Meet Lyn Hardage

When you read Obadiah, you learn that the Edomites had looked down on the people of Judah (God's chosen people) in the day of their destruction. The Edomites thought, "We have it so good, and look at all your calamity." God had blessed the Edomites, but they were deceived into thinking THEY were just gifted at building a fortified city and placing it in a bountiful, productive land. They would not acknowledge that it was God who allowed them to be there, and God who could take it all away.

I have the privilege of being in close relationship with people who are obviously in the final years (or days) of life. Most of my patients have been recently hospitalized where it was "touch and go." Some really thought they were "going." They have the advantage of being completely aware that there is NOTHING they can do to make their heart beat another time, their lungs take another breath, or the vessel in their brain to stop bleeding. I have rarely had one of these people decline the opportunity to pray, acknowledging their dependence on God's control of their daily fate. Obadiah is warning me to live, acknowledging that every breath I take is because God wills it.

I heard about a young boy enjoying a fun day of family boating at the lake when a storm blew in very suddenly. It was frightening, and he began to pray for God's intervention to control the weather and protect them. After they arrived home, the boy commented, "Everything was so out of control!" His dad wisely replied, "And yet we weren't in control BEFORE the storm; we just deceived ourselves into thinking we were."

God wants me to understand clearly and to acknowledge that HE is the One who brings me success and safety. He also wants me to understand and acknowledge that He is still in control even when I am defeated like those people of Judah. As we sing our song of praise to Him, "You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, 'Lord, blessed be Your name!'"