03.10
If you live in West Cobb, then you probably heard about the death of Rajaan Bennett. Rajaan was a smart, caring, and gifted student athlete, a senior at McEachern High School. With a Vandy football scholarship in hand, Rajaan was about to leave difficult circumstances behind and enjoy a bright future for years to come. All that ended on February 18th when the boyfriend of Rajaan’s mother killed him.
An entire community grieved for Rajaan and the tragic ending to his life. My heart still aches for his mother. And when situations like his arise, I think… ‘Why does God allow this stuff?’ But then I remember that “God’s ways are not my ways” (Isaiah 55:8). In fact, when we try to look at life from God’s perspective, we usually see a very different picture. For example, Rajaan became a follower of Jesus through the ministry of an FCA missionary. (btw… WCC helped sponsor this missionary.) And even though we grieve when someone dies, for believers death is the beginning, not the end. Isaiah 57 actually calls death a reward from God, as God spares us from more evil.
Now jump for a moment to today’s story about Gideon – another time when I don’t understand God’s ways. You tell me. Do God’s army recruiting techniques make sense to you, turning away able-bodied recruits??? What’s God thinking?
But let’s face it. God’s like that. He sees life so differently than me and you. Our earthly goals and daily worries keep us from understanding why God works the way He does, especially in tragedy. God can do more with less??? Death is the beginning??? God brings good out of the most awful situations??? Come on… do we really buy that stuff?
My heart aches for Rajaan’s family and friends, as they deal with a tragedy that makes no earthly sense. But I want to be more like Gideon, trusting God especially when life doesn’t make sense. Here’s what I’m learning… God’s ways are not only different than my ways; they’re better. And when I join Rajaan in heaven, I’ll understand why.
What’s God saying to you through this passage?
The verse that really stood out to me in this passage was verse 15…When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshipped God. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, “Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.”
God gives us the confidence we need for each moment when we look to Him. He knows when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances…Gideon had his army shrink from over 30,000 to 300 men and needed the confidence to fight. God doesn’t just makes us feel better in our circumstances – He makes us feel bold! He can take our heart of fear and turn it into a heart of worship.
I love this response God gives to Gideon.: 10 If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah11 and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.”” God knew Gideon was afraid, but He didn’t condemn him. Instead, God used that opportunity to teach Gideon that he could put his confidence in Him! God is so patient with us when we have doubts and fears. But He also wants us to learn to put our confidence in His voice, and remember that He is in control. I want to remain in that confidence so that when I am called into battle, I know I can trust God completely. I have to recommit myself daily to lay down my own fears and insecurities, and put on His confidence.
Love that insight, Christy…
The thing that stood out most to me in this post was the comment “Isaiah 57 actually calls death a reward from God, as God spares us from more evil.” Over the past few years when Cindy took a turn for the worse, I just got angry over “why” God was allowing another health incident to occur for my precious bride. This last time, the most serious to date, was different. God provided that “peace that passes all understanding” …..the reference to this verse is comforting……..another assurance