4×60 Cooling
When I was a boy, once or twice a year we would make the long drive from our home to visit Mom’s parents and relatives. Cars didn’t have air conditioning; at least our car didn’t, so our summer trip was always miserable. Dad drove hundreds of miles with 4×60 cooling – four windows rolled down driving 60 miles per hour. He had a valid reason for being bald; 4×60 air and whiny kids. It’s a wonder I reached adulthood.
The thing is, we couldn’t visit Grandpa and Grandma without suffering through that miserable drive. So many times during those treks the sweltering heat caused me to feel like it was beyond my ability to withstand it. Of course, one of Mom’s “looks” would quickly remind me that things could get worse, much worse!
Just when Jesus planned
The odd thing about those trips is that the discomfort never caused my parents to change their minds, staying home. The reward was worth the struggle. This memory came to mind today because yesterday my wife received news that a dear second cousin of hers passed away. The cousin’s journey was over and we’re quite confident she arrived in heaven just when Jesus planned.
If you have accepted God’s gift of salvation through Jesus then, right now, the Holy Spirit is watching you read this word, and this word, and this word (1 Corinthians 3:16). ☺️ Why? Because you were paid for (redeemed) with a very high price (1 Corinthians 1:30); the blood of Jesus. You are precious to God (1 Peter 2:9). And He has a people, a place, and a purpose specifically for you. He planned this before He began Creation (2 Timothy 1:9). Just think about that!
You and I Are in This Together
Now you may be between a rock and a hard place. You may be doubting God’s Word. You may be yelling at God, saying, “Why me!? Why me!?” But that won’t change a thing. Do you believe that God is sovereign (Psalm 115:3)? Do you believe He knows the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7)? Do you believe that He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)? If so, then why worry?
You and I are on a journey. We started this journey at different times and probably in different places, but we now share the same path and the same destination. Be encouraged. We are in this together. We will make it. Jesus doesn’t start anything that He doesn’t finish. In fact, we have this testimony:
And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” –Mark 7:36-37 (emphasis added)
You and I are part of Christ’s work. He does everything well. We will lose nothing that He didn’t anticipate and we will suffer nothing that He didn’t plan. Let your soul rest in Jesus. We are precious to God.
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