“The father’s prayer . . . was answered in a manner greater than he had requested. Yours will be as well. Perhaps the answer will come this side of heaven. Perhaps it awaits you on the other side. Either way, this story (of Jesus healing the official’s son) urges you and me to keep walking and believing in our God, who is our ‘ever-present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1 NIV).”- Max Lucado
“God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out to him and find him, though he’s not far from any of us.”- Acts 17:27 (NIV)
Max Lucado concludes Chapter 3 of Never Alone as he underscores that the message of the miracle in John 4 is that God’s here to help. Certainly, God’s help may not come in the manner you requested. Nor might help come as quickly as you desire. Above all, Pastor Lucado exhorts:
“But [God’s help] will come. Assume that something good is going to happen. The door to tomorrow is unlocked from the inside. Turn the knob and step out (emphasis mine).”
Max and his wife once visited the Texas hill country home and studio of artist G. Harvey (aka Gerald Harvey Jones). In the studio, Max noticed a roomful of unfinished paintings. However, Max didn’t view them with shortsighted eyes. Because G. Harvey needed to finish his paintings. Pastor Lucado adds:
“The Divine Artist isn’t finished either. The earth is his studio. Every person on earth is one of his projects. Every event on earth is part of his great mural. . . . This life contains many walks from Cana to Capernaum, journeys between prayer offered and prayer answered. Jesus promised the boy’s father a sure blessing at the end of the journey. He promises the same to us.”
Finally, Max reminds us to keep putting one weary foot in front of the other. Because Jesus has spoken. Therefore, follow the polestar of God’s promise as it leads you home.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you to keep walking and believing in God’s promises? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Lodged between a rock and a hard place”
