By Winner Olmann
“O Lord, You’ve proved Your faithfulness in every desperate hour.”
In 2017, my prayer list was overwhelming. As I knelt before the Father countless times, I would find myself not knowing where to begin. Who should I pray for the longest? Should I pray longer for those facing an illness or the countless church members and friends struggling through marital issues? Maybe I should just start with myself. I can attest that 2017 was not easy for me either.
I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of catastrophes surrounding me. But in a whirlwind of emotions, in the midst of calamity, in the fear of the near future, my soul was quieted time and time again by this simple yet complex truth: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8, ESV).
What I find most beautiful about this passage is that I see a characteristic of Jesus Christ that is often lacking within my own character: consistency. I am not particularly consistent in anything. I am not consistent with working out. I am not consistent with studying. I am definitely not consistent with prayer. I am, however, consistent with worrying. I could also say I am constantly overwhelmed. But in the midst of my inconsistency, I am comforted by my Savior who is consistently good, consistently faithful, and consistently showing me that He has everything under His control.
Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV) expands on this idea:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (emphasis added).
Isn’t that good news? Praise the Lord that He is God and I am not. Praise the Lord for He is not overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. Praise the Lord for He holds all things together so that I don’t have to.
This promise remains true: “My God will prove His strength again.” Note it is not my strength, but His strength. He is the strong one. He is the mighty one. He is the one that can push back the tides if that be His will. We are called to pray. We are not called to be God; that is His job and He always does a better job at being God than we do. I am so deeply filled with gratitude to Him for that blessing. God is faithful and consistent in his character. So “when mighty waves come rushing in,” we can say with full assurance, “My God will prove His strength again.”
Maybe you’re reading this today and there’s an overwhelming circumstance in your life. Maybe, like me, you’ve felt overwhelmed by the tragedies surrounding you throughout the lives of friends, family, or people in your church. Consider praying this simple prayer: “You are God. I am not.”
He is consistent! He will prove his strength to you! He is faithful and strong in his steadfast love!
Questions for reflection:
1) What aspects of God’s consistent character are you not trusting? Or can you identify some attributes of God that you are ignoring?
2) What does it look like for you to surrender your own strength and control to God?