Day 78
Principle: The plan of God I cannot see is greater than the circumstances I can.
A pastor friend of mine used to live in the Yukon Territory, one of the northern-most provinces of Canada. One winter day he went hunting on snowmobiles with a couple of natives.
Hours into their journey a violent storm came upon them. After a long period of fighting the snow, their lead guide gestured for the three of them to stop and talk. With howling winds and piercing snow buffeting them, they huddled together. The guide confessed,
“I think we’re lost. I’ve grown up here my whole life, and I’ve never seen this rise in the terrain before.” At those words the pastor’s heart sank. Their guide was renowned. For him to be lost in a blinding snowstorm was terrifying and unexpected. After a few moments of reflection, the pastor sheepishly said, “We need to pray.” Bowing their heads in desperation, they asked the Lord for His mercy and guidance.
Following an emotional prayer, one of them spoke up, “I believe we’ve been going in the wrong direction. Because of the intensity of the storm, we’ve been going with the wind.
What we need to do now is drive directly into the wind and snow.” For a few moments after this unorthodox declaration they remained silent. Everywhere they looked was unfamiliar. In the middle of the whiteout, all they could hear was the sound of the howling wind and their pounding hearts. Each came to the jarring realization that either this radical recommendation was a Word of Knowledge, or it would lead them to certain death, going farther and farther away from safety until they would run out of gas.
After another desperate prayer, they decided to receive the counsel and headed off full throttle into the utter unknown. Though the wind and snow continued to batter them, they steadfastly drove directly into the storm. An hour or so passed when, finally, the guide stopped, knelt down and brushed away the snow from beneath them. He could see from the color beneath their feet that they were on a frozen body of water. He then told his companions, “Since we are on water, I believe I know where we are.” He proceeded to lead them safely home.
What had saved their lives? In addition to the marvelous grace of God, they had been willing to do what hurt the most: face their fears and drive directly into the unknown. We only change when our willingness to accept God-allowed pain exceeds our fears. At times in our lives, we will all suffer a sharp painful disillusionment before we fully surrender. Even Jesus had to endure a painful crucifixion before He could say, “It is finished!” As we keep our eyes on the prize, we will eventually see all of the pressure and pain pale in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
My prayer is that the Lord will help each of us to see Him working in every moment of our lives. That He will lead us to trust that, the plan we cannot see is greater than the circumstances we can.
- What fears have you faced and terrifying circumstances have you confronted?
- How has God changed you within these experiences?
Comments