WHEN GOD INTERRUPTS YOUR LIFE
Hebrews 11:8–19
In the past, there were roughly three television stations available to the public. I remember watching a program or a ball game as a child, and then the president would come on to speak to the nation. The unwelcome interruption would be on all three channels, and I was forced to listen to Ronald Reagan instead of watching my favorite entertainment.
These days, I have satellite programming with hundreds of channel options. The ironic thing is, I still watch about three stations. However, if something or someone comes on that I do not want to watch, I have several other options available. Unfortunately, life does not work that way.
Unwanted and unexpected interruptions will inevitably come into each of our paths, and we must decide how to manage them. Although it may cause you discomfort for a while, when God interrupts your life, it is always for your good and His glory.
When God interrupts our plans, we can trust what He’s doing. (8–12)
The remarkable story of Abraham will always resonate with believers. His faith testifies to the goodness of God and the patience often needed from each of us. Can you imagine doing what Abraham did? He set out for a place he had never been before, was not sure how to get there and trusted God every step of the way. He lived as a stranger in a foreign land. That is faith! Sometimes in our walk with Jesus, things may not seem to make logical sense. This is where our trust in God and His providence becomes essential. God is in control and can be relied on.
Faith in God helps us to understand there is a greater purpose and benefit behind God’s plan for our lives. (13–16)
One of the most lasting and painful parts of grief is missing your loved one in special moments. My dad died four years ago, and I think about him every day. It saddens me to know he will never see my daughters graduate from school, get married or have children of their own.
However, I also realize that our loved ones live on through their descendants and the stories we pass down. No, we do not always get to experience everything in the future, but we can trust that God knows what is best.
When our faith is tested, we can still trust God’s plan for us. (17–19)
There are no triumphs in the life of a Christian without first being tested. I can think of no greater test a person could face than that of Abraham and his son Isaac. Faced with the prospect of losing the fulfillment of a promise, Abraham still chose to honor God by placing his faith in Him. Both your faith and mine will be tested throughout our lives.
Faith is the only way to please God. Are you faithful in each situation and each day? Interruptions will happen. Some will be pleasant, and others may knock us to our knees. The measure of our maturity is how well we choose to trust God in all situations. His plans for each of us far exceed our most incredible imaginations. I pray that when you are tested, you will remain faithful.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
