More Than Mere Band-Aids
The business site Investing.com has an amusing slideshow this week of more than 100 disappointing purchases when the buyer expected excellence and instead received a subpar product: "supersized" balloons that expand no larger than a fist; a colorful Minnie Mouse birthday cake that arrived resembling a half-drowned misshapen rat; a glamorous bejeweled gown that hangs farther to the left than the right with plastic pieces already coming unglued; a silver soup ladle that looks standard-sized in the advertisement photos but arrives bizarrely too large to dip into any ordinary soup pot. In an age of COVID restrictions that have pressed most of us to increase our online shopping, the old adage caveat emptor rings all the more true: Let the buyer beware of uneven sizes, untrue colors, misleading photographs, unlikely shipping promises, poor customer reviews, etc. But despite our best shopper's finesse, we still receive misfires from time to time, right?
It can be frustrating when an anticipated purchase arrives and is not what we need or hoped for. And how devastating it is when the cornerstone we assumed was truth slides beneath us, leaving our faith shaken and our hopes shattered. Do you know anyone who is building their faith on secular promises, trusting in a culture that may or may not deliver what they desire?
When life is challenging, as it has been this year and continues to be, it can be easy to focus on ourselves and our own difficulties, turning to the culture for comfort and sustenance. But God promises more than mere Band-Aids. He promises us supernatural peace in the moment, hope in a future in His Kingdom, and an eternity wrapped in His love:
Deuteronomy 31:8 -- The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Isaiah 40:29 -- He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:31 -- But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 43:2 -- When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Joshua 1:9 -- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Psalm 23:4 -- Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Philippians 4:6-7 -- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace on your week,
Jennie