Celebrate the Fourth of July

On July 4, 1776 the thirteen colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. Years later the Constitution was written. A group of citizens asked Benjamin Franklin what kind of government had been created. He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Good government is dependent upon the consent of the people. It is also dependent upon each of us making good choices. We must be actively involved for the good of our nation.

Today we live in very dangerous times. In the lower 48 statues are being ripped down. Our heritage is being repudiated. Some desire to erase our countries history. John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your country.” The Bible encourages us to do good and make wise choices. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”

This is the time for us to stand and do right. Sometimes events come into our lives that are not easy. Difficult and unexpected events can be overwhelming. Rapid change produces stress! Sometimes we question what God is doing. There are three common mistakes we sometimes make in trying to understand what God is doing.

First, we assume God will immediately explain why the events occurred. God’s timetable is not the same as ours. The story of Joseph in Genesis is fascinating. God saved the entire family through one person- Joseph. Without Joseph the family would have perished. He was sold as a slave at age 17 by his own brothers. He became prime minister of Egypt at age 30. Joseph spent thirteen years as a prisoner and as a slave before he understood God’s plan. Do not assume God will immediately explain His purposes in your life.

Second, God may not ultimately tell us His plan. Job was a great man. There is an entire book in the Bible named after him! He lost everything- his children, his business, his wealth and even his health. Later God blessed him. God doubled His blessing upon Job’s life. All of his wealth and children were doubled. He had ten children on earth and ten children in heaven. However, Job went to his death not understanding God’s ultimate purpose for his life. Do not assume God will ultimately tell you His plan for you in this life.

Third, another mistake is to view God’s plan simplistically. Sometimes we ask, “What is the one lesson God is teaching me through this?” God is not playing checkers. He is playing chess! God uses us to impact multiple generations and more people then we can even imagine. He teaches more than one lesson through the events of our lives.

In John 6 a little boy gave his lunch to Jesus. Giving the five small pieces of barley bread and the two small fish was generous. Jesus took the food and fed 5,000 men plus women and children- perhaps 20,000 people. What was God teaching this boy? Jesus revealed His love and concern for people. Jesus demonstrated His supernatural power and deity. The boy received a nice meal. The young man had no idea that 2,000 years later his influence would be felt even in Alaska. God’s work in your life is much bigger than you can imagine.

Theologians discuss the will of God in two ways. First, there is the decretive will of God. The decrees of God are the future. Who will win the election in November? Will the gas pipeline ever be built? Only God knows the answers to these questions! Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord….” The future or the decretive will of God is known only by God.

Second, there is the preceptive will of God. The preceptive will of God is the Bible. We are called to study the Bible, understand the Bible and obey the Bible. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.”

We are called to obey the Bible and then to make good decisions. Some of God’s will for our lives is very clear. We should not steal. We are sinners who need a Savior. Jesus died for us. We must be born again. We must love God with all of our hearts. Other aspects of God’s will are not so clear. Should you buy the new four wheeler? Where do you go on vacation? We should obey God’s Word, make the best decisions we can and trust God for the rest.

Let’s be thankful and do what is right trusting that God is working.

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.