Trivia:
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is a suspension bridge. It is the tallest, longest suspension bridge in the world. This bridge has two functions, fitting into its natural scenery and at the same time rising above the fog in order to being easily visible.
Which U. S. city has as its signature sandwich, Pastrami on rye? Boston; New York; San Francisco; Seattle. Make your guess now.
Challenge:
Psalm 46:8-11 "Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how He brings destruction upon the world. 9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; He burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." 11 The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress."
This section of verses speaks in words that are clearly confident for all to see. God is real and He is among all of mankind. He cares about us, and He will see us through all circumstances. So we can gaze on His power and glory.
The Lord has a stake in our lives both because He loves us, but also because we bear His name. Little Christ's. Our Father desires that we do well and will also as a result enable us of this outcome. Paul reminds us of this fact in Philippians 2:13 "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him."
These verses reminds us that because of Him being willingly offered honor by every nation, and by the very creation of the entire universe, we can easily "Be still, and know that God is near our every struggle."
We can also be keenly aware of His presence and protection. The unbelieving world around us may question His existence due to the struggles in their lives, but when they face the ultimate power and immense existence of His workings they are drawn to this evidence of His existence.
Verse 8 His glorious works through His creative genius
Verse 9 The way that He ultimately wins over all man's efforts of war and destruction He brings them to an end
Verse 10 Through the way that they finally end their many efforts by recognizing His power
Verse 11 And finally by recognizing the very presence of God among those who recognize Him; His children, as well as, the final works of His protection in their lives
SO GO WITH GOD you children of the King, for history itself proves His very workings. Why? Because of His people who face defeat and loss, their desire to still stop to look to their God for His working in their lives. Even though powerful nations purpose to destroy their faith and trust of His godly people, still they turn to Him in their defeat, They call out to their mighty God and He answers their prayers and lifts them up.
The book of Judges clearly teaches us this fact. Seven times God's people turned away from their faith, to dead idols, but finally they awake from their daze and beg God to deliver them. Each time, once they call on Him for His salvation, He graciously, lovingly, answers their prayers.
Then the enemy Satan lulls them back into allegiance of their little gods of the world, but finally they yearn for BIG GOD'S presence and workings in their lives, and upon their voice of repentance He comes back to love and care for them. What further evidence do we need? NONE, so go to HIM in faith, and rest in HIM, "Be still, and know that I am God!" He is waiting with His strong, comforting, loving arms outstretched, don't just crawl to Him, RUN to Him, for He cares for you, my dear one.
Boston