When we were in Sierra Leone Africa earlier this summer we saw some of the most unique and beautiful beaches I have seen anywhere in the world. Interestingly, the people don’t seem to appreciate or enjoy the beauty they have right next to them as much as one would think they do. I can’t help but think if I had this beach in my backyard that I’d be on it frequently. We baptized people at the beach who lived a few hundred feet from the water yet had never been in it before.
On one trip to the beach, as I stood mesmerized by the beauty of perfect blue skies, sand, ocean waves, boulder-sized rocks and mountains in the background, I couldn’t help but ask a native pastor friend if he knew how it all was formed. I know the Creator, but the rocks that line the ocean appear to have developed by volcanic activity and i wondered if one was nearby. I ask him if he knew the make-up of the rocks and how they formed…and if he knew of any volcanoes in the vicinity.
He looked at me with complete sincerity and said very simply, “God is great!”
I was quickly humbled in my search for answers and reminded of a few truths:
1. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. Proverbs 25:2
2. God asked, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” Job 38:4
3. Too many times we look for answers, when “God is great” is enough.
I may not have had to go to Africa to be reminded of this truth, but I’m glad I picked it up while there! Are you looking for answers when the only answer you need is God is great?
Just curious, where’s the most beautiful beach you have ever seen?
You said, "the people don’t seem to appreciate or enjoy the beauty they have right next to them as much as one would think they do" What in your life your life don't you appreciate the way other people would? I'm curious because lately I've been careful to appreciate where I am everyday, knowing that I am where God wants me to be (to the best of my ablity) and that alone is a beautiful thing.
Thanks Tiffanie…this is a great question you pose…what in my life do I not appreciate the way other people would? There are probably lots there….Family…church…ministry…influence…
Thank you.
We just returned from Sanibel Island and the whole time i was in AWE of His handiwork. The white sand beach, breathtaking skyscapes, electric storms, and the daily ebb and flow of the tide were all magnificent. God is great, indeed. /
I haven't been there…sounds awesome. Thanks
We always take things for granted and also take God for granted as well.
I agree. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this. It was the perfect illustration for my sermon today. Look at that, you are doing the pastoring of the pastors again. Thanks Ron. And what a great reminder of where our focus needs to be.
Sweet! I love that! Thanks Eldon.
Haiti. Took a short term mission trip there in 92 or 93. We got stuck in the city (Cap'Hatian I think) cause of severe rains – the road to our camp got washed out. So the team leader took us over a mountain to a little hole in the wall resort. Macaws, the freshest fruit you ever ate, crystal clear water on the whitest sand I've ever seen. It was quite a treat!!
That's a great story. Obviously you have a special heart for them now. I'm trying to get on a Soles4Souls trip there soon.
Thanks
When the pressures of life get such that the only answer is God is great, then it becomes easy to miss the obvious that is staring you in the face or foot.
Absolutely. Thanks