It was June, 1995. I was uncertain as to what the future might bring. My whole world had collapsed with Pete’s death, or so it seemed. For so many years, my world wrapped around loving Pedro Barba Arroyo. Willingly, I watched as all our resources dwindled; pouring everything into helping him get well. We had lost the practice, lost our home in Texas, and moved to Mexico: all because of one hope: Pete would get well. He died on July 23, 1994. Then, I spent nearly a year traveling between Pachuca, Hgo, Mexico and my hometown of Dexter, Mo.
All that had been left of what had been to the world’s eyes a prosperous life was some land in Mexico which Pete had left the children. Once secured, I made the final trip from Pachuca to Dexter by way of the “carreterra” (Mexican highways). Because there was no other choice, I had to pick up the pieces of my life to start again. I would need to find the faith to reject the Null Hypothesis of my own life.
My grief was overwhelming still! All my hope had been that God would heal Pete here on this earth. Yet, God chose not to; instead, God chose to take Him home. Pete had accepted Christ as His Savior only a few short months before his death. I did not question God’s Sovereign choice; yet, I also knew there was a lot of brokenness left behind in me and in my children. Unimaginable scars needing to heal. Then I did what some would believe utter foolishness. After arriving in Dexter to start this new life, I had looked for a job. When I did not find one and after much prayer, I decided to pack up my children and go on an adventure in Disney World.
IGNORING THE COST
I flew Melissa in from California, invited my nephew Derek, loaded up my van and we went on a trip to Florida. I ignored the cost as I spent what I had on Disney World parks, Hard Rock Café, and Universal Studios. We stood on the beach at Daytona and then we returned home. I wanted to restore hope and joy into the hearts of my family. I was uncertain of what the journey would bring tomorrow; but, I did know that whatever it brought—God was at my side and would be through it all. Oh, by the way, as soon as I returned I had a job waiting for me—that vacation had been a leap of faith for me and a trip for all to remember.
Which brings me to the first foundational truth necessary in this life! Hebrews 11 gives us the definition of faith.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen… he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:1,6
Faith begins at this point, knowing that God IS and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
GOD IS
God is Sovereign Lord, Creator of the Universe, the Great I AM. Faith begins with knowing this as true! Without seeing God as Almighty Supreme Ruler of this Universe; there cannot be any faith. We must know in the core of our hearts that He is Glorious, Righteous, and Just in all that He does.
Once we recognize God as the great I am, we clearly see our place in this Universe as His created beings over whom He reigns supremely. Furthermore, we can then believe fully His promise when He says, He does reward those who diligently seek Him. With open arms of love, He reaches forth to provide for, protect, and draw all men to Himself; despite His knowing many will reject His offer. Relentlessly, He reaches forth to demonstrate His power and His might; but, alas only a few will come. Still, for those who do His promises ring true.
THE POWER TO REJECT THE NULL HYPOTHESIS
Where is the power that can give a weary, broken soul hope? Can we proclaim power and make it so; despite, our heart being in a state of despair? When everything is lost, we must know where to find the strength to stand again?
In statistics, we learn: Power is the strength to reject the null hypothesis! The null hypothesis believes everything is by chance only. Is my life only by chance? Where is the power to be able to say with all certainty that all things work together for good to those who are in Christ? (Romans 8:28). The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ secured that Power for all who accept His gift of Salvation. No other religion, philosophy, nor thought process contains the power to sustain hope during life’s tragic moments of utter despair. This is the message that Paul, Peter, James, John and all the early believers were willing to suffer and die for. They had seen the risen Christ and they knew that in Him, we have newness of life.
ACTS 17: 24-31
.24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man (Jesus) whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
As for me, I am glad that I did not know all the trials that still lay before me when I chose to take that vacation. Nor do I know all the trials that yet lay before me. Unexpected storms present in my life. Yet, even when I am laden with moments of great heartbreak; this I know. God is in control and He has a plan for my good and that my life will be prosperous. Oh, perhaps not the prosperous that the world considers. Still, I know my life will always be prosperous in Joy unspeakable found in Christ, hope that is never dying, and an ever-flowing fountain of love within my heart. That is the power to reject the null hypothesis of life.
concluding tweets
[tweetthis]Life is never by chance when controlled by a Sovereign God of Love[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”When life seems uncertain, remember this God IS the Great I AM and rewards all who seek HIM” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]When God is my greatest treasure, I have no fear in this life[/tweetthis]
For more information, please read How to Overcome Life’s Trials and Really Know Joy or How to Have Steadfast Faith and Joy-No Matter What!
This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist whom I love and admire. Please check out his work at http://roninron.com He did this drawing with a piece of paper and a pencil. Because it is protected under copyright, it cannot be copied or duplicated without permission.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.