04/25/23 LEARN FROM YOUR LESSONS

04/25/23 LEARN FROM YOUR LESSONS

I went to Bible college as a very shallow believer, since I never had Christian upbringing, and I only remember having a Bible believing pastor for a couple of years in my lifetime. I had a lot to learn. God had always been good to me, even when I would backslide from time to time, and I never forgot His faithfulness or call on my life. Some of my learning during Bible college years was taught and some of it was caught.

Being eager to learn and grow I paid attention to my ministry studies and I paid attention to God's personal leading. The first (or second) winter, when snow and ice were on the ground, I slipped on the steps, going down into the dining hall, injuring my ankle. In fact, I thought for a moment that I had broken my foot again. Immediately I gave praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. I was not asking for healing. I was just thankful for His watchful care, even though I may have broken my foot. After all, it could have been much worse.

As I attempted to stand up, I realized my foot stopped hurting. I was still cautious, but I proceeded into the building. Within moments I was walking normally, with no pain. God confirmed a great lesson to me that day. I was aware that God protects and heals and I was aware that I should give Him praise in all things, but this was such an obvious manifestation that I could not ignore it.

However, I learned a greater truth than the fact that God heals. I learned that giving Him praise is always in order, regardless of circumstances. I did not come away from that experience expecting God to keep me from all difficulties or injuries, and I did not come away from that experience expecting God to instantaneously heal me of every problem or sickness I may have. I came away with the joy of knowing God was with me and would be with me even when my circumstances were not good.

You may say, it was only a twisted ankle or at the worst a broken bone, so what is the big deal? I agree, it was not a world shaking event, but I learned from it the importance of giving thanks to God, sincerely and immediately; not for the deliverance that God can give but for the assurance that He is with me at all times, even when the evidence seems to indicate otherwise.

I have noticed that some folks react to life differently. Some folks are always gloomy, even in the the best of times. Some folks lose their spiritual focus when something negative happens in their life. And some of those folks allow that negativity to spread throughout their thinking, attitude, behavior and relationships. Saying the words of praise is not a mantra or incantation or magical phrase or a trick to get God's blessing. We must be in a place of true submission, praise and thanksgiving when we say the words of praise. It needs to be a "whole man reaction," to God. We need to praise Him when things are, "good" and when things are, "not so good," because God is always good, He never fails, He never leaves us or forsakes us and, "all things work together for good to those who love the Lord."

This great truth has seen me through countless trials and losses. No matter what happens, "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised."