Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Highlights and Gas

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33



Not that kind of gas!  Just had to clarify that right off the bat!  Do you go to the beauty shop (or barber)?  Is yours a place where people gather to 'discuss' the goings on in the community and world around you?  Mine is.  I had my boys in for a long overdue cut and another customer came in.  One of the first things that she said was, "Well, gas has gone up 15 cents overnight."  No comment about the beautiful weather we've been having.  Nope, just an immediate jump into the negative.

Yes, gas prices are up and will continue to go up as long as we are driving vehicles and the oil folks can make money.  But Jesus tells us that this world will continue to disintergrate as we draw closer to the end.  But He also tells us to take heart, not to be afraid, to trust in Him, and continue to be faithful to Him who called us according to His purpose.  What does this have to do with gas prices?  Our response to them.

What if we join in with everybody else and theorize what will happen if gas is $5.00 or if the economy fails again or if the Middle East implodes upon itself?  What does that say about our relationship with our Father?  That we don't trust Him.  That we think He doesn't have everything under His control.  Do you think He's surprised that gas went up?  No, I don't think so.  He knows what is ahead.  We don't.

What we should do instead is be a voice of encouragement to those who are anxious.  We should be reminding (gently) His followers that He is in control and isn't taken by surprise.  We should be an example to those non-believers in our circle.  We should have a peace and calmness that is so evident they just have to ask why we aren't shaken.  And then we have the opportunity to share about our God.  We can show Jesus to those around us without even having to say a word.

Next time you're in the beauty shop or at the water cooler and the talk turns to all the negative stuff going on around us, think about how you should react.  Feed the fear and uncertainty or offer Truth from the Word?  If we want to be an ambassador for Christ, then we have to be His voice to the world.  An encouraging word can go far in giving someone else a glimpse of Him in a uncertain world.

4 comments:

Kelli said...

Trust, trust, and more trust. I love the title by the way...I did think of the "other" gas!:) You are right Jesus said things would get tough before his return. I keep praying they get worse, because I have been praying for the rapture for some time now! This is another great example of how we can minister to others who don't know Jesus...right now folks are looking for peace! Love the pictures! Made me laugh!!:)

Jenifer Metzger said...

Great title! :)

Oh we have to trust in God! He knows what crazy things are going on down here and we can trust that He'll never give us more than we can handle. And for the negative talk...I greatly dislike negativity! But I am often reminded that I am just as negative at times. I want only postive words to come out of my mouth! :)

Unknown said...

This is the second post I have read today along these lines and my post tomorrow goes along with it too. We know the Truth and we can trust Him. We need to let the world know that we are not without hope. Great post!

Phather Phil Malmstrom said...

I couldn't agree more Allison!

Showing calm in the face of upset truly brings the Light of Christ to others who see it. Adversity opens the door for us to share the serenity that faith in our Lord provides us.

Great reminder!

Have a Blessed Day!