CAMP DAY 4 (Wednesday Morning)
Pastor Elie Hamuli
In this era of information, an overwhelming amount of news constantly calls on our attention. While it is essential to stay up to date with current events, immersing too deeply in the details wither faith and dries up the soul. News not only instills information but also fosters anxiety and fear—the absence of peace and rest. Consider what causes you to lose both sleep and appetite. What situations cause you to isolate at the thought of them? These all have anxiety and fear in common, which saps faith in God’s Word.
Reflecting on Mark 5:23, it is clear that our patterns can be a major source of fear, especially when situations do not unfold as we imagined. Jairus had a specific expectation on how Jesus Christ would heal his child: by “coming,” “laying hands,” and “healing her.” When fear overwhelmed him, hearing the death of his daughter, Christ’s commanded him to “have faith,” and his daughter rose (see Mark 5:36).
The solution God provides also challenges our preconceived notions about how He works. Jairus most likely did not expect the miracle of his daughter coming back to life. This shows us that God’s ways are not like ours; if He relied only on human strategies, we would trust the methods rather than His infinite power. His ways are perfect, and though seemingly delayed, perfectly timed.
Our perception of challenges limits us from grasping the greater reality of God’s power and plans. 1 John 4:4 assures us that the God within us is greater than any opposition we face; therefore, we can rest knowing this. Rest does not encourage inactivity but empowers us for Spirit-directed activity. Each new challenge gives us the opportunity to respond with rest, knowing that God is in control. Position always precedes provision; thus, when we are positioned in rest, our rightful place in Christ, we experience God’s blessings.
Those who rest accomplish more than those who do not. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to “be sober and vigilant” in light of the agenda of the devil. The enemy’s first attack is often on our “sitting”—our rest in Christ. In other words, he goes around seeking those who are not at rest, those who are unsure of their position in Christ. When we neglect to feed our souls with God’s Word, we become vulnerable to his schemes.
Psalm 23:1 assures us of God’s provision, while Psalm 23:5 illustrates that He prepares abundance in the presence of our adversaries. Even in the most challenging situations, like the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), God remains with us, and recognizing His presence dispels fear and anxiety. Christ is in the crisis with you—appreciate His nearness, make the most of the safety in Him. We frequently grow in our trust of Him during times of crisis. In Psalms 23, David initially talks about God in the third person, but when he talks about his journey through the “valley of the shadow of death,” he speaks to God in the second person, depicting proximity. He later speaks directly to God, saying, “For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Just like David, when facing your own trials, remember that these are times of closeness with the Lord. He is always with you, but He also desires a conscious decision from your part to involve Him in all areas of your life.
