Christian Living

---

Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday March 22, 2007

You never know just when you will hear something that really helps. Have you ever been through a time of wondering why God is putting you into such a bind? I saw a several panel cartoon years ago which showed a man walking along a beach asking the Lord, "WHY Me?" A cloud opened and the voice of God thundered down, "Because I don't like you!"

I have never heard God say such a thing! In all honesty I thought He might at any moment utter the words!

Last week I heard a preacher from Flatwoods, WVA and while not expecting much from a place called, "Flatwoods" in West Virginia, (Whoever heard the word 'flat' associated with WVA? People fall out of their garden over there). I forced myself to listen out of courtesy. WOW. Flatwoods has at least one grand preacher, or it has a preacher who is capable of one grand sermon.

Paul Beatty, encouraged the gathered flock with God's assertion that "David encouraged himself in the Lord." Paul then went on a roll that lasted for about an hour. If I knew he was going to preach that long, I would have excused myself and pretended to be rushing to the little room just off the vestibule. I listened and filled three notebook pages full of notations, and bam, the hour was gone. My twenty minute sermons seem longer.

Paul pointed out that while David knew he was anointed, aware of his calling, that he was a man after God's own heart and that he was chosen, he may have wondered why he, David with all of the above credentials was wondering in the wilderness, suffering the venom of those who had turned on him, about to be stoned by those he had took in, facing a loss that was near uncountable and surrounded by outcasts. 1Sam 30.

Paul finished off the sermon with the fact that David, though stripped of everything, became more useful, he learned to stand alone with God as he could no longer draw strength from high placed friends, possessions, nor could he draw strength from the outcasts he had helped.

David chose to accept encouragement from who was left and that WHO was the Lord!

I admit that most of the time when I am listening to others in conferences, I keep my head pointed to the note pad, and of all things, doodle. This is often more interesting than what is being said. Not so in Paul's sermon. The rest of the speakers need not worry, I paid one of the young women to make notes for me as you preached.

I have no idea what you may be going through, or who may have bailed out on you, even leaving you in the lurch. I do know that Jesus will still be there. Encourage yourself in Christ. Hebrews 13:5:

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE