The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2

A little child shall lead them
I always enjoy Children’s Time, that segment of our worship service when the children run to the front of the sanctuary, sit on the steps, and listen to one of our ministers tell a story related to the day’s sermon.  The stories, the illustrations, and the questions and answers from the kids bring not only chuckles, but often theological insights from the youngest members of our church family.

There are times I remember what was taught in Children’s Time more than the sermon, perhaps because lessons aimed at children are shorter, simpler, more colorful, and more entertaining:  they just stick in my mind better than a serious, multi-layered sermon, no matter how well-written or delivered.  The children’s messages may be aimed at kids, but they’re not just for kids: adults can enjoy and learn from them as well.

Similarly, when Big Idea began producing the Veggie Tales videos and music a few years ago, I discovered another source of inspiration that is not just for children.  Their videos based on Biblical stories (Esther is my favorite) and their silly songs with catchy tunes and spiritual messages stick in my head -- especially after a weekend with my grandchildren who play them over and over again.

Take, for example, the song “God is Bigger than the Boogie Man” in which Bob the Tomato asks Junior Asparagus what he would do if the following happened:

(First stanza)

You were lying in your bed,
You were feeling kind of sleepy,
But you couldn't close your eyes because the room was getting creepy.
Were those eyeballs in the closet?
Was that Godzilla in the hall?
There was something big and hairy casting shadows on your wall.

When Junior answers that he would call the police, Bob tells him why that isn’t necessary:

(Chorus)

God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla and the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man,
And he's watching out for you and me.

It doesn't take very many repetitions of the chorus before kids and adults alike are smiling and saying “Amen” when Junior confidently asserts that he's not afraid of anything because “whatever's gonna happen ... God can handle it.”

Trusting God in difficult times
This chorus has been going through my mind a lot lately, and it's given me a fair amount of comfort.  This is because 2012 has started off on a difficult note -- not only for my family, but for many families I know.  Terminal illnesses, cancer treatments, major surgeries, aging parents with Alzheimer’s, unemployment, divorce, drug and alcohol addictions, mental illness, financial setbacks, spiritually lost loved ones, and legal troubles – these are just some of the problems the six members of my Tuesday morning prayer group are facing this year, either personally or in their immediate families.  If I include the 80+ members in our Sunday School class, the list grows considerably longer.  It seems that virtually everyone I know is facing a “Godzilla in the hall” this year; and none of us can remember a time when the problems were so varied, so deep, so painful, or so widespread.

We have speculated about why this might be happening.  On one level, the Bible tells us not to be surprised when the "fiery trials" come; they're simply part of living in a fallen world (1 Peter 4:12).  For that reason, we accept these "turns of tempest," as Gerard Manley Hopkins called them, as normal.  Next, given that our Sunday school class is composed of senior adults (55+), we've simply reached that stage in life when chronic illness, declining mental faculties, and death are a reality we must deal with (though this doesn't explain the tests our children and grandchildren are now facing).  There's also the matter that we are living in a country which has lost its spiritual bearings:  one where idolatry, immorality, and self-interest reigns.  More than one American pastor has said in recent months that God has removed His hand of blessing on America; and in such times, the righteous suffer alongside the unrighteous.

On a more hopeful note, we wonder if the pressure isn't increasing because time is short: that Jesus' soon return means that we have only a few years left to reach spiritual maturity.  Therefore, He's turned up the heat to speed up the refining process by which we are conformed to His image (Romans 8:29).  We like this reason the most because like Paul, we "long for His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8).  However, it also reminds us that time is growing short for the non-Christians God has given us to minister to, which increases our desire to share the gospel and to live the kind of life that might lead them to ask the reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15).

We can only speculate about the reason for so much current suffering, but these truths we know for certain:  God is in control, He doesn’t make mistakes, and what He allows in our lives is for our benefit (Romans 8:28).  Therefore, the only appropriate response to Who and What He is, and to all He has done for us, is to trust Him no matter what (Psalm 28:7; Psalm 40:4; Psalm 56:3).  Like Junior Asparagus, we can say with confidence that “whatever's gonna happen ... God can handle it.”

Perhaps 2012 is proving a difficult year for you as well.  If so, then remember these simple truths:

• Whatever insurmountable problems you are facing, God is bigger (Jeremiah 32:17).
• Whoever has set themselves against you, God is bigger (Romans 8:31).
• However you have messed up your life, God is bigger (Luke 15:11-24).
• However humungous your need, God is bigger (Matthew 7:11).

Next steps

This is a message all your Christian friends need to hear. Make copies of Diane’s article and hand it out to several Christian friends. Then make an appoint to meet together to discuss the article and to pray for people in need. Consider meeting frequently for such prayer, starting right away.

For more insight to this topic, order the book, Knowing God, by J. I. Packer, from our online store. Or read the article, “Pleasing God: The Nature of Faith and the Pursuit of God,” by T. M. Moore.

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