Buckle up sand traps ahead

I don’t know if you have ever paid any attention as you drive through the mountains but most all the steep grades you drive up there was a long steep grade coming down the other side. Here we see signs that say “runaway truck ramp one mile.” You wonder how in the world a ramp could be built that would stop a truck with no brakes as it barreled down the mountain. Then in a moment you see it, branching off to the right like a spur on the road and slanting only slightly uphill and maybe 50 yards long. But it was all sand. One big mound and then a series of small mounds, It was the soft, deep sand that would stop the truck and as it stops suddenly you are almost thrown through the windshield If not for the seatbelt. God is a lot like that seatbelt , as we are barreling along and suddenly come to a stop in His Word or our faith and trust in Him He is still holding on, never letting go.
The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are like a runaway truck ramp. They stop us when we ought to be trucking right on through the Bible. I wonder how many people resolve to read through the Bible, but instead grind to a stop in the sandy genealogies of 1 Chronicles 1-9. I know for me I just want to run right by them like an open weigh station on the highway. They are very hard to get over.
But the awesome thing is that the highway through 1 and 2 Chronicles is dotted frequently with scenic overviews of God’s gracious purpose, just as the scenic overlooks in the mountains you can drive onto and stop and gaze upon His glory in creation. If we can get through the sands of chapters 1-9, these scenes are tremendous refreshment to our faith. Here’s one example to encourage you to dig yourself out and keep going in the Appalachian mountains of God’s revelation.
Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came up against Jerusalem when Hezekiah was king. So Hezekiah gathered the people and the commanders together in the square at the gate. If you memorize what he said to them you will know the power of God in a new way. He said:
Be strong and be courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with them; for there is one greater with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles. Then the writer adds, “And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah” (2 Chronicles 32:7, 8)
My prayers for us are that in this trying time today with the whole financial system falling away we can feel His awesome Presence and know God is with us. That’s God’s goal: “the advancement and joy of your faith.” What is the “King of Assyria” in our life? Is it doubts about our financial future or the future of our government? Whatever it is, remember: “there is one greater with you than with him!” If you trust him, the LORD almighty is on your side and will fight your battles! “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today…The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still” (Exodus 14:13, 14).
Father, we humbly thank You for your Sovereign grace and merciful love, knowing You are in control always, and all things work to Your good and perfect will. We ask that in these times You will pour out even more of the Holy Spirit on a world that cries out for You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

In His service
Sandy Perry
10/11/08