Psalm 18 – Waves of adversity and God’s deliverance

Have you ever been caught in the waves of life’s adversities?

In Psalm 18 David expresses his Love for God and profound appreciation for God’s deliverance from oppressive and life threatening enemies that assaulted him like powerful waves.  He uses a number of picturesque analogies in describing his relationship with God.  He says, “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 (vs.2).   He then exclaims, “I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies” (vs.3).

In your waves of adversity, are you calling upon the LORD?

In your trials of life, do you recognize God as worthy of praise?

If you have called upon God and offered praise in the darkest moments of your life, no doubt you have a testimony of God’s deliverance to share! Will you share it in a way that reflects God’s gifting in your life?  Not everyone is a poet like David who sets his verse to music.  Maybe you can share your story in a small group, paint or draw a picture, or write in a card or blog post a testimony of praise to God that will encourage others.  How will you share a testimony of God’s help in you life?

Last week I was asked to minister at a memorial service and found myself way to emotional to be of much help.  I called on God for help, praised Him in my heart, and felt the strengthening grace of God fill me to minister in ways beyond my own ability.  God is my Rock when I am weak!  He is worthy to be praised!

During my trip to help my friend, I had the opportunity to view and walk along the Oregon beach.  I picked up a small stone, shell, and piece of driftwood for each of my three oldest grandchildren.  These treasures were more beautiful because they had been buffeted by the waves.  Are not our lives more lovely when we receive the grace of God during the polishing waves of life’s adversities?

Time to move on! But where?

Last Wednesday night I felt the peace of God in an unusual way. While the vote of confidence ballot was being counted I asked the 30 members in attendance and a few visitors to turn to the hymn, "It is Well with my Soul" and we sang all 4 verses. As we continued to wait for the 4 deacons to return with the result, I asked if anyone would like to share a verse of scripture that would be edifying. About 6-7 people read or quoted comforting, encouraging, and challenging passages. During this time the deacons returned and all sat down and finally a deacon looked at the other deacons and got up and whispered in my ear, "15 to 15! It is your call Pastor" Earlier in the week I had had a premonition that it would be a split vote. When I heard that it was indeed, I felt the sovereign love of God for me and God's love in my heart for those who voted for me to continue as pastor and for those who cast a no confidence vote. For the first time in my life I experienced, in a great way for me and in a small way in comparison to my Lord, how He must have felt when He said on the cross, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do." As moderator I could have cast a vote in my favor to have a majority but knew that God wanted me to abstain from voting and read my prewritten resignation letter:

Resignation Letter of Pastor Mark Worden

August 18, 2010

Having not received a sufficient percentage for a vote of confidence as indicated by the constitution or my own conscience before God, I submit notice of my resignation as Pastor of FBC. I will gladly serve the church for another month or mutually agreeable date. I desire to work toward a peaceful and fruitful transition to the glory of God. My thoughts and emotions are mixed. First, I want to thank the Lord for his grace and help these past (nearly) 6 years. Second, I thank the congregation for the privilege of being your pastor, for the fellowship and friendship which we have enjoyed, and for the lessons of life and ministry that we have experienced together. Tammie and I will be praying for God’s blessing upon each of you and the congregation as a whole in the days to come. Romans 8:28 should bring hope, direction, and comfort to all of us at this time: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” We ask for your prayers during this transition time and for God’s future leading in our lives to fruitful ministry in the place of His calling, wherever it may be.

Sincerely in Christ,

Mark R. Worden

Now we are looking to the Lord for His direction, comfort, and wisdom and ask for your prayers.

If you get a chance listen to the message preached the Sunday before the vote of confidence: Good from Bad
http://sermon.net/download.php?c=18884-count_audio_download-2475187

God's Sovereignty