When the Samaritans refused to accept the Gospel,
John was so furious that he wanted to rain down fire on
them (Lk 9:54). But after the Pentecost experience, we
could see him writing about love in his epistles.
Paul fought so vehemently with Barnabas because
of John Mark (Acts 15:39). But later, he was able to accept
the timid Timothy and the robber Onesimus as his sons. He
was even able to tell, “Mark is useful to me” (2 Tim 4:11).
The Apostles who were hiding themselves behind
the doors before Pentecost went forth courageously and
preached the Gospel (Acts 2:36). When encountered, they
prayed for courage and faced persecution boldly (Acts
4:31).
What a transformation in character the Holy Spirit
brings about! Yes dearly beloved, when we are in Christ,
we are a new creation. We cannot say, “It's my nature.”, “I
am like that”, “It's my weakness”. When we surrender
ourselves to God, He works in us and brings out the best
from us. The old is gone. The new has come. Hallelujah!
Ordinary to Extraordinary
Bezalel and Oholiab were ordinary men. But when
they were filled with the Spirit of the Lord, they were
skilled to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a
designer or by an embroiderer or by a weaverby any sort of
workman or skilled designer (Ex 31:1-11). It is impossible
to comprehend how they could be exceptionally good in
carpentry, jewellery, weaving and all sorts of fine
designing work. Yes, the things impossible with men are
possible with God.
Barrenness to Fruitfulness
Abraham and Sarah were childless. But God gave
them Isaac through whom the nation Israel was formed.
Hannah was barren. But God gave her Samuel, who
became a great prophet in Israel. Zechariah and Elizabeth
were infertile. But God gave them John the Baptist who
was the forerunner of the Messiah. Our Lord specialises in
impossibilities. He can bring forth streams in the desert (Is
43:19). He is able to satisfy our needs in a sun-scorched
land and make us like a well-watered garden (Is 58:11).
What an irony! Though it is sun-scorched, we will be like a
well-watered garden!
Sorrow to Joy
It is easy to be happy and peaceful when we are
having a smooth sail. But is it possible to keep our cool
when we are faced with trying situations? Aaron lost his
two sons Nadab and Abihu on a single day. Yet, he was
able to be composed (Lev 10:2,3). Jesus was able to
comfort His disciples before He faced the Cross. Stephen,
the first martyr was able to forgive his persecutors. Paul
could repeatedly exhort the Philippians to rejoice even
though he was in prison. All this was possible because of
the enabling grace of God. He is the Father of all comforts.
These are but mere glimpses of what the Lord can
do in our lives. Certainly, “no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for
those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9). Let us strengthen
ourselves with the words of the Psalmist, “Why are you
cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within
me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my
salvation and my God.” (Ps 42:5,6), for all things are
possible with God.
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