LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 2:10, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

NorthRock has begun its annual tradition of “showing popular movies through the lens of teaching of biblical truth, like Jesus taught in parables” (Pastor Jonathon Moore). This week’s movie was King Richard, the story behind Venus and Serena Williams becoming tennis greats. It was about overcoming obstacles and their father’s plan for their development to become the great players they became. I will try to share the highlights from the biblical teaching.

The central character in the movie is the dad, just as the central character in the life of the Believer is God. “Our Father in heaven” has a plan for each Believer. Believers may not realize or understand that plan; they must trust that He knows what He is doing. Jeremiah 29:11 is often used for this. “For I know the thoughts [plans] that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts [plans] of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Pastor reminded us that there “is a popular misconception that when we become a part of God’s family, all problems go away and life will be smooth following Jesus”. If you have walked the narrow path with Jesus for even a short time you know that is not true. But, Pastor Moore continued, “God never guaranteed the absence of struggle just the assurance of a favorable conclusion”.

That struggle is part of the Believer’s walk. A problem occurs when we allow the struggles to be part of our identity. Know that the struggle helps Believers to grow in their trust and faith in Jesus. Part of the struggle is to grow when facing people when they wrong us, to respond according to the plan God has for us. People are going to laugh at the Believer’s faith, what they do and say, just as they did when they mocked Jesus. Again, Pastor Moore’s encouragement regarding this was biblical. He reminded us that “God opposes the proud but shows favor [grace] to the humble”. In other words, God is concerned about what people are doing to His followers but is more concerned about His followers honoring Him and showing grace to those being unkind.

Who does not want to be in charge of the plan(s) we have for our life? Yes, we want to be in control! If we didn’t, we would consult God before we decided to do what we want. You know what I am talking about. Pastor Moore said, “The problem comes when we are faced with God’s plan conflicting with our preference!” That is when we have to decide if we trust God or not. Walking the narrow way and trusting God is certainly easier when all things are going the way we want them to. But let things go crazy and we want to jump in and do things the way we think instead of continuing that walk in faith. “When God’s plan does not make sense, remember God has a different perspective than you do; that’s the time “To trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). “Not understanding is part of the process. Our success is tied to our surrender. Today is the day to stop pushing our plan and surrender to God’s plan and trusting Him” (Pastor Moore).

Pastor Moore’s last few statements of encouragement are certainly worth being passed on. He said, “Are you questioning God’s plan for you? Are others telling you, you are crazy? You are not letting God down when you fail. God is so proud of each of His children – even when struggling with His plan for your life. Keep trusting Him!”

Amen and amen!