The Example Of Those Who Go Before Us

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) 

Working on my family genealogy recently I came across a photo of my great grandmother. I had never seen her, or even a photo of her before. She looked weary and worn out, yet she also looked tough with just a flicker of fire in her eyes. According to the census she had recently been widowed and only three of her six children remained alive. We can hardly imagine what our ancestors have endured and survived for us to be here today. Her steadfastness kept my grandfather alive, and would lead to my birth, giving me a chance at life. 

Every day brings challenges, disappointments, excuses to give up. Consider that if any of our ancestors had given up at any point in their lives, just one of them on our family tree, we would not be here today. Likewise, if we give up at any point and cash in our life our descendants will not have the chance at life that we have. We leave them a legacy based upon our choices and actions. 

We must all keep the faith in large and small ways. I am sure some of my ancestors thought that: Well I'm just a farmer and my life doesn't matter much, or I'm just a day laborer and my existence does not count, or a home maker, or a coal miner...there were probably many of our ancestors who thought their life was meaningless. The truth is the drudgery of their lives mattered, their faithfulness and courage in hardship lead to our existence. 

Often in the old census records I see grandchildren living with grandparents because either the parents had died or could not support the children. I see fathers who were absent, people moving in with other relatives just to survive. They had many of the problems we have today, and frequently fewer resources and opportunities to meet their needs. They were hungry, poor, struggling to survive. They were ill, without proper medical treatment, and yet they kept the faith, continued to believe and sometimes just had the courage to put one foot in front of the other. 

It is a miracle that any of us are alive today considering the challenges our ancestors faced. But life prevails, hope prevails despite all obstacles, and that itself is a lesson for those of us today. 

We face tough challenges, health problems, financial difficulties, relationship stresses and strains, and changing circumstances we have no control over. I belief faith must have sustained many of our ancestors through their trials. Faith will also see us through whatever life throws at us. We carry the same responsibility to those who come after us as those who came before us. Our small acts of faith, our monotonous actions of just carrying on day to day may have big rewards not only for our progeny, but everyone our life touches.  

It does not take a blood relative or DNA connections to affect the lives of others and help someone who is hurting to survive another day. Some of those who have helped me to keep standing strong did not even come from the same part of the world as myself much less be part of my family tree. The point is that anyone who chooses faith and hope instead of despair and surrender can affect others, even generations after they have left this world.  

What Jesus did centuries ago transformed the entire world. His act of courage and faith continues to bear fruit and change lives. We too have the chance to leave a legacy that makes the world a better place, and our small acts of faith could reap big rewards long after we go on to be with the Lord. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember our choices today can have consequences centuries from now. Enable us to live faithful lives that make a difference in the lives of others. Amen. 

Karlton Douglas 

Copyright 2017

Who Do You Rely Upon The Most?

What they trust in is fragile; what they rely on is a spider’s web. Job 8:14 (NIV) 

Some people put their trust in money. Others rely upon friends and family. And there are those who are completely self-confident and count only on themselves. None of these are secure though, for money disappears, friends and family will eventually let you down, and our own strength only lasts until it is gone. 

What will you do when the world comes crashing down upon you and there is no one and nothing that can help you? That day is coming if it is not already upon you. Prepare yourself, for the flood will come. 

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Matthew 7:26 (NIV) 

There is only One we can fully rely upon, who we can completely trust and count on when troubles and crisis are overwhelming us. When we look to the Lord and trust in His word we are anchored, we have a foundation that can be relied on even when the storms beat down upon us and the flood rushes over us. 

They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. Luke 6:48 (NIV) 

It is easy to get into the habit of relying upon ourselves or others, believing our security is in our own control or held fast by friends or family members. We can get into the habit of counting on our strength and only learn too late that our strength is too small, especially in the face of overwhelming adversity or illness. We can look to our parents, or siblings, or a lifelong friend and lean upon them in a crisis only to find they are just as weak and feeble as ourselves. 

No, neither ourselves nor our fellow human beings have the strength to deliver us out of catastrophe. Only Jesus can meet every need in every terrible circumstance of our life. If we will call upon Him, trust in Him, and receive Him into our lives we will find that the greatest strength comes to us only when we surrender everything to Him. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, we like to think we are strong and mighty, and that we have companions and family that add to that strength, yet it is only You who can deliver us through the greatest trials that come upon us. We rely upon You Lord. You are our Deliverer and Redeemer. Amen. 

Karlton Douglas  

Copyright  2017 

Do You Find Peace Illusive?

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

Car problems, computer problems, financial problems, relationship problems, health problems, the list goes on and on regarding the things that steal away our peace. Just when we think we have found peace, something arises to steal it away.

I have been trying very hard lately to stay in peace. Recognizing that stress is making my physical condition much worse, peace is becoming a necessity rather than a fine idea.

I really thought I was getting there and then last night I got a frantic call from my aunt telling me that my mother was being care-flighted to a hospital because she had passed out and was in terrible condition. Such news not only deletes our peace but also chases it right out of the country. Of course we respond correctly with fear and concern about such terrible events, but that is exactly the sort of situation where we need peace the most.

While praying about peace the Lord reminded me that peace comes from within—not from without. Of course peace is impossible to attain if it derives from circumstances. Yet if peace rises up within us from the “Prince of Peace” who abides inside of us through His Holy Spirit then we have a source of peace that is greater than the conditions without or our present circumstances.

Stress, fear, danger, worry, doubt, tragedy, such things will always affect us for we live in a world of problems and travails. Yet Jesus is the source of peace we need and must rely upon in all circumstances.

We do not all live in a quiet cabin beside a peaceful stream in the middle of nowhere. Nevertheless, with God as the Captain and Guide of our life we can find peace, walk in peace, and live in peace despite our changing circumstances and outward conditions. Will it always be easy? No. It takes time, experience, and ongoing faith to find peace in this troubled world but it all starts with trusting Jesus and relying upon Him to find peace because of our relationship with Him.

Prayer: We have so many good reasons not to be at peace Lord, help us to remember You are the One reason to be at peace no matter what comes our way.

Karlton Douglas

Copyright 2017