God's Not Dead: In God We TrustSample

DAY 3: God’s Guidance in Moral Dilemmas

Have you ever faced a dilemma and felt like you didn’t know how to handle it? Probably we all have. But this is where God and His Word can help us with Biblical examples and divine wisdom.

Reverend Hill is a man of integrity whose first responses always show respect. Even when challenged by unkind criticism, he doesn’t respond in anger. We can assume he practices the premise of Proverbs 15:1, which advises, “A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.”

Like David Hill, we can all benefit from understanding the truth found in James 1:19-21. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce righteousness. God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.”

The good pastor also faces the fact that politics can be an unfair game because of man's desire for power. Yet, he knows God is on his side—the side of righteousness. When humble leaders acknowledge their limitations and rely on God’s strength rather than their own, their confidence brings peace amidst trouble.

Reverend Hill had probably taught his congregation from Paul’s instruction in Romans 13:1 (NLT). Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Christians know it is our duty to submit to authorities unless their governing directly opposes God’s will. This is where prayer and seeking His wisdom are critical.

Consider the promise our main character embraced from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - "For when I am weak, then I am strong." We can take courage in this, as well as in the words from Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand;" and from 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) - "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

In the end, Reverend Hill sees victory in several areas – community and national service, his church, and his relationships. As he learned from Psalm 37:5, he committed his way to the Lord and trusted in God to bring it to pass. He witnessed the promise of Psalm 20:5-9 unfold as well. “Now this I know; the Lord gives victory to His anointed. He answers him from his heavenly power. Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses…stand firm. Lord, give victory to the king, answer us when we call.”

In his dilemmas, we can imagine David Hill sseekingcomfort in the Beatitudes delivered by Jesus at His “Sermon on the Mount.” He probably had it bookmarked as a favorite and possibly even memorized. it When we face dilemmas of our own, be encouraged by reading these again (and often). The good news is that when we put His compassion into action, joy here on earth and a heavenly reward aawaitus.