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From Bad to Worse

By September 11, 2013August 30th, 2022Devotional

Twelve years ago today, the US was attacked on its own soil – it was the day we lost the World Trade Centers in NYC along with thousands of Americans who were killed by terrorists focused on destroying several strategic targets in addition to the loss of all the human life. Although I, like tens of millions of Americans, remember the day quite clearly, I saw a different slant on it this evening as I was watching TV. There happens to be a great program on about the Chiefs of Staff of the White House during the various presidencies. And most of the Chiefs remarked that it wasn’t good news that they were paid to deliver. It was the news that was bad, or worse… Of course, that’s how our nation felt on 9/11/01 – with each part of the attack, the news went from bad to worse…

I have wanted to watch the program on the Presidents’ Gatekeepers for several weeks now (it’s on the Discovery Channel) and I find it fascinating that the various Chiefs had such a diverse and complex set of jobs. I began reflecting on this and it became quite clear to me that our individual lives, in times of trouble, are quite similar to what happened on 9/11 – and what happens with the news in the White House from day to day. Sometimes, our lives just seem to go from bad to worse. Certainly, with all the things going on with our family right now, I kind of think that’s how we are sometimes feel – the situation going from bad to worse – at least that’s how we see it from our vantage point.

By the way, that’s when you can lose your focus on God. Most of us try to do things in our own strength and that doesn’t serve us very well. I happened to be at dinner this evening with Andrew and several times he reminded me of some of the things that I have taught and encouraged him with throughout the years. Even I need to hear those words of encouragement from time to time – especially now… So when I can get clarity and focus on God rather than on trying to be Mr. Fix-It, I am usually richly rewarded.

The verse for this evening is from 2 Tim. 3:11-14, “Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned…” In other words, with God, nothing goes from bad to worse. That’s for those who don’t believe – so get that idea out of your head. My encouragement is to stay focused on the good rather than the bad; and trust God to deliver every time. My prayer is that God will send you a little surprise that affirms to you that He is on the throne and that He loves you and wants nothing but the best for you. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…

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