you bear for your family, your job, your school, your church, and whatever else is stacked on your plate. Maybe you're caring for an ailing parent. Or mourning the lost of something, or someone dear. Maybe it's all of these things. Maybe it's something else. But whatever the source, heat is heat. What's too hot for me may be a temperature you can handle. But where do you go when it's just too hot?

My friends, I can point you to any number of stories and recounts in the Word that tell us time and time again about how God loves us and how He has us through those situations in our life that, at the moment, seem unbearable at worst, and just too much in the least. You know them. You've heard them. But it isn't in the substance, the action of the accounts where you'll find the comfort. That's in the Teller.

The statement of faith that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego made to Nebuchadnezzar was powerful. I believe they meant it. Had they died in that awful experience, their words would have still been a strong testimony to those who heard. But, I also believe that in the instant they realized that their trial HAD NOT consummed them...when they danced in the flames with 'a Man who looked like the Son of God'..that was when they realized God HAD them. That was the moment it clicked that no matter the circumstance, no matter the trial, regardless how hot the flame, they belonged to God and He would handle the outcome.

I wrote several months ago about our family victory cry, 'Can't Lose Shoes'. We say it to remind ourselves that if God is concerned with the small experiences of our lives, like a misplaced child's shoe, why should we even question His attention to the big things of our lives...our hurried pace...our health...our family...our children...our mourning...our sorrow...our pain?

You matter to God. You, all by yourself, were worth the very blood of His only begotten Son. If, at the end of time, you were the only one who believed on the name Jesus, He would count the work worthwhile.

Paul reminded us 'be not weary in well doing' (2 Thessalonians 3:13), but Jesus took it a step further and said 'Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: And ye shall find rest unto your souls.' (Matthew 11:29). There is rest for your soul if you take it. There is peace if you choose it.

Remember, your trials are real. The heat is hot. But even in the midsts of the flames, you can find yourself dancing if you just believe that He loves you as much as He says He does.

Luke 12:27-32

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Feeling overwhelmed? There's a Savior for that. Peace and calmness.

My apologies to those who missed the message last week. I experienced technical difficulties that took a bit of time to resolve. All is well now. Thank you for your patience.

Evg. Stephanie Robinson

Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.

Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!

455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor