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Topic: Risk (05/17/12)
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TITLE: It’s Time to Trust | Previous Challenge Entry
By Yvette Stupart
05/24/12 -
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These lepers were living in desperate times. The land of Samaria was under siege, and there was a terrible famine. As in any distressing situation, the most vulnerable suffer the most. In this case, the lepers were the outcasts, and they had to make a life-changing decision that day.
“We will starve if we stay here, but with the famine in the city, we will starve if we go back there. So we might as well go out and surrender to the Aramean army,†they reasoned. The outcome of any of these options could be end of their lives. But they were starving and distressed, and something had to give. So they stepped out into the unknown.
These days, we are also likely to find ourselves in situations where there is the possibility of danger, loss, or injury; with adverse consequences such as threat to our health, life or property. What we do we do in times of danger and distress? Like these lepers, when we find ourselves in unfavourable situations, we are not sure where to turn or what to do.
When I’m faced with challenging situations that expose me to loss or danger, fear engulfs me. Rational thoughts evade me, and it sometimes seems that all my problem-solving skills are gone. I am left and unsure and powerless, and then I cry out, “Lord, what must I do?â€
It seems that the psalmist understood my state of mind, when he encouraged; “when I am afraid, I will trust ... in God†(Psalm 56:3, 4 NIV). In times when we feel that our very existence is threatened, what do we do? The Apostle Paul also encourages us, “do not throw away your confidence†(Hebrews 10:35 NIV). Indeed, these are the times to move into a deeper dimension of trust in God. We must chose to put our faith and confidence in our loving, heavenly Father.
I find that when I spend time in prayer and meditation on God’s Word, this helps me to focus on his love, might, and faithfulness. It takes my thoughts off the frightful situation that I face. Even more, I find fresh insights into the problem, as God speaks to me through his Word. But I must make the decision to submit to his direction. I must be committed to do things God’s way.
As we open our hearts to God’ comfort and guidance, we experience his divine peace. Even when threat or danger seems so near, God is with us. His love enfolds us and we have his peace that is not dictated by the situations around us. We know that nothing can separate us from the love of God and “despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us†(Romans 8: 35, 37). Then, we can move forward with God’s assurance.
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The only thing I might suggest is to avoid phrases like "the most vulnerable suffer the most." I'd leave out the first most because the word vulnerable is descriptive on its own.
I also enjoyed how you compared the Biblical lesson to modern times. By using yourself as an example it came off as caring and trusting instead of preachy. You nid a nice job with this piece.