When God Hides - Martin Wiles

He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds. Psalm 18:11 NLT

I knew it was there, but I couldn’t see it. 

When a New or Full Moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to the Earth, meteorologists call it a Supermoon. I wanted to see this one—it was the first occurrence since January 26, 1948—but I couldn’t. Several wildfires raged nearby, and each morning and evening, a thick coat of smoke veiled the sky, shutting out my view of the stars and now the Supermoon. Add to that the geography of our neighborhood—tall trees and other nearby townhouses—and my wish to witness this marvel of nature went ungranted. 

The psalmist was hounded by enemies, one in particular—a jealous king. But he wasn’t worried. Using picturesque words to describe the indescribable, he recounted how God came down to save him. Mounted on an angelic being, God soared on the wings of the wind with storm clouds beneath his feet. But he also shrouded himself in darkness so his enemy couldn’t see his approach. 

God has been known to hide Himself. For thirteen years, Joseph must have wondered about God’s whereabouts. Joseph’s jealous brothers hated him and sold him to a band of traders who took him to Egypt and sold him again. Falsely accused of trying to rape the king’s wife, Joseph was cast into prison where he was promptly forgotten. For two more years, he languished in squalid conditions until God suddenly turned his situation around and promoted him to prime minister of Egypt. 

Just because we don’t see the hand of God in our situations doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Jesus promised never to leave or forsake us—and he doesn’t. He works behind the scenes, orchestrating the events of our lives, thwarting the enemy's schemes, and manufacturing good. Our duty is simply to trust in his sovereignty, unconditional love, and power. 

When God hides, we must wait for him to show himself. Biblical waiting is not inactivity. We continue doing the last thing he told us to do until he opens another door and provides clear guidance on a change of direction. 

God may appear to be hidden, but he is never absent from the details of your life. Trust in that promise daily. 

Father, I thank You for always being near, whether I perceive you or not. 

If you seek hope and healing because of hurts you have faced, then Hurt, Hope, and Healing is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Roast and Gravy

 

Ingredients

1 CAN CREAM OF MUSHROOM WITH ROASTED GARLIC SOUP

1 CAN BEEF BROTH             

1 ENVELOPE ONION SOUP MIX

3 ½ POUND ROUND ROAST

2 TABLESPOONS PLAIN FLOUR

1 TEASPOON SALT

½ TEASPOON PEPPER

2 TABLESPOONS OIL

Directions

STIR FIRST 3 INGREDIENTS TOGETHER IN A 5 ½ QUART SLOW COOKER.

SPRINKLE ROAST EVENLY WITH FLOUR, SALT, AND PEPPER.

IN A LARGE DUTCH OVEN, BROWN ROAST EVENLY.

TRANSFER ROAST TO SLOW COOKER.

COVER AND COOK ON LOW FOR 8 HOURS.

REMOVE ROAST AND SLICE.

SKIM FAT FROM GRAVY AND WHISK.

SERVE OVER ROAST.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Cry Out to God - Martin Wiles

But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:6 NLT

She raised up on the bed, writhing in pain. 

I’d watched my wife suffer with kidney stones before. Once, over the course of a week, her abdominal pain worsened to the point that it merited a trip to the local emergency room. After a shot of morphine and a CT, the doctors sent her home. No explanation—but no emergency either. 

Four days later, the pain intensified, so we made another trip. As pains shot through her abdomen, causing her to almost come off the bed, nurses shot her with morphine—again. Nothing helped. After changing the pain medication, she finally found some relief. Seeing her pain—and hearing my frustration—the doctor finally consented to perform another CT scan. This time, the culprit raised its ugly head: diverticulitis. 

I’ve watched others struggle with more pain than my wife experienced. Some cry out to God, and some cry out against God. Others curse and cry. Some bite their tongues and close their eyes. The psalmist chose to cry out to God. A jealous king and other enemies pursued him. He needed deliverance. And David believed God heard him.

Jesus was God’s representative on earth. He said to see him was to see the Father. He also proclaimed that he always did the Father’s will. One trait he demonstrated consistently was concern for others. He continually went about doing good. As people heard of his love and miracles, they either hounded him when he visited their region or left their homes to find him. 

Jesus still cares when we face distressing circumstances. And there is no end to the things that can cause us pain, sorrow, frustration, and confusion. Regardless of what it is, Jesus wants us to cry out to him as David did. Time is of no concern. God is awake continuously. He doesn’t require rest or sleep. Nor is he confined by time or place. 

How God hears the thousands who pray at the same time is unexplainable and takes a leap of faith to believe. But he does, and he demonstrates it by answering our prayers according to His will. 

When you’re in distress, call on the one who always cares and who will always answer. 

Father, thank you for coming to me and delivering me in my moments of distress. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Death Pangs - Martin Wiles

The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. Psalm 18:4-5 NLT

The thought of experiencing it unnerved me—even though I claimed to be prepared.

While a pre-teen, the fear of dying haunted me. As a nine-year-old, I had accepted Jesus and knew He had a place for me in heaven, but I feared what I had to experience to get there: death. 

A few years later, relatives began dying. First, my paternal grandfather’s unhealthy living habits finally caught up with him. A couple of years later, he was followed by both of my great-grandparents. Soon after, the remainder of my grandparents died. Now at retirement age, I have only one parent remaining and no in-laws. 

David didn’t fear old age because he wasn’t old. Instead, a jealous king dogged his trail. David was running for his life, hiding in caves and in the wilderness. Death always seemed near, but God preserved his life. King Saul didn’t kill him—but was killed himself—and David was made the next ruler.

Only a very few welcome the thought of death. Regardless of how tough circumstances might be or how intense the pain of disease or other body ailments, most don’t wish for death. Rather, we pray for healing or for God to soothe the debilitating situation. But the healings of diseases and the removing of stressful situations won’t stop death. Barring the return of Jesus Christ, we will all experience it. 

We can live peacefully while at the same time knowing the pang of death is just around the corner. Doing what I did as a nine-year-old is the first step in facing the death pang: asking Jesus to forgive our sins and committing ourselves to be his follower. This act removes the condemnation we’re under and takes care of the sins for which we’re responsible—all of which keep us out of heaven.

Knowing we’ll immediately enter heaven upon death is also comforting. We won’t have to lie unconsciously in the ground until Christ returns. The apostle Paul said to be absent from the body was to be at home with the Lord. Jesus told the thief on the cross who begged for his forgiveness that he would be with him in Paradise that day. 

When you make things right between you and God, you no longer must fear death’s pangs. 

Father, thank you for taking away the fear of death when I trust in you as my God. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Like a Rock - Martin Wiles

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:2 NLT

Rocks were either my best friends or my worst enemies. Encountering them was a common experience when hiking in the mountains. During the years that I hiked, rocks became a common feature on the trails I traveled. Sometimes they slowed me down significantly. 

Getting to one of my favorite destinations required passing over a mountain appropriately named Rocky Mountain. Especially in the winter months, I had to choose my steps carefully. Rocks were wet, and water turned to ice during the cold months. These same wet rocks attract algae in the summer months, making them as slippery as when they are coated with ice. 

But rocks are also advantageous. When on a steep incline of a particularly high mountain, rocks provide firm footing that soil itself doesn’t give, making the climb easier. 

Using a metaphor, David said his God was a rock. Certain characteristics of God reminded David of rocks, which he was no doubt familiar with. He had been a shepherd who allowed sheep to graze in fields dotted by rocks. 

I’ve discovered the same truth as David did. Like a rock, God remains when others walk out. Large boulders are immovable without heavy equipment or geographical upheavals. Likewise, we can depend on God to be there when others aren’t. He will never disappoint. Rockslides are common in the mountains, but God is not like any of those rocks that were dislodged by water, construction, or tremors. He remains steadfast.

Like a solid rock, God also provides better footing for life. When we stand on a relationship with him and the principles of his Word, our life footing is solid. Even when troubles and trials come, he gives the footing of grace, wisdom, and faith to press on without bitterness, anger, and frustration. 

Like many rocks, there is more of God than we ever see. The bulk of many rocks is underground. The evidence of God’s work is never as apparent as what is happening. He is forever behind the scenes, molding us into the image of Christ and working for our good. In tragedies, crises, and tough times, he may seem hidden, but never is. 

Let God be the rock in your life. He will never disappoint you but will provide the stability you need for every life event. 

Father, be the rock of refuge I run to and upon which I stand. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Salmon Patties

 

Ingredients

1 LARGE CAN SALMON

2 EGGS

1 TABLESPOON VINEGAR

1 TABLESPOON CORNMEAL

1 TABLESPOON SELF-RISING FLOUR

SALT/PEPPER

Directions

DEBONE AND CLEAN SKIN FROM SALMON.

ADD OTHER INGREDIENTS AND MIX WELL.

FRY IN HOT OIL.

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

The Power of One - Martin Wiles

God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14 NLT

Who knew one CD could change the entire service? 

Our music leader was off for the day. My wife had spent hours putting music together, meeting with the sound technicians, and practicing with the praise team. Sunday morning arrived, and we were excited about the service—until the CD with all the music they planned to use to sing wasn’t in the case. 

Since it was three minutes before services began, my wife’s mind went into shock. She had obviously left the CD in her laptop—which was at home, ten miles away. Getting it wasn’t an option. In a three-minute span, she and the sound techs dug up a few praise songs, and the pianist suggested a couple of hymns. 

Although the service got off to a rocky start—the praise team hadn’t practiced the songs, and my wife’s voice cracked because of seasonal crud—the Spirit of God soon took over and fixed what appeared to be broken. The power of one CD had been trumped by the power of One more powerful. 

Moses experienced the power of One when God instructed him to go before a foreign king and tell him that I AM had sent him to deliver his people from four hundred years of slavery. 

The power of one can be devastating, disturbing, and mind-boggling. One statement from a doctor, “You have cancer.” One call from the boss, “I need to see you in the office immediately.” One text from a girlfriend or boyfriend, “I don’t think we should see each other anymore.” One call from the police, “Your child has been in a bad accident.” One visit from the military chaplain and an officer, “We’re sorry to inform you that your daughter has been killed in action.” The list of ones is endless … and so is the pain they can bring. 

Just as God took over the failed service my wife had planned and soundly defeated the enemy’s effort to quench the moving of God’s Spirit, so he can do the same with any life situation we tackle. He is sovereign. Nothing happens outside of his control. His plans are always better than mine and can never be thwarted by the tactics of Satan. 

Whatever God brings out of the one apparently bad thing will always be better. Trust him to control your one thing. 

Father, I believe you have power over the one thing that seems to have power over me. 

I invite you to try my book Hurt, Hope, and Healing in eBook or paperback. If you seek hope and healing because of the hurts you have faced, this book is for you. Click on the title above to order your copy. And thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.