II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
People who consider themselves “fundamental believers” will quickly state that they believe the Bible. Some say, “I believe the Bible is true for me.” The Bible is true whether we believe it or not. God said it is true and therefore it is true.
But many of those who will quickly attest to the truth of the Bible find it difficult to put it into practice in their daily life. Many scriptures come to our minds, and we will quote them often, especially for people who are struggling in their own life. How often have I heard someone tell another person, “All things work together for good to them that love God.” But when “all things” are challenging to them, they have difficulty practicing this truth.
Another truth is found in James 1:2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Can we find “joy” when the challenges of life are really challenging? We can quote the verse and acknowledge that it is true, but do not live with a joy that rises higher than the temptations we are facing.
I found this so true in my own life. I have quoted Philippians 4:6 many times to many people. “Be careful for nothing.” This simply means do not be anxious about anything. Now if you stop and think about it, we can become anxious and frustrated very quickly if we do not practice this command.
Recently I was at the airport in Seoul, Korea. I had planned to meet another preacher there and we would go on to the Philippines where we would be involved in two weeks of teaching to Filipino pastors. We were to connect in Seoul and then fly to Manila. All this was good. But he had the hotel reservations and in-country flights for the Philippines. This was the reason for meeting in Seoul. My flight arrived from Dallas, and I waited for him in Seoul. I had a long wait and expected him to show up in plenty of time to connect and go on. I waited and waited, and he did not show. I become somewhat “anxious” not knowing the hotels or additional flights. The longer I waited the more anxious I became. I am not afraid of flying on my own in other countries. I just did not know what arrangements he had made.
Finally our plane began to board and still my friend had not showed up. I decided there was nothing to do but go on and hope he was in Manila to meet me. I got on the plane and found my seat. After I had sat down, I saw him coming down the aisle. His flight had been delayed and he landed with just barely enough time to make the connection. All was fine. The Lord reminded me how foolish it is to be anxious. God is always in control and this little delay was to remind me that it is easy to tell others not to be anxious but not so easy to do so.
Concerning God’s Word we need to:
Receive it. “I believe it.”
Accept it. “I believe it is for me right now in this situation.”
Practice it. “I will do it.”