The word all is a short one but packs a powerful punch. As a result, “all” is in the running for my word of the year. In the days leading up to Christmas, I was especially drawn to the words “all” and “always” with regard to God. I find there is no middle ground with Him.
Have you ever taken a test or filled out a survey with the choices “always, sometimes, or never?” They can be tricky! Not so with God. Sometimes is not part of His equation. Unlike me, He is not wishy-washy. God is the same today as He was yesterday. And He will be the same tomorrow too. You can count on it! His character is always consistent, never swayed by circumstances.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 ERV
God is…
all-powerful (omnipotent)
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:27 NIV
There is NOTHING He cannot do.
all-knowing (omniscient)
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”
Psalms 139:1-4 NIV
There is NOTHING He does not know.
always present (omnipresent).
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20b NIV
There is NOWHERE we can go to escape His presence.
No matter what you are going through right now, I pray that these truths from God’s Word bring you comfort…always.
As I was driving to the pool one recent morning, I encountered a rainbow. What a great start to my day! It brought a smile to my face…and got me thinking.
Rainbows–God’s Brilliant Reminder
The Weather Conditions
Rainbows are only visible in the sky when certain conditions align. They require the presence of water droplets and sunlight. Often, rainbows appear after rain, and sometimes that rain comes in the form of a storm. The sight of a rainbow can provide a sense of calm and comfort after the unsettling effects of thunder and lightning.
Rainbows in the Bible
Rainbows are mentioned at various places in the Bible and have spiritual significance. The first such appearance is in the very first book—Genesis. God uses a rainbow as a sign of His covenant with Noah after the flood.
“The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever. When I send clouds over the earth, and a rainbow appears in the sky, I will remember my promise to you and to all other living creatures. Never again will I let floodwaters destroy all life.
Genesis 9:12-15 CEV
A Glorious Display of His Splendor
A rainbow appears in the final book of the Bible too—Revelation. The Holy Spirit gave John a vision into the throne room of heaven. He describes God’s glory and power with these words:
“And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.”
Revelation 4:3 NIV
Can you picture that magnificent scene?
His Presence and Power on Display
From beginning to end, a rainbow is an important symbol of God’s presence and power in the Bible. To Noah, it was a reminder of God’s gifts of grace and mercy, a metaphor for faith.
My Personal Favorite
Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed many rainbows, but the most memorable one was photographed by my cousin after my father’s funeral. The photo was taken masterfully from behind my nephew’s headstone in the cemetery adjacent to the church where the service took place. The impact is in the details.
Photo Credit: Karyn Murphy
A rainbow, in all its splendor, appears only against the backdrop of a gloomy, rain-filled sky or when the sun begins to pierce through the clouds. For me, a rainbow serves as a symbol of God’s steadfastness during turbulent times. It is in the storms of life that I most need reminded of His faithfulness.
God’s Perfect Timing
About that rainbow that I mentioned at the outset—I saw it just after the sunrise on November 6. The significance—it was the day after an incredibly contentious and divisive election. Why did I smile at the sight of it? Because it served as a reminder that regardless of who occupies the Oval Office, God remains sovereign. He is still on the throne! No matter how you voted, or even if you didn’t, may this assurance bring calm and comfort to your heart as well.
God has allowed this patient patient to get more practice since my last post. I never quite made it out of the tunnel. Instead, my faith muscle is getting yet another workout. The lyrics from the chorus of one of my favorite choir songs say, “we’ll walk by faith and not by sight.” That is where I find myself today.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews11:1NIV
The Problem Identified
Following my most recent blog post, my incision broke open again, nearly seven weeks after my 2nd surgery. That led to another 5 days in the hospital and more surgery. Testing revealed why I wasn’t healing—I have a post-operative MRSA infection that reached the bone. Another neurosurgeon “washed out” my neck and I began a 6-week course of IV antibiotics. I’m currently about halfway through my treatment.
The Solution
I get an infusion every 12 hours lasting 77 minutes. There is no physical proof that this treatment is working, at least not yet. That’s where faith comes into play. I’m choosing to believe that healing is underway without seeing any evidence. That is, I’m walking by faith, not by sight.
Faith Defined
Faith is defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. There’s nothing wrong with having faith in my doctors and the medicine they prescribe, but, if my faith is limited to that, I’ve missed out on something so much greater. Biblically speaking, the object of our faith is a God who knows no limits. He is all-knowing, all-powerful and ever present, yet invisible. I know He loves me. Exhibit A: Jesus. Ultimately, that is Who I’m choosing to trust. How about you?
The byproduct of that decision…
“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm.”
Isaiah26:3CEV
May His good and perfect will be done in my life and in yours. Stand firm!
Though not up for writing much at this point, it wouldn’t seem right to let Christmas pass without a word. With every writing, it is my desire to remind myself and each one who reads it that Jesus truly is the Ultimate Gift. He perfectly fits the size of every heart. You can be assured that He is your source of peace, hope, joy and love.
Update
I am in the early stages of recovery from spinal surgery (laminoplasty). I will admit that I was at peace AND scared half to death all at the same time leading up to the surgery. As promised, He was right there with me every step of the way. And still is as I make my way back. I’m discovering the road to recovery to be a long and winding one but am so very grateful to be on it.
A Different Christmas
Getting ready for Christmas by December 13 was no easy task, but, in His strength, I reached my goal. It seems so strange spending the days leading up to Christmas resting rather than going 100 mph in fifteen different directions. I’ve actually watched some Christmas movies this year rather than just talked about it.
Timing
In some ways mid-December is the absolute worst time to schedule a surgery, but in other ways it was absolutely the perfect time. During this Advent season, I’ve been reminded nearly every day through various readings that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. I’ve not only read about it, but I’ve also experienced it firsthand, before, during, and after surgery. I’ve been in His hands all along and there’s no better place to be.
Jesus–the Ultimate Gift
I pray that you too would experience all the benefits that come with receiving the Ultimate Gift. Jesus came so that we would have LIFE and have it in abundance (John 10:10b). Enjoy that life and thank God for this indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).
