Wrestling Alligators

Psalms 71:20  You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.

As you get older, more and more of your life comes into focus. You begin to see the meaning in some of the hardships you have faced, and gain perspective on the impact they have had on your life. That is what the psalmist is saying in today’s verse.

I was devastated when I got voted out of the church I was pastoring. At the time, the pain and humiliation were almost too much to bear. Looking back, I see how God took that situation and led me to pastor a type of church I never would have if not for that experience.  The church I ended up serving was some of the most productive, enjoyable, and fulfilling times of my ministry.

When we are in the midst of the trials it is hard to gain that perspective. We are up to our hips in alligators, and cannot think of a single reason for what is happening. All we have time to think of is how to stay out of the hungry alligator’s mouth!

During those alligator wrestling times we need to rely on this single fact: God loves us, and wants the best for us. He lets the alligator times come to help us grow our faith, or to bless us in ways we never thought possible. It is putting all of our trust and faith in God that helps us escape the alligators and learn the lessons we need to learn

Today’s Readings: 2 Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26