. . . One question hovers above all others in importance for a person’s functioning in life. It is the question “Are you God, or not?” The way that a person answers that one determines everything else. . .
Dr. Henry Cloud, Integrity
A Slice of Fresh Bread
2009 was a tough year for many of my friends. Some lost love ones, others lost their jobs, some faced legal challenges and others were diagnosed with dreaded diseases.
When trials come our way we often default to the same two questions that Habakkuk summoned when he faced tough times. Habakkuk 1:2 begins, How long. . . ? The next verse begins, Why. . . ? “How long?” and “Why?” are our two immediate responses to pain. We want our trials to end as soon as possible and we want an explanation for our troubles. But sometimes they linger and sometimes we never know why.
Ultimately, like Habakkuk, we need to come to peace with our circumstances and allow God to be God. Habakkuk’s final comments express his recognition of God’s sovereignty and the strength and stability that God alone provides. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19)
Whatever 2010 holds, don’t fall into the traps of “How long?” or “Why?”. This year, when hard times come your way, trust the Sovereignty of God and depend on his strength and stability.
Prayer Request
- Many camps in the northern hemisphere are beginning to select staff members for this summer. Please pray for wisdom and insight in the selection process.
- UK, Spain, Ukraine and Russia have CCI training events in the next few weeks. Please pray for good attendance, effective training and community building during these events.
- Plans are being made for the annual CCI-Worldwide Board meeting in Panama this April. Please pray for wisdom and preparation for this strategic meeting.