“The LORD said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry…for I know their sorrows.” Exodus 3:7 NKJV
God sees. God knows.
At times, we may feel that all is against us. It may look like we’re losing the battle. The enemy is growing stronger, evil voices bellow, and the army of hate intensifies its ferocity. We fear our numbers are dwindling and our collective voice weakening.
A shot rings out, a single bullet finds its target, and a brave leader and warrior of the Truth falls silent and unbreathing to the ground.
Some may ask, “Is this the end? Is the battle over? Have we lost?”
God sees. God knows.
The “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) that encourages and spurs us forward in the race God has given each of His children to run has gained another faithful-to-the-end soldier of the cross. One more witness to a life well-lived, faithful to the God who called him to serve so many in his short life.
God sees. God knows.
The sniper’s bullet may have short-circuited human plans for this dynamic leader, but God’s timetable is perfect.
We take comfort knowing that in God’s economy, the pain and sorrow His people experience are never wasted. We may not understand. We may wish that it were not so, but God has His plans and purposes.
God knows how the story will play out in the end. And in its conclusion, God’s people will grow, new leaders will emerge, God’s Truth will prevail, and our LORD God will be glorified.
God sees. God knows.
We may wonder, “How are we supposed to move forward?”
The writer of Hebrews tells us.
We are to keep our eyes on Jesus, who established and perfected our faith. Because of the joyful future that lay ahead, He willingly submitted Himself to experience the full cruelty of the cross. He carried our guilt and our shame. He bore the pain and death that should have been ours. Our Savior and LORD is now seated in the place of highest honor at the right hand of His Father, Jehovah God.
When we feel we cannot go on because our load is too heavy. When we feel like we’re losing the battle, we must remember our Savior and the cruelty and hostility He faced without flinching. He is our example. He is our encouragement. He is our strength.
Because of Jesus and His empowering, indwelling Holy Spirit, lift your head, raise your arms in victory, and find strength to continue in the race you have been given.
Stand firm in the Truth, speak out for righteousness, but be cautious and thoughtful. Do not intentionally stir up trouble or be contentious so that you don’t bring shame on the cause of Christ.
Strive for peace and holiness, both bear witness to the goodness of God and His glory.
Don’t allow bitterness, stemming from your situation or directed at your enemies, to take root in your heart and grow. Bitterness is self-defeating and self-destructive; it will taint every conversation and relationship you have. It will destroy your peace and your testimony. (My paraphrase of Hebrews 12:2-3, 12-15)
God sees. God knows.
Our hearts ache for the loss of a hero of the faith and for his loved ones; pray for those who mourn that they may find solace and peace in their loving Savior.
Rejoice in this Truth and take comfort.
We are a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Our God is a consuming fire. There never has been, there never will be an enemy that can dampen the flame of our Father. His blaze is enduring and fills the hearts and minds of His true and faithful followers. (Hebrews 12:28)
Let your light shine so that all may see the glory of your Heavenly Father.
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV
GOD SEES. GOD KNOWS.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV