I was a young magazine publisher when my new business came to sudden halt.
I had followed the Lord’s instructions to begin the company, yet with high start up costs and a limited clientele, I was staring at the prospect of a $30,000 loss, which effectively rendered the new publication dead on arrival.
That’s when I remembered King Jehoshaphat, who faced his own share of bad news.
Three nations had allied against Israel; boots were on the ground, and more were on the way: “A great multitude is coming against you from across the sea.”
I’m sure Jehoshaphat paced the floor, just as I had been doing. I’m sure his mind culled through a thousand possible escape routes, much like mine had.
But though he was afraid, Jehoshaphat looked away the challenge confronting him. “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You,” he cried to God (2 Chron. 20:12).
Elisha had trouble, too. He was surrounded, with no possible way of escape. His servant saw the problem, but the prophet saw something more: “The mountains were full of horses, and chariots of fire all around” (2 Kings 6:17).
Stephen stared into the eyes of an angry mob, but saw One much higher: “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (Acts 7:56).
That’s when I turned my tear-stained cheeks directly toward the Source of all good things. “I’ve been looking at this all wrong,” I confessed. “Help me to see You instead.”
I’ll never forget the phone call I received the next day from the man who owned a large printing company.
“Steve? This is Vernon Hearn. I’d like to get your new business off in the right direction. If you will commit to stay with me as your printer for two years at least, I’ll lower your printing bill by $30,000 a year. Does that sound good to you?”
What bad news has captured your attention, dear friend? The chilling words of a doctor’s report? A financial need? A prodigal child spiraling out of control? A spouse whose love has grown cold?
Let the stories from The Spirit Today remind you that God is still doing miracles, even in these darkest of times. Let’s raise our eyes to Him.
—Steve Lestarjette
steve@wisdomhousepubs.com