SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO TURN YOUR BACK and face the wall. Man, this world can be tough, and people can be tougher. I have found that even when you are trying to do good, others will speak evil of you. Turn your face to the wall.
When you get bad news and you are having a bad day, turn your face to the wall. When others hurt and scorn you, turn your face to the wall. When you feel like no one understands and everyone is against you, turn your face to the wall. There is One who knows all your struggles. He hears all your prayers and understands your hopes and dreams. There is One who won’t bite you when you cry out in frustration, but will relieve your fears.
“In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’ ” Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying, “Remember now, O LORD, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” II Kings 20:1-3
Hezekiah received a true word from the Lord, but he refused to receive that answer so he turned his back on death and pleaded with the only One who could change his circumstances. Now, maybe God would have said, “No Hezekiah. You will die.” But our gracious and wonderful Heavenly Father responded to his cries and pleas. How marvelous! We have a Father in heaven that responds to us when (and if) we cry out to Him! There was no one else on this earth that could help Hezekiah but the LORD God Almighty. Do you know where your help comes from? The psalmist knew:
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalms 121:1-8
Turn your face to the only One who gives life. When faced with a decision, turn your face to the One who has all the answers. If you have a burden that is weighing you down and wearing you out, turn your face to the Savior. If you are struggling against a sin you feel you cannot overcome, cry out to the only Wise King who gives grace and strength to overcome all things.
God responds to the cries of His people. Don’t run to everyone else, run to the Lord. Even well meaning people will sometimes say the wrong thing thinking they are helping. Give them grace, but turn your back on them to Jesus. Turn your back to the lies of the enemy and turn your face to the Truth. Jesus knows all your insecurities and fears. He is present and available to help at all times. Turn your face to Jesus! He has all the answers for life and godliness, where else would you go?
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page