A.A. Milne’s characters in Winnie the Pooh are an interesting look into temperaments. Eeyore is known for low expectations and possibly even a lower outlook on things. Yet, is that really (fictionally) how they really are, or just how he perceives and then acts on them? To him, life is a series of let downs with a few highlights spotted here and there, while all along we see that he has friends who care for him and his welfare deeply, though sometimes inconsiderately.
I think, as with most of the characters in Pooh, we can find things to relate to – that hit home a bit. And with Eeyore, it is on those days and maybe even seasons when we've had our hopes or expectations shaken.
For today Sarah wrote about not longing for an absence of problems, but to our God who makes it so we overcome in those problems. As I listened to Robin reading this out loud this morning I thought of Eeyore and I thought of 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 which reads,
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Our vision of things, even the things of God, is cloudy at times. It is for this reason that God has given us an incredible gift of faith and has called us to live according to that faith, a faith which is based in our trust for Him to do all that He has said. And we have no reason to doubt Him even when we can’t see the next step or curve in our road. This is because we know that our God is sovereign and powerful to accomplish what He intends. Along with this we then can be hopeful, both hopeful for today and His provision and watch care and hopeful for eternity which is settled with Him (providing you have believed in His Son, Jesus Christ for your salvation). And we know that it is His love for us that created us, restored us, justifies us, cares for us, and even glorifies us. The amazing thing is that God has given us all three of these – faith, hope, and love. But one day we won’t have to trust in what we do not see because we will see it firsthand. We won’t have to hold onto hope for that day, because we will be in it. And what will remain is experiencing the fullness of His love for all eternity.
So, when you have one of those “blustery days,” remember that it is our God who calms the storms and who can bring calm to our hearts.
Today in
“Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/8)
Do not long
for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal, since in
this world you will have trouble. You have an eternity of problem-free living
reserved for you in heaven. Rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take
away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth.
Begin each
day anticipating problems, asking Me to equip you for whatever difficulties you
will encounter. The best equipping is My living Presence, My hand that never
lets go of yours. Discuss everything with Me. Take a lighthearted view of
trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle. Remember
that I am on your side, and I have overcome the world.
“I have told
you these things, so that you in me you may have peace. In this world you will
have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“For I am
the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not
fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
I can do
everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
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