Down To The Wire

Very rarely do we see characters of the Bible depicted in a way where their troubles are all of a sudden instantly vanished when they pray to God. Very rarely are they depicted by “cake walk” circumstances. They often had to hold hands with the problem until God intervened.

Does God do this on purpose? Why does He seem to leave most things down to the last wire?

In the book of Daniel 3:16, we see three men who are unharmed as they are thrown in the fire. Other scenarios depict this “last minute” intervention on God’s part as indicated below.

Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!

Or in Exodus 15:

And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

Or with the disciples in Matthew 23:

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!"

These stories demonstrate God’s faithfulness in unfortunate circumstance as we often cannot escape trouble and hardship. In all of these stories, God didn’t simply teleport or fast forward their lives to the good parts. He allows us to walk through these things for our own purification where He always meets us there, even if it’s down to the wire. Do we really believe what we believe or has it just become a habit or too convenient during the good times?

Friends, Jesus even in death displayed this “down to the wire” notion when He was in the grave. Even in death God has purpose, sets plans, and makes progress. Let’s take a moment to reflect on our own lives and where we need to stay consistent regardless of trial.

And so, we leave you with this Word,

“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure,” (Psalm 40:2).