Having just returned from the Outer Banks of NC, I am still enjoying some of the memories of our time there. One of those was on Monday, as we were fishing from the surf, (for those city folk this means we stand in the surf, with fishing rods in hand, FISHING!).
Now I am one of those types that likes to do stuff others usually won't do, like fishing for Flounder. This requires a little more than just standing in the surf and waiting on the fish to swim by the bait. More action on our part, a bit more movement and opportunity to catch fish.....which is what we were trying to do! For some reason, I just love this!!!!
Well on Monday, I had the blessing of catching a couple of those Flounder. Have you ever seen one??? Down right UGLY! Flat fish that stay usually right on the bottom. White on the bottom, grayish, sandy color on top with both eyes at the most unusual place on the top. You could probably convince me of the big bang theory and evolution on this one as he actually looks as though he was involved in a big bang and things just fell where they could.....Except for one thing! As ugly as they are, they are delicious!
Either, baked or fried, whole or filleted, they are just plain GOOD! And they are good for us, too. (What did you expect me to say???!)UGLY but GOOD! As we consider this truth, I know God has a sense of humor. Because of stuff just like that. Making something so tough to look at and yet so good for food.
Isn't that like our Great God. He takes the ugly stuff of life and makes it good!!!??? Today's passage is from Genesis 45, where Joseph is revealing himself to his brothers who had done some ugly stuff to Joseph, which in turn caused a bunch more ugly stuff to happen in his life. He reveals how God had a plan in this mess of stuff and that it was for good!
Genesis 45:7-8.... And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God.....
That is truth. Our Incredible God, who is NOT limited by anything but Himself, can take the most ugly situations and make them turn out for incredible Good! The Ugly becomes the Good! God had sent Joseph to Egypt ahead of time to save the family of Israel! But it was through a lot of UGLY STUFF! HE does it all the time! IT is HIS method of doing business. HIS ways are NOT our ways! (Is 55) HE works in and through all situations to glorify HIMSELF and for the good of His children. Even when we do not see clearly, (aka seeing only the ugly) HE is at work!
Often we do not like it!!! ( at least I don't )Well, welcome to life and adulthood! Life is often a difficult road, filled with many potholes, curves, ruts and dangers. But while this may frustrate us, it will in no way hinder HIM! George Muller, enjoyed a life of answered prayers from the hand of the living God (some 50 thousand recorded answers). But this is only because he was acquainted with struggle and lack. But in his lack, he discovered God's unmeasurable resource. The ugly of life became a pulpit of God's provision.
He does not exist to make us happy. But the more we learn of HIM and HIS ways and surrender to HIM the more we will find true and lasting happiness. Because that truth, ugliness, can be the pathway to goodness! But we must first get a handle on that. Take the ugly of your life and give it to God! Ask Him to work though this, as bad as it may be, and teach you, lead you through it! HE will, cause ultimate happiness is only found in HIM!
This is where HE does HIS best work. Calvary is ugly by itself. A man dying on a cruel Roman cross. But through the ugliness of the cross we find the goodness of God. Lovingly lavished on all who believe! This same truth is worked out over and over in our lives as we grow towards HIM!
Oh, my brothers and sisters, take that which is so ugly in your world. That which perhaps no one knows but you and give it to HIM! That which frustrates you, causes you fear and anxiety, give it to HIM! That which causes you to become angry, to grumble and gripe, to question and doubt, give it to HIM! Watch HIM work in and through your situation and ultimately turn it for GOOD! One day, you will see more clearly, understand more deeply and testify of HIS faithfulness to others!
You'll be glad you did!
Blessings
Pastor B
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