Steven A. Bush - August 30, 2020
Where to Stand When the Ground Gives Way
God's children have never been left out of tumultuous times and tribulations. The best of the best of God's people have endured much suffering. Suffering, in fact, is a part of the normal Christian life. Job, David, Habakkuk, and the Apostle Paul were all among the saints of old who endured various kinds of trials and woe. While their prayers weren't without lament, their professions of faith and trust in God kept their feet secure when the ground beneath them was giving way. The fact that they suffered in no way makes them look weak. The fact that they persevered through their respective difficulties, trusting in the Lord, inspires us to do the same. No one faced a greater degree of suffering than Jesus Christ our Lord. He went to the cross to restore us to the Father. He took on our sin. He died in our place. He atoned for our sins. Hebrews 12:2 tells us where to fix our eyes and where to stand when the ground gives way: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NIV) As the old hymn declares, "On Christ the solid Rock we stand; all other ground is sinking sand."