What Now? When things don’t go your way – do these 4 things…
WHAT NOW?
What now? When you receive a negative report what do you do? We all have had those moments when out of nowhere we are hit with bad news: the death of a loved one, the loss of our job, a negative doctor report, or some other heartbreaking news that tries to discourage, or disappoint, or devastate us.
Are You Disappointed by a Bad Report?
You may be in that very situation now because of some negative or disappointing report that you have received or heard this week. You may have been praying and believing for something that you were sure God was going to do, but something different happened. Regardless of what the report is or what the circumstances maybe there is hope. God has a plan! God is never controlled by the circumstances of the world. He will prevail! But what do you do? What now?
Will You Crater or Grow?
It is moments like this that can either help us grow our faith or cause us to crater into depression. God can use moments like this to bring us closer to him if we will let Him. It is in these times that our faith is tested. We discover whether or not we have built our life on the rock, Jesus, or on sinking sand? For some of us, it is time to make adjustments and to refocus.
Apostle Paul Gives Us Instruction
I want to give you 4 things you can do when confronted with a setback and disappointment. We find them in Colossians 3:1-17-
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;……. 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body: and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
4 Things to do – NOW
Keep your mind on the things above – stay focused on Jesus
This means keep your eyes, your heart, your attention, your affection on the things of God. Listen the world is always trying to get your attention. If it succeeds, you will take your focus off the things above and get it on the things below. This is the exact opposite of what you need to do. Don’t allow social media, news reports, or events happening in the world distract you. Keep your mind focused on things above – NOW!
Take action that glorifies the Lord.
Live a life that honors the Lord. The apostle Paul tells us, “to put everything evil out of our life.” And instead, show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient, forgive others because the Lord forgave you, and most importantly love others. In other words, take action in life that glorifies God – NOW!
Be at peace
Don’t be anxious or fearful instead be at PEACE. Let the peace of Christ control and rule your thinking and your heart. Everything is going to be alright. Listen, be at peace- NOW!
Be thankful.
The apostle Paul says here in these verses to “always be thankful”. In 1 Thes. 5:18 he said, “in everything give thanks.” He did not say to BE thankful for everything, but in the middle of chaos, trouble, and storms we can and need to be THANKFUL. Keeping an attitude of gratitude release the power of God into your life. Be thankful NOW – even in the midst of the storm!
I want to encourage you to do these 4 things right now today, this very moment; refocus your attention on the things above, live your life to the glory of God, be at peace, and be thankful. These are your now what actions. Remember we win. Jesus is on the throne. He is the King of King and Lord of Lords and He always will be!
“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen
upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness
the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon
you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2)