“Confidence in times of trial” By Diane Webb

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“Confidence in times of trial” By Diane Webb

Micah 7: 7 “Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation:  my God will hear me.”

Micah is referring to a time of great trial for Israel when both Jerusalem and Samaria are in the midst of judgment and destruction.  He warns of unethical religious practices followed by severe consequences.  He then speaks from the point of view of the church (those who remain faithful) when he talks of hope.  During this time, he suggests, the righteous need to pray through the turmoil and wait for God to save them.  Micah is letting those who are walking with God know not to worry even when it seems they will be destroyed during the time he is foretelling.  There are times when we find ourselves caught up in the consequences others bring on us.  When so many unbelievers are in positions of power it can be frightening for Christians.  Most of us recognize sooner or later there are negative results from unethical practices.  The news and papers often report the dramatic downturn of events when years of deceit, vice, or greed finally catch up with the individual involved.  However, during the time leading up to exposure there are people being hurt by the behaviors or decisions.  When living under the authority of unethical leaders it would be easy to get discouraged especially if their decisions lead to your suffering.  This may be why it was important to Micah for people to know what was going to take place and be able to spiritually prepare.  The essence of Micah’s advice is “look to the Lord” and “wait for God”.  When in times of difficulty, look to the Lord.  Turn your eyes up and see where God is in the process.  Talk to God.  Ask for strength, courage, and comfort.  Pray for guidance and then wait for God to answer your prayer, lead you in a direction, or resolve the problem altogether.  Do not be disheartened when your answer is “wait”.  Waiting is the most difficult part for some.  Waiting often requires enduring hardship or a negative environment when your impulse is to leave.  Waiting for God to release you from a situation can seem almost unbearable at times.  The only way through is to pray, wait, and trust.  Sometimes it takes months or years for a situation to resolve or for you to begin to see God’s purpose.  Many times the resolution may not be obvious or God’s purpose may not surface in a way you can feel closure.  Christians are, at times, not meant to run in times of trial—we are meant to stand firm in our faith.  To pray and wait in the midst of turmoil is the message of Micah.  Too often we, out of fear, leave situations too soon.  There is conflict at work so we find a new job.   The church family is divided so we break off and start another church.  The problem with running is you have to start over when the situation is meant for your training.  It’s easier to see the situation through in the long run than it is to have to start over from the beginning and live through it all over again in a different setting with different people.  There is great confidence in the phrase “my God will hear me”.  Perhaps this can be used to ward off worry or fear—“my God will hear me”.  Repeat this phrase several times if you are feeling frightened about what’s going on in your life right now.  My God will hear me!  Demonstrate confidence in your Lord who can and will deliver you in his own time and in his own way.  Take encouragement from Micah whose words are just as applicable today as they were then--“Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation:  my God will hear me.”

Dear heavenly father, help me learn to look to you in all situations.  Give me the ability to wait on you and not flee when you would have me stand firm.  Give me confidence in your plans and be able to trust you know what you are doing.  I submit myself, Lord, to your will.  In Christ’s name I pray--Amen.