Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…"
Romans 8:28
Last week I was given a very valuable piece of advice when I was facing a crisis. I was told that no matter what the outcome of the situation was, whether good or bad, that God knew the whole story and knew what was best for our lives. They told me that God was in control of our lives and we had to place ourselves in His hands and it was up to us to accept His will.
Now it doesn't matter who told me this, what the situation was, or what happened. Each of us can put a situation with these words, but are we willing to accept the outcome and not become bitter towards God. In this situation we received good news but I caught myself wondering if I could be as accepting if the outcome had changed my life forever.
It is easy to "talk the talk" but when it comes to "walk the talk" it is often a different situation. I felt as though I couldn't make a decision and I couldn't handle the distress, but Philippians 4:19 promises, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthened me". Inwardly I felt like screaming, but outwardly I remained calm as the events unfolded before me.
I watched as God sent people our way to give comfort and support. I knew that many others were praying for us. Close to us were friends who felt our pain and sat with us as we awaited news. They didn't need to say anything as their presence brought comfort. How many times had I sat with others, wanting to take away their pain only able to say a silent prayer on their behalf? James 5:16 tells us, "… pray one for another …" How I wished this time it wasn't happening to us and we were the ones praying for another.
It is often easier to minister to another person than allowing them to minister to you. Being on the receiving end can be a real challenge in the humility department. I always felt uneasy in allowing others to help me, perhaps because we are always taught to be self-reliant. However, Paul commanded us in Galatians 6:2 to bear one another's burdens.
The final challenge of this situation was having faith in God's purpose. Now I know all about Peter's faith in Jesus when he walked on water. He had to have faith to get out of that boat. (Matthew 14) I also know about the faith chapter in Hebrews 11, especially verse 1 that says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".
A crisis challenges your faith, but I pray this situation caused my faith to grow more. I don't think I will ever have faith like the saints told about in the faith chapter, and I know that my walk with the Lord needs much more growth. However, this latest crisis showed me that although I am on the right track, I have a long way to go.
Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at: