08.20.07
“OUR OUTLOOK!”
Philippians 4:12-13
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Back in the dark ages (the 1960’s) I was stationed with the United States Air Force in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, Canada. Our support base was Goose Bay, Labrador. The access between the two was by a commercial airline that used outdated DC-3 planes. These two engine aircraft were used for many, many years. They were first built back in 1935 and used around the world for over 70 years. Sorry! I can easily get carried away when I think about the DC-3 that was commonly called, “Gooney Bird.”
It was always enjoyable for me to make the flight to or from St. Anthony and Goose Bay. The old plane seemed to rock along and sway with the winds that would jolt other aircraft. Since we would fly at just a few thousand feet, I could look outside the window and see boats in the turbulent seas below. I was glad to be flying!
On one flight we had a passenger who was a basket case. Those soft swing and sways that I enjoyed so much were a terror to this man. I tried to reassure him, but he was certain that we would be crashing into the sea at any moment. I gave up trying to comfort him and went back to enjoying the flight. (We made it safe and sound!)
Last week I read two messages that were distributed to a prayer group. One requested prayer because they were not able to sleep and it was a major concern to them. Within the hour I read another message from someone who was so thrilled and excited by God’s presence that they couldn’t sleep! One was disturbed about not being able to sleep and felt deprived. The other who was so excited and couldn’t sleep, felt exhilarated.
Several years ago I woke up extremely early. At first I was agitated and tried to roll over and slip into sleep once more. It was then that I was prompted to get up and pray. I rose and picked up my Bible and began to read and pray as the Spirit led. It was the most refreshing time I could imagine–far better than sleeping.
With that encounter I changed my outlook on sleep. It took me back to the words of my spiritual father, Dr. John Hall; “An hour’s sleep in the Spirit is better than a whole night’s sleep in the flesh!” As a Family Practice physician, he often was only able to catch short periods of sleep. He would pray for sleep in the Spirit before he closed his eyes and the Lord would grant his request.
This “Outlook” for the believer should not be restricted to sleep. If we want to experience the power of God in our life, we need to rest in Him. That means we place our trust in Him rather than in our own situation. He knows what we need and when we need it.
The way to find true rest in the Lord is to meditate on Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” If we actually believe this (we should) we will live in eager anticipation of what is coming next–so excited we cannot sleep!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today and be a blessing.
- - - Pastor Cecil