I want to reflect more on Pastor Rusty’s message from Sunday and take a look at God’s timing. As he said, “Timing is everything…” and “I’ll go further even when I fall.” The life you live here on earth is going to have ups and downs (valleys). Yes, it’s good to have dreams and godly desires, but what do you do when God seems to be ignoring your dreams?
I love how Pastor Rusty put it: “Don’t give up, because He’s preparing you.” While God does love you and show you favor, you live in a fallen world, something I’ve talked about many times. You can’t escape it, but you can make the most of it by choosing to serve God. Psalm 147:11 says, “But the LORD is pleased with those who fear him, with those who depend on his gracious love.” Remember to depend on Him through everything!
Pastor Rusty mentioned a good friend of his who recently passed away due to illness. But before he left this life, he dreamed of being healed. While that didn’t happen on earth, he’s completely healed now in the presence of God. Some dreams are fulfilled, but fulfilled in the next life. While losing a loved one is always devastating, Pastor Rusty’s friend was able to lean on God even more during the end of his life.
“There’s a reason that the symbol of our faith is the cross.” Pastor Rusty’s was talking about how pain and suffering are used by God (for His glory). This isn’t easy to grasp, but it reminds me of Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
You get to choose what kind of person you’re going to be. “Cowards never start, losers never finish, but winners never quit.” Pastor Rusty was trying to help you understand that to get anywhere in life, to be a winner, you have to stay strong. You will be attacked in so many ways. Decide if you’re going to be the righteous, the fool, or the wicked! “ Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16). This is the number of completion, and it’s a reminder of how God takes things back for His glory!
“What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted (Proverbs 10:24).” Don’t let dread rule you. Desire what God desires, and walk in righteousness.