A Blip on the
Radar
By Lexi Cole Ellis
By Lexi Cole Ellis
“We
are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
(NIV)
Recently, I was
listening to the radio and the hosts asked listeners to call in with their
“Five Word Commencement Speech.” Essentially, they were asking for the best
piece of advice for new graduates in five words or under. One caller’s
intriguing response was: “A blip on the radar.” She went on to explain that
often things feel like a big deal at the moment. But in reality, when you look back, they were
only a “blip.”
What Biblical advice this is also! As I look back, there are moments that were certainly challenging; but in hindsight, they were blips. Blips aren’t life-altering, gut-wrenching trials that take up a large amount of screen on the radar. Blips are moments that maybe once caused stress and worry, but don’t matter all that much now because they weren’t chronic or long-lasting.
I can think of plenty of blips in my life, but I struggled to think of “blips on the radar” situations in Scripture. So many of the stories we read are life-altering trials, while also being beautiful examples of God’s faithfulness in the midst of those trials. One example came to mind.
The prophet, Jeremiah, experienced a blip. As God’s messenger, Jeremiah was deeply grieved when the nation of Israel refused to heed God’s warning. Jeremiah also laments, “I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.” However, his response to this blip is telling. He goes on to say, “But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will tumble and not prevail.” Regardless of his situation, Jeremiah’s perspective remained firm that God is in control. Also, Jeremiah responds to this blip in his life by turning to prayer. He praises God: “Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.” [1]
I’m thankful for the caller on the radio that reminded me to look back at situations in my life that really did end up being just a blip on the radar. When we are experiencing a “blip”, may we remember to keep the perspective that God is always with us. And may we also be reminded to turn to prayer and praising of God in the midst of our blip.
GOING DEEPER:
What Biblical advice this is also! As I look back, there are moments that were certainly challenging; but in hindsight, they were blips. Blips aren’t life-altering, gut-wrenching trials that take up a large amount of screen on the radar. Blips are moments that maybe once caused stress and worry, but don’t matter all that much now because they weren’t chronic or long-lasting.
I can think of plenty of blips in my life, but I struggled to think of “blips on the radar” situations in Scripture. So many of the stories we read are life-altering trials, while also being beautiful examples of God’s faithfulness in the midst of those trials. One example came to mind.
The prophet, Jeremiah, experienced a blip. As God’s messenger, Jeremiah was deeply grieved when the nation of Israel refused to heed God’s warning. Jeremiah also laments, “I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.” However, his response to this blip is telling. He goes on to say, “But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will tumble and not prevail.” Regardless of his situation, Jeremiah’s perspective remained firm that God is in control. Also, Jeremiah responds to this blip in his life by turning to prayer. He praises God: “Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked.” [1]
I’m thankful for the caller on the radio that reminded me to look back at situations in my life that really did end up being just a blip on the radar. When we are experiencing a “blip”, may we remember to keep the perspective that God is always with us. And may we also be reminded to turn to prayer and praising of God in the midst of our blip.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Take
time to look at the “blips on the radar” moments in your life. Where have you
seen God at work?
2. Is
someone you know going through a blip right now? How can you be the tangible
hands and feet of Christ to that person?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:28; Joshua 1:9-10; 1 Peter 5:8-9
Lexi and her husband, Andrew, recently became new parents and have an adorable dog. Lexi teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.
[1] Jeremiah 20:7b-13 NIV
Romans 8:28; Joshua 1:9-10; 1 Peter 5:8-9
Lexi and her husband, Andrew, recently became new parents and have an adorable dog. Lexi teaches sixth grade Reading and Writing and serves with Children’s Ministries.
[1] Jeremiah 20:7b-13 NIV
