Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
As we make our turn into the new year we are finding things are still turned upside down. There will always be some things that are going to cause some issues, but I am still praying that God will work in the days to come to bring about the healing our nation needs.
I recognize that not everyone is going to turn to God in these times, yet I am trusting that we will see many turn to Him in the coming year. I don’t believe that we can be the nation we need to be unless we follow God. It is my hope that people will turn to Him and find the peace they need.
There are some who do not believe in God or that He can take us through times such as those we are facing. There are some that are asking where God is in the midst of all that is taking place. With all the things happening they question why God isn’t doing something. The truth is that God is working and He is definitely here.
As I thought about this it made me think about an old movie I watched years ago. It was Chisum starring John Wayne. Chisum was one of those movies that told of a conflict that was taking place in Lincoln county, New Mexico and those who were seeking to keep them from their business dealings. Chisum was doing all he could to keep things the way they had been.
The fight was ongoing, but finally things were settled and the victory belonged to the ranchers. After a battle had taken place in town, they had all gone to the ranch. They shared in a supper that would give them strength to go forward keeping law and order.
At the end of supper John Wayne headed for the door. Mr. Pepper made the statement that there was no law west of the Mississippi and no God west of the Pecos. John Wayne stopped, turned and said, “Wrong Mr. Pepper. Wherever men go the law is not far behind and they find that God’s already been there.”
So often we look around us and find it difficult to see where and how God is working. At times we even call out for God to do something so that others will see the way things should go. It seems that our lives are filled with despair.
Scripture tells us that God is always there in our lives and He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). When we seek the Lord we will find Him and He will walk with us through all that takes place in our lives.
Psalm 40:1-3 says – “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay’ and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. 3 And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord.”
God continues to work and move in our lives wherever we may find ourselves. While He promises us His presence, He also promises us that He will provide for us as we move through life. It is a promise that carries us through the difficult times in life.
As you move into this coming year remember what God’s Word says in Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
So remember whatever you face – ‘Wherever men go the law is not far behind and they find that God’s already been there.’
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.
