Posted on November 20, 2024

Are you OK?

H istory continues to repeat in all too familiar form.

It has always been this way. We read, “ That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So, there I nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

One would think that humans have evolved into smarter, wiser, and more self-controlled beings. But we have not. Do you see these accounts from the Holy Bible in the headlines today?

Noah was faithful in accomplishing what God tasked him with – building the Ark. After they floated around waiting for the flood waters to subside, then unloading their cargo, Noah got drunk! Was Noah lonely, feeling sorry for himself, celebrating his survival? Why did Noah get drunk? Did he have a drinking problem? Does it matter? God’s Word summed up what God felt about Noah, “ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). God expressed great confidence in Noah, only to have Noah make a major mistake in life. Can you identify with Noah? I can.

Sometimes good people do bad things.

Rahab, to put it simply, was a prostitute. Sold her body, but is that any worse than selling one’s values, principles and beliefs for a little pleasure, financial gain or to escape some type of pain? In a critical time, Rahab saved two representatives from certain death. Can you identify with Rahab? I can. Sometimes bad people do good things.

Jonah was a prophet and evangelist and tasked by God to go the Israelites arch enemy the Ninevites and preach salvation to them. Jonah did not like this and attempted to run from God. But Jonah learned what everyone learns eventually, as we run from God, wherever we go, there God is. Can you identify with Jonah?

I can. Whenever we try to run from God, no matter where we go, there God is.

The apostle Paul wrote truth when it comes to being content. We read, “… for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (Philippians 4:11-12). Life is about learning. Learning to be content. Can you identify with this truth? I can.

Well, let me just state, I am learning to be content, being without is the most difficult.

Everyone struggles with some type of weakness, temptation(s), or sin in life. The apostle Paul wrote about what is wrong in our lives. We read, “ Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these” (Galatians 5:19-21). These things are not silent or invisible – they are “evident” in lives and our culture.

In another letter, Paul warned another group of people to remember what they once struggled with.

Paul wrote, “… Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you …” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Your exact struggle may not be listed but your struggle, my struggle is real.

The Bible highlights the lives of many who God saved, redeemed, and restored. God chooses to use broken, humbled, and not okay people. Know that what God did for them, He will do for you. Your story is in the Bible. My story is in the Bible too.

The Bible has many examples of people who were not okay in life. God loved them and He loves you.

God has a plan to bring you out of your difficulty, the stress, the misery, the unhappiness.

If you are not okay, admit it. Look beyond your circumstances and begin to know and believe that God is working in your life. Follow the example Jesus set, “ Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3).

If you are not okay, read Hebrews chapter eleven and learn of those who were not okay but are now.