When the Bottom Falls Out - Martin Wiles

Peter’s words convicted them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Acts 2:37 NLT

I saw the bottom was about to fall out, but there was nothing I could do.  

The speeding car zoomed past my driveway, a mere 100 feet from a stop sign. What the driver would cross was a major highway. I quickly looked up and down the highway to see if there was any possible way the driver could avoid getting hit. 

A lone car meandered down the highway and was soon t-boned by the other vehicle. The driver who ran the stop sign wasn’t seriously injured, but the lady in the other car had to be flown to a nearby hospital and undergo several surgeries. She never knew her bottom was about to fall out. 

Nor did those Peter preached to on the Day of Pentecost. Imagine their surprise when he used references from the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was God’s Messiah sent to save the world. Then the convicting blow when he informed them they were responsible for His crucifixion. Their bottom was about to fall out unless they acted. 

How the bottom looks varies between individuals and even within the same individual. Bottoms can include financial hardships, divorces, deaths, arrests, addictions, unemployment, rebellion, unfaithfulness, etc. My reaction to my bottoms that fall out is more important than what the bottom actually is. 

The least desirable reaction would be turning my back on God. God never allows or sends trials hoping this will happen. While He rarely clues me in on why something happened, His intention is never that I walk away from Him. He wanted those listening to Peter to turn to Him, not away.

If I’ll let them, the bottoms will always increase my patience. Trials try. It’s their nature. God’s purpose in allowing or bringing them is to enhance my patience with myself, others, and Him. Patience should be a sought after virtue. Those who learn it fair better throughout life’s circumstances.

Bottoms will also increase my faith. Those who responded to Peter’s sermon by placing their faith in Jesus were rewarded with forgiveness and eternal life. Trials stretch my faith in God’s goodness, protection, and guidance. As my faith in Him grows, I’ll trust Him more and gain more spiritual victories over sin and unpleasant circumstances. 

How do you normally respond when your bottom falls out?

Prayer: Father, when the bottoms fall out, encourage us to fall into Your arms. 

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