Yesterday was a perfect example of God’s mercy and love in my life. It was another coin scenario where I could have been confused and asked God why, or just full heartedly praised Him because of His mercy and protection. We serve a mighty God. I know I’ve said it before, but God is always worthy of our praise, no matter what the situation. And why you might ask is God worthy when something unpredictable, wrong, or unfair happens? For one it’s because God has given us salvation from hell, which everything after that is just an incredible blessing. But for two, it’s because no matter what happens we know from God’s Word it is all in His perfect plan for our life and that He WILL use it all for His honor and glory and for our benefit. What is our purpose on this earth? Our purpose on this earth is to live for God's glory and serve Him with our lives. Right? Then why don’t we do that more? Why don’t we find ways to do that better? It’s because we are selfish and sinful. I pray with all my heart that God will continue to open up my ears, my heart, and my mind to the things of God. What is better in the world? When we feel that we are at our closest with God, isn’t that when we have the most joy and happiness? Isn’t that when we feel like everything is under control no matter what the situation? We were made to sing praise to God and give Him honor and glory and rest in His ever-abiding care. John Piper does a better job than I ever could to explain that we were created for God’s glory --- http://www.soundofgrace.com/piper80/072780m.htm
We get so wrapped up into our little world that we forget the big picture. The big picture that God paints using all of His creation. We are just a tiny part of that. How amazing is it that even as little as we are God loves each and every one of us uniquely. God is so big that He can work in each person’s life to the fullest and give everyone the attention they need. Often times we don’t want to give that same attention back to Him. Our God is a jealous God and that is something to take pride and joy in. He is jealous for what rightfully belongs to him, and that is our time, thoughts, interests, and life. We owe God our life for what He has done for us and He deserves to be jealous for that. We serve such a magnificent God that He gets jealous when we give our attention to lesser things. How amazing is that!? Our God only wants us to use our time to the best of our ability. He pushes us towards godliness, righteousness, love, patients, etc. And many times He will use our situations to help us do that. How wonderful is that!? Praise God! How shameful is it that we too often waste our time… or waste the opportunity He gives us to praise Him and be an example of His love and instead look like a fool who doesn’t know God.
1 John2:3-6
"By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked."
It’s not a hard concept to understand that God only wants what is best for us and does so accordingly. But when trials and temptations come it is much harder to apply and have the right perspective. May we never lose focus! God always has a reason. We may never know why, we may never understand. But knowing God knows should always be enough for us. If it isn’t then may we pray we always take it up with God and that He will give us peace and hopefully understanding. And don’t forget to thank Him!
Colossians 3:15
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful."
2 Thessalonians 3:16
"Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!"
Yesterday, someone ran a red light going around 50mph and totaled my car. I was turning left onto the 14 freeway and I was hit on my back passenger side. It caused my car to do a complete 630-degree spin. Yes, almost 2 full rotations. My airbags deployed and the passenger side air-bag hit my windshield and smashed a huge bulge in it. The other car, which was a midsize Cadillac, hit me then went to the right off onto the curb, hit the power box for the light and completely destroyed it. The power is still out for the light. One of the crazy things was when the Cadillac hit my car my trunk flew open and a crate with emergency supplies and other stuff flew over 30ft away and landed straight up. I also had many papers and books fly out. It was quite the mess of academia. Haha Thankfully no one was hit by anything from our cars. I’m so blessed to have a Savior who looks out for me and protects me. God has a wonderful plan from all this and I will be faithful to be patient and lean completely on His Word and promises. God’s love is enough. My God is huge and I pray I always completely trust in Him.
Hebrews 10:23
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;"
2 Corinthians 9:8
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
It’s hard to give your life and situations completely over to God and let Him take care of them for you. We always want to feel like there is something we can do, that we have some say or power. But the truth is we can’t and that we don’t; and there is a peace we can gain from that if we choose. To know God will work out everything perfectly in our favor without us doing anything but relying on His Word and trusting in Him is an amazing blessing that we too often don’t take hold of. May we live a life that gives all we have to Him! May we live to give God the honor and glory He deserves in every situation! Praise God for his ever-abounding love and thank Him!
John 16:33
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Romans 5:1-5
"1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Praise God continually for all His blessings! What a loving Savior.
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