Yesterday I had the opportunity to share with a friend something I had heard a Bible teacher friend say years and years ago. The depth of this statement is sometimes lost in its simplicity.
“The first report is not the last report.”
We need to guard our hearts when we receive a first report of bad news. The report may contain devastating information but our loving Father is in the news re-creation business. Society may say that our actions are unforgiveable but God says forgiven, washed cleaned.
A few days ago I gave you the highlights of Joseph’s life. The first report his brothers gave their father was “Joseph is dead”. But, the last report came thirteen years later when those same brothers went to the father and said we need to go to Egypt, Joseph is alive.
The banker may say “bankrupt” but God’s word says He will supply all our needs. The doctor may say “terminal” but God says I will forgive all your sins and heal all your diseases. Business critics may say “you’ve failed, you’ll never recover” but the Lord promises that we can do all things through Christ who is our strength.
“They will not be afraid of bad news. They are confident because they trust in the Lord. 8 They remain confident and without fear, so they defeat their enemies.” Psalm 112:7-8 ERV
The first report is not the last report. Don’t be afraid of bad news, instead be confident and trust the Lord.
There was a dark and terrible day. A man, who had only done good, was convicted of a horrible crime and sentenced to die. His mother stood silent as she watched His execution. The first report was “he’s dead – put him in a tomb”. However, three days later there was another report, the final report, which was “go tell my disciples that I have risen from the dead”. Jesus is the essence of a good, final report!
The first report of our life may contain news of our failures and shortcomings, our weaknesses and defeat. But the last report, the final report, is still being written and it will read
“We thank God for the power Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything.” II Corinthians 2:14a NLT
Don’t give up – wait for the final report!