There are many things in life that are beyond our current knowledge and control. When, as Christians, we dwell only on those whose time has not come, or may never be, we stare into a dark abyss each and every day. Why is that so? Why is that so when Christ fought and won every victory in life in order that we might share in His victories? We have chosen and believe we will share in His ultimate, which was His most difficult, but why is it that we can't trust Him for today's?

In God's record of olden times before Christ, David expressed this contradiction. On occasion, he suffered our same dilemma. But we know David went on to win victory after victory and died with many battle scars after living well into his old age. What propelled him to great victories, seasons of success rising out of his many desperations? Was it not God's promises to him and his confidence in Him to carry out those through him if he would just be obedient? He lacked nothing of confidence. He did not live his life in fear. He was fearless because his belief in God's power was unshakable.

In the record of Christ's time and those of His first followers, we find the great Apostle Paul echoing the same sentiment as seen in our verses above. Strange. Over a thousand years apart lived two men in great desperation at times but never in despair. How could that be but not for a comforting abiding presence of an inward strength, not derived from within, but reliant upon a power greater than themselves. David spread God's righteousness throughout his time, Paul, in his time, God's Good News to the four corners of the Earth, conquering and winning millions of souls to Christ. Even today we are impacted by their lives and courage—we feel their influence.

Why is it, then, when we now have the witness of God's Son Himself—all His victories here on earth—we become victims of such great desperation, and yes, even despair at times? Why do we yield in defeat to a power so much lesser than the King who has called us? Why do we turn and run, slink into the shadows, at the sound of the first cannon when marching off into war for Him? Have we not enlisted to fight the good fight of faith alongside Him as He leads? Have we not chosen to stand atop the wall, step into the breach and lay our life down for our older Brother if necessary? Or, are we like the builder in the parable shared by Jesus who did not first count the cost? Are we guilty, because it is more convenient, of building our house atop the softest soil at the time only to have it sift from under us when the first waves of the storms of life hit us?

While I attended seminary, I was blessed to sit under the pastorate of Dr. W. A. Criswell. He was a pastor's pastor. You will easily find his work preserved for continued witness to his King. Here is one example of what he wrote and spoke on this subject. It is especially poignant today.

"It is easy for us to become a prey, to be bogged down with discouragement and depression. There are so many who are ready to lament that the kingdom of God is an impossible dream and that the organized church is in shambles. It is easy to be persuaded that the whole Christian world is advancing backwards. Some of the church's critics are like hungry buzzards who can't wait until the last trace of life is gone to pick the flesh from the bones." - Dr. W.A. Criswell, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Dallas, TX, 1944 - 1993.

I cannot say I am the original source of the following. Over the years I have filled away many notes for future writings or teaching. I know there are many iterations of the same sentiment, many likely claiming credit. So, whether this version of the saying came from my own past pen or someone else's I cannot say. It is not important. What is important is that it embodies the best take away from this lesson of desperation and despair. I hope it serves you well:

Why is it that we wallow in the shallow waters of our despair rather than swim in the deep waters of our persuasions?

Author: Ken Livingston
We encourage you to use these studies as you will.
All we ask is for you to e-mail us as to your actual use of them.