Discouraged

The opportunities were few and far between. I had just graduated from seminary, and many applications had been sent out, but few churches responded, and those who did were not interested. I was trying to wait patiently…but I was discouraged. In the meantime, I was painting for a man named Pancho, who owned several apartment complexes in the Dallas area. He kept asking me if I had found a church opportunity. One day, he said, “I guess God needs painters more than preachers.” He said it in jest, but it hit hard.

Let’s be honest. Have you ever felt like running from God? I have. There have been times when I wanted to be alone, wanted to hide, and wanted some distance from God. But where is that place of seclusion? Let’s see what King David said.

Think about it! Disease that wracks the body—healed! Broken hearts from broken relationships—over! Wayward children—home! Stricken with grief—comforted! Addictions—overcome! Years of separation—united! Disappointment—elation!

Words matter. They have the power to build up and tear down. And once they escape our mouths, you cannot retrieve them. Words matter and the apostle Paul gives parents a needed warning about our words and our actions.

I am God and there is no other…. I have purposed, and I will do it.

David’s confidence was grounded in the fact that God answered his calls for help.

God was as sovereignly at work the day Moses’ mother tearfully and fearfully placed him in the Nile as He was when Pharaoh’s daughter drew Moses out of the water. Even when you don’t know how the story ends, God is still in charge!