Life sometimes, if not all the time can be so overwhelming. The failures, the disappointments, everyday let downs add up. The team you didn't make, the college you didn't get into, the job you didn't get, the promotion passed by, the marriage that ends, The boss that told you you aren't much, the coach that told you you weren't good enough, the spouse that told you they didn't love you. Failures are every where we look. So much news surrounding a war in Iraq, Islamic extremist, the most pro-choice administration in history, gay marriage, a government more concerned about global warming then the absence of moral standards in our schools. Its almost humorous to think the belief that global warming will end our existence is so popular. Talk about missing the boat. Jesus knows my struggles and frustrations more then can be explained. One verse that has been so often on my mind is John 19:11. Jesus has come back before Pilate, after being beaten, flogged, tortured. A crown of thorns, ripped up skin, broken facial bones, beaten back and ribs. Jesus stands again before Pilate. Pilate asks " Where do you come from? " ( John 19:9) Jesus gives no answer. This has been some topic of debate I have found. Why didn't Jesus answer? My opinion for what it is worth is that Pilate had a pretty good idea of where Jesus came from. He was also in very strong denial, internally I think Pilate was struggling a spiritual war non of us could imagine. Ultimately Pilate could not justify risking his career, his lively hood to admit, confess the Son of God stood before him. Jesus stood still and silent and Let Pilate talk himself into an answer. Picture the frustration, confusion, stress on Pilate and he snaps hastily " Do you refuse to speak to me? Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" ( John 19:10). Jesus answered in ( John 19:11) "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." In the darkest of moments God was in control. I love the proclamation of Jesus in verse 11. The matter of fact, to the point. You Pilate only have power because it is allowed by the Father. It reassures God was in control in that moment and He always has been and always will be. The people in our lives that tell us we are not good enough, talented enough, loved enough, pretty enough, strong enough, smart enough have no power over us. Life's failures have no power over us. All power comes from our Father, his power heals, forgives, turns the failures and disappointments into great success. His power, His plan is
PERFECT. Nothing more needs to be written about it. It is Perfect. No human, nor Satan has the authority to keep us from Gods perfect plan for our lives. Only God has the power to grant that authority and He doesn't grant it. My favorite Verses in the Bible is Ephesians 3:17-21
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measures of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
In todays world its easy for me to get frustrated, feel like things are out of control. I wonder why certain things happen, I wonder why certain people have power. God reminds me He is in control, He has ultimate authority, and His love surpasses knowledge, His plan is Perfect....no matter what the headlines might read.
