MORNING MANNA         4/2/20

How are you doing? Or “How ya doin?” if you’re from the south. We hear that a lot, don’t we. It is a common greeting, and we usually don’t expect an honest answer. Out of kindness, most people (there are exceptions) don’t usually dump their whole load of problems in you lap. But today I want you to answer that question to yourself honestly. How are you doing? Really.

Some might be say, “How do you think stupid!” If pressed for an explanation they might remind you that the Coronavirus has turned their world upside down. They are scared to death, not working, losing money, bills piling up, dealing with the kids at home, health issues, loneliness, and a host of other things troubling them. Their question for me is “How do you expect me to feel?” I’m not sure I can answer that. My answer isn’t important anyway. It’s what God expects that matters.

I can’t help but think about how Paul would answer that question. I believe he gives us the answer in Phil. 4:11 where he says, “ I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content “. Some, no doubt, would be thinking “That’s expecting too much of a person”. Really? If that it what God expected and got from Paul why should we think any less is to expected from us? After all, God commands all of us to “be content” (Heb. 13:5).

If you are thinking Paul had it easier than us you are mistaken and uninformed. He was writing from prison! After great suffering he is incarcerated and about to die. Yet he is content! But we need not just look back at Paul. Look around and you won’t have to look long to find someone who has it far worse than you. Besides, we all have it better than we deserve.

Strange how folks have no problem quoting that part of what we call “the Lord’s prayer” that says, “Thy will be done“, but complain when it is. And, make no mistake about it, what we are going through is no mistake. Whatever happens in life is either planned or permitted by God. I don’t expect you to understand why such things happen, I don’t understand either. But I can tell you that He doesn’t make any mistakes and we have no right accusing Him of it. We may mourn, but we must not murmur.

So, how are you doing? I’m not asking you to answer to me and I’m not judging you. I’m asking you to examine yourselves. Now, the question is, “What are you going to do about it?” Surely you don’t want to leave it as it is. I don’t either. I’m raising this issue because I believe we all could and should do better. If this seems out of your reach, remember God specializes in things thought impossible. – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346