Monday, June 1st, 2009 "The Return"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, June 1^st, 2009
Title: The Return
Text: Psalm 31:15 (NIV)
¹⁵ My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

When I was growing up I always loved watching movies. Sports movies were great but I always seemed most drawn to the movies with some kind of hero figure that would stand up for those in need and end up coming back in at the end of the movie to save the day. Just when you felt that all was lost and the bad guy would ruin everything, out of the ashes and smoke would appear a shadow of an individual that would step in and conquer evil. I would catch myself cheering for the fact that good overcame all of the obstacles and odds, and ending up standing on the top, victoriously.

I can’t help but feel that even today it is so very easy to allow the odds to be stacked against us, become sucked out by the undertow of the ocean of stress and troubles that seem to accompany us throughout our lives and then stand nose to nose with the gigantic and seemingly insurmountable obstacles that make their way onto the paths we travel. Life is hard. This is no secret. It is important that we understand that fact and not allow ourselves to take on the mindset that just because we consider ourselves “Christ-Followers” that we will no longer have to deal with the same stresses and struggles that the world does. Becoming a Christian is not a free pass to bypass all of the troubles that will pile up against us. The fact is that it often feels as if because we choose to live in a way that is pleasing to God, than we are more often attacked for those decisions. I mean, why would the forces of evil even waste one second on us if we weren’t doing things that were wrecking their progress and presence in the world? They wouldn’t. But when you are striving to do it the “God” way, then you are making waves and the one who seeks to push God out and tighten his grip on a world in need wants to do all in his power to crush the good guy.

However, there is some very good news. In the end, when all seems lost and it appears that Good will be killed off, out of nowhere will arrive our hero. This hero is not Indiana Jones, Spiderman, Superman or some knight is shining armor. It is not any made up, fictional character from Hollywood. The return is from none other than the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The hero is the one who came to this Earth and walk in our shoes. The one who is returning to save the day is the one who willingly laid his life down for you and me, and all people to pay our debt and give us the priceless gift of God’s grace. Jesus Christ will return and save the day. And that is a promise.

So no matter what the world throws at us. No matter how dark things may appear and no matter how invincible the villain may seem. Never loose sight in that comforting thought that the hero of all heroes is on his way back and will win in the end. This is so awesome that not even Hollywood could right this story.

Something to Think About:

• Have you ever felt defeated by the pressures of the world? What were the circumstances?
• In what ways did you feel God’s presence during those times?
• With the understanding that no matter what hardships you may experience, Christ is returning to save the day, does that give you more confidence in standing up as a Christ-Follower?
• In what ways can you use this fact to help others through the attacks in their lives?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, in the midst of the hardships I will experience in my life, I pray that you will enable me to always find strength in knowing that we will not be defeated and the power of evil will not win in the end. Help me to live a life that shows that humble confidence in the relationship I have with you, and be a bright light in the darkness as I strive to set the example of an authentic follower of you. Amen.