Can God and His Word be Trusted?

"'This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth,

the LORD who formed it and established it--

the LORD is his name.'"

Jeremiah 33:2

The people of Judah needed a little reminder of Whom they were dealing with.  They needed to be retold Who it was that was sending them warnings of the coming judgement lest they ignore the messages and continue on with their own plans.  It's important to keep in mind that God was behind the words spoken to them by Jeremiah the prophet so that they had no excuse for rejecting Him.

I often need a similar reminder of Who is behind the script recorded on the pages of the Bible.  Or Who is responsible for that still, small voice that sounds as a warning to turn the other way, or as a guide at moments of indecision, or as a comfort just when I need it.  It's so easy to disregard, to write it off as my own imagination or to ignore as irrelevant or out of date.  God gave to Jeremiah a qualifier of sorts right up front:  Here is why you can trust My Word.

Authority.  "Who died and made you king?  You are not the boss of me!"  I remember using these lines on the playground whenever a particularly controlling classmate would try to give me orders.  I instinctively knew my peers did not have the authority to give me orders and it incensed me when they tried to do so. 

God, however, does have the authority to give orders, to enforce obedience to His commands and to make decisions on my behalf.  As LORD, He has the right to manage my affairs and by His name I know that He is in charge of all that I see, of everything that exists.  It is all His responsibility to rule.  Since He is the King of the world, it is my place, then, to submit to His authority.  He is worthy of my respect.  His Word is meant to be observed.

I can trust God and His Word because He possesses all authority under heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:21, Matthew 28:18).

Power.  He spoke the world into existence.  Where once there was nothing, He created something.  Once He finished making all things, He was perfectly able to guide His masterpiece much like a talented conductor directs every musician in his orchestra.  He has the ability to know the thoughts of each of His children, to perfectly understand every unique personality, to coordinate the lives of millions of subjects, to care deeply for the plight of humans (Psalm 139:1-6, Matthew 10:29-31). 

Because of God's great power, there is nothing He cannot do.  He is not bound by the constraints that restrict me as a human.  He operates outside of the boundaries of time.  Yesterday is the same as tomorrow for Him and the distant future is like today.  The laws of nature keep me from flying, or growing younger, or coming back to life once I'm dead.  God does not have these same limitations.  Nothing is off-limits for Him.  He can stop the sun, or part the waters of a sea, or cause a fortified city to crumble on its own (Joshua 10:13, Exodus 14:21-22, Joshua 5:13-6:20).  He can bring life back to a man three-days-dead, spontaneously combust a drenched altar, and restore skin ravaged by leprosy through a simple dipping into the Jordan (John 11:43-44, 1 Kings 18:30-35,  2 Kings 5:14).  There is nothing God cannot do, so great is His power.

I can trust God and His Word because He is all-powerful and mighty to save (Genesis 18:14, Zephaniah 3:17).

Supremacy.  He is above all things.  There is nothing that is greater than He.  He sits high upon His throne, reigning over all the earth (Psalm 97).  The earth is His and everything in it (Psalm 24:1).  The Lord is sovereign over every detail, every power, every authority.  Even that which seems invincible is under His thumb.  He rules over all of His creation.

Even though the world seems out of control, God is still firmly in control.  Even though my life often feels out of control, God is still firmly in control.  Even though the rampant evil looks to be sending all of mankind into a tailspin, nothing happens outside of His will.  He is supreme over every detail of my life; nothing falls outside of His domain.  While I may feel my problems are my responsibility to solve, they actually fall within His area of expertise.  He may not move world affairs in the direction I would if I were in control, or resolve my issues to my liking, but I can be assured that His way is better for His children and will give Him maximum glory.  

I can trust God and His Word because He has supremacy over all, and His plan is a good one.

It can be hard for me to trust God and His Word.  When it comes right down to it, I may wonder why I can place my faith in Him.  To ease my mind, He reassures me with the reminder of His authority, power and supremacy.  When I recall such truths, I am compelled to take Him at His Word.  Can God and His Word be trusted?  Yes, they can, no matter what.  But it takes faith to do so.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to do what He's telling me to do.

When do I doubt His plan, wondering if it could be the best He has for me?

How am I usurping His authority by trying to be in control of my own life?        

Proof of His Love

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever."

Psalm 136:1-3

I read the words on the page proclaiming of God's amazing, enduring love, but how do I know it is real?  How do I know He loves me?  I mean, really know deep in my heart without a doubt?  How can I take a risk to place my entire life in His loving hands, trusting that He won't hurt me, exploit me or let me down?  It takes faith.  

Here is some evidence of His great love to bolster my faith.

Great Wonders.  Standing under the expanse of sky that crisp, clear night, I am struck by the enormity of the universe and of my own tiny, insignificant life.  In comparison to all the twinkling stars I see sprinkled throughout the dark canvass above me, I realize there is a great Force at work in this world who has created unimaginable wonders, things I can barely comprehend let alone try to mimic: Oceans teaming with wildlife, a plethora of flora and fauna waiting to be discovered, a sun whose rise and fall I can set my watch to, and the moon whose glorious glow, in the words of Clement Clark Moore, gives "the lustre of mid-day to objects below."  (Psalm 136:4-9)

And the conclusion the psalmist draws from recognizing such wonders?  "His love endures forever."  A God who would grant such glorious gifts to His most prized possession, His beautiful image bearers, is the God of a permanent kind of love of which I can never lose.  I am secure in the love from a God such as this.  If He can perform such miraculous, creative wonders, is there anything He will not do out of His great love?  Nope, nothing is off-limits to such a loving God!

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence pointing toward God's enduring love is all of creation of which I am an integral part.

Salvation.  There is a track record of salvation written throughout the pages of scripture.  God is continually at work saving His people (Psalm 136:10-16).  Sometimes its the oppression of sin and fear that holds me down, compelling me to call out to the One whose sword can free me from the guilt and anxiety that often comes with living in a fallen world.  Other times its the so-called impossible situations I often face which send me to my knees where I find delivery from what I once labeled as my lot in life.  Then there are the times when I'm confronted by the ugly monsters of life, the giants that bully me into submission, giving me cause to cry out in desperation to the God who fights these overwhelming battles on my behalf.

And the conclusion the psalmist draws from remembering such salvation?  "His love endures forever."  A God whose heart is inclined toward the suffering of His people produces the kind of love on which I can count.  His love will never let me down, and there is never a time when I cannot cry out to Him and expect Him to ride in on His great white stead and rescue me from my present danger.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence pointing toward God's enduring love is His willingness to rescue me.

Sovereignty.  Protection.  Provision.  Blessing.  Rescue.  Despite my unfaithfulness to a God who is in complete control, He still chooses to remember me, to see me in my current situation, to comfort me in all my troubles.  His authority over all things is often forgotten as I go about my day, attempting to feebly protect my wounded pride with coldness of heart, guarding against every conceivable disaster with insurance and money in the bank, and struggling to rescue myself from the stresses of life by using my own twisted methods of coping.  I find myself failing miserably, yet He never writes me off as a lost cause, always ready to use His sovereign power for my benefit.

And the conclusion the psalmist draws from realizing such perfect authority over all things?  "His love endures forever."  A God who is completely in control of all things yet yearns for me to willingly submit to His perfect plan for my life is a God whose love can be trusted as safe, faithful, and abundant.  He does not need me, yet He wants me.  And not just parts of me as I so often tend to give, but all of me; every nook and cranny of my heart.  

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence pointing toward God's enduring love is His sovereignty over all things yet willingness to be a personal part of my seemingly insignificant life.

It's sometimes hard to believe anyone, let alone the God of the universe, could love me.  He is all-powerful, all-present, all-knowing; why would He care about me?  The beauty of this God of all gods is that He is made of love.  And the proof of His great love is written throughout His creation, found in the way He chooses to save me, and in His sovereign power that is used for my good.  This is some evidence of His love which can propel me forward into His waiting arms.  Why wait another minute?

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust my whole life to such a God as this.  

How do I hold out on God, unsure of His love for me?

When do I doubt His love despite the fact that there is evidence everywhere?  

How to Resist Despair

"I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth."

Psalm 121:1-2 ESV

I'm in the valley, maybe even the one shadowed by death (Psalm 23:4).  Things look bleak, hope is fading, it seems like the end.  I despair, wondering where this abundant life is that was promised to me (John 10:10b).  

In times such as these, periods of anguish and desperation, I can take a lesson from the psalmist.

Look Up.  His words stung me deeply.  They hurt so much because I knew they were true.  A brother in Christ rebuked me sternly for doubting God's plan through the hard time I was facing.  He said, "It's time for you to act like you believe the words you so confidently proclaim!"  Then he recited a poem that has stuck with me ever since.  "Worry looks around, fear looks back, but faith looks up!"

The writer of today's passage knew this truth well, exhorting me to train my eyes on my Father who has all things under control.  When I look around me at the problems that overwhelm, the darkness that looms, the "what-ifs" that drive me crazy, my stomach twists in knots and my outlook is bleak.  When I turn my gaze on the One who holds me in the palm of His hand, I remember that I'm not alone in this.  I have an Advocate who goes before me, fighting the battle on my behalf.

When walking through the dark valleys of life, it's important that I keep looking up from whence my help comes.

Source.  It's easy to look to other sources besides God for help, especially as I live in a world that is chock-full of resources.  When I realize that God is my go-to person, my faithful fount of wisdom, my never-ending supply of help, I will find the kind of assistance I need in every situation (Psalm 46:1).  He will never let me down and will always give me exactly what is necessary.

God is such a personal God.  The way He helps me may be different than the way He helps others.  For me, it may be necessary to give me opportunities to trust Him in impossible situations so my faith will grow and I will mature.  For others, He may deem it essential to deliver them from certain suffering in order to protect their heart or nurture their faith.  Only He knows what each of us needs and how to bring to fruition His great life-plan for each of His own, so depending on Him to help me will bring about the best outcome possible (Psalm 139, Jeremiah 29:11).

When going through difficult times, it's important that I recognize God as my sole source of help (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Sovereignty.   When playing a board game, it's important to read the directions to find out the intentions of the creator of the game.  As I study the rules, I learn the objective, the guidelines for playing and how a winner is declared.  If I decided to play by my own rules, which I've often done, I'm playing a different game than the one the inventor intended.

It's the same with life.  If I want to know the purpose for my life, what my goals are and what makes a successful life, I need to go to the One who made all things, the Creator of heaven and earth.  When I do, I will discover that it's His world in which I live, His plan I can either accept or reject, and His decision as to how everything works together.  He made it so He can do whatever He wants with His own creation (Romans 9:16-18).

In the hands of a malevolent being, this would be a scary prospect, but in light of the fact that the Sovereign God is a good God, I can trust Him to do what's best for me.  In fact, He is so bent on me living out His best that He takes what was meant for evil and uses it for my good (Romans 8:28).  In this truth I can rest:  God is for me (v 31) .

When experiencing trouble in this life, it's important that I realize I'm living in my good Father's world and He has absolute sovereignty over all things.

When going through dark times, it's easy to despair.  In order to resist such a natural inclination, I must look up to God as my source of help and realize His sovereign power over all things.  As I do, I will know the secret to living a joy-filled life, no matter my circumstances.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God with all the nitty-gritty details of my life.

When do I despair when overwhelmed with troubles, losing sight of God who is bigger than it all?

How am I troubled about that which God is never worried?

      

In the Midst of Trouble

"Now, do not be upset 

and do not be angry with yourselves 

because you sold me here,

for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life!

For these past two years 

there has been famine in the land

and for five more years there will be neither plowing

nor harvesting.

God sent me ahead of you to preserve you on earth

and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

So now,

it is not you who sent me here,

but God.

He has made me an adviser to Pharaoh,

lord over all his household,

and ruler over all the land of Egypt."

Genesis 45:5-8

It was just plain wrong!  Here she was, a woman enduring every mother's nightmare, yet instead of being treated with sensitivity by the media, her story was used to bring in higher ratings for the station's news program.  While the investigative authorities had the opportunity to bring justice for her daughter's sake, they instead used her as a means for their own political ends.  Even though she had many friends, colleagues, acquaintances and well-wishers, many condemned her demeanor throughout the crises, treated her like a celebrity or only cared about what details of the case they could glean from their conversations.  This woman had every reason to be angry.

Even though I will probably never face such injustice, there are times when others use or abuse me or I face what I think are unreasonably hard times.  When I'm mistreated, I have two choices.  Either I can grow angry, letting bitterness fester and the desire for revenge control me, or I can look for God's sovereign plan in the midst of the trouble.  

Forethought

It is always said that hindsight is 20/20.  Looking back on the past, it is easy to see signs of what was to come that I missed at the time.  Peering into the future, however, there is no way for me to know how all the pieces of my life are going to come together. 

This is precisely the reason we need God.  He has a plan that takes into account what is to come.  The Lord places each person where they need to be and only He knows the perfect timing for the forward progress of His plan.  Nothing can advance until everyone is position.

Since God is the One who possesses the vision, only He knows why there is a delay.  While I may perceive a time of little or no movement as a holdup, frustration or even a setback, God knows it is a necessary time of shifting all the pieces into place.  In the same way that I need all the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to come together before the picture can be completed, the Sovereign Lord is putting all the necessary players into place in order to finish His masterpiece.

When I'm stuck in traffic and my blood pressure is rising, I'm usually only focused on the time I'm wasting or the appointment I'm missing.  God, however, sees the future and is protecting me from an accident that is about to happen.

It is easy for me to feel abandoned when I'm waiting for God to deliver me from my present crisis.  The truth I can't perceive is that God is building my faith until I'm strong enough to handle the resolution He has planned for my predicament.

There are even times when I want to enthusiastically rush forward, believing I am ready to take on the world.  God, however, knows the training I need to undergo before I'll be prepared for such a heavy mission.

When it seems life is not fair, I must remember the forethought of God and let Him move in His own time.

Preservation

People all around them were starving to death.  The man considered his options, consulting the Lord for guidance, and settled on the plan to send his sons down to Egypt to purchase some grain.  While it may have seemed risky, it was part of God's sovereign plan to deliver His chosen people from a slow and steady demise.  

When Jacob saw how desperate was his family's situation, he would have done anything to save them.  Little did he know, however, that God already had a plan to preserve those who called Him Lord.  While many suffered around him, calling on their gods and making sacrifices to their idols as they sought mercy, God had a stake in those who claimed His name as their own.

In the same way, I belong to the Lord as His very own.  I am His adopted daughter through faith in Jesus Christ and thus am infinitely precious to Him. (1 John 3:1, Matthew 6:26)   Therefore, He will go to great lengths to preserve my life and the lives of those who are called by His name.

So, when I'm tired of the struggle against the disease that ravages my body, I can remember how God is using me to deliver the good news of Jesus Christ to all with whom I come in contact.  Or, when I feel like God is against me as He sends trial after trial, I can take heart as I keep in mind how the hard times are keeping me on my knees and in His arms.  I can even draw strength from the fact that God is shielding me from harm that is found in the world by occupying my time with caring for others at home.

When it seems life is not fair, I must remember how God uses circumstances to preserve the lives of His holy people.

Sovereignty

The young woman found blessing and treasure in her enemy's demise.  While Esther would have never killed the evil Haman herself, his death meant great fortune for her.  It also meant deliverance for her people. (Esther 8:7-8)  God is so much in control that He can even use evil to bring about good.  

It is hard to stomach all the news that comes at me in this modern age: There are killings, kidnappings, violent protests and terrorist attacks to name a few atrocities.  If I can keep in mind the sovereignty of God that allows Him to use the bad to His own advantage, however, it may be a bit easier to stomach the reality of living in this fallen world.

The next time I hear some bad news, then, I can look for the good that is hidden within.  As His child, it is vital that I become an expert at recognizing His hand in the midst of evil.  While it is true that I live in Satan's domain, I must always remember that God's plan is not thwarted by the wicked, nor is it overcome by evil.  Instead, Jesus has conquered the world (John 16:33) and nothing is outside of His sphere of influence.

When it seems life is not fair, I must remember the sovereignty of God, trusting that He can even use the evil to bring about good.

When life deals me an unreasonably difficult blow, I can either simmer in my resentment, or I can look for the hand of God in the middle of the crisis.  When I choose the latter, I may see a bit of the forethought of God, how He works to preserve His people, and the miraculous way that He uses even the enemy of our souls to bring about good.  It is then that I will find peace in the midst of the trouble.   

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes of Jesus and all the good that is coming out of the trouble.

When do I lose sight of what God is doing?

How am I paying more attention to the trouble than in looking for God's plan?

Loyal Hearts

"We have confidence in the Lord

that you are doing and will continue to do

the things we command.

May the Lord direct your hearts

into God's love

and Christ's perseverance."

2 Thessalonians 3:4,5

It is a miracle when any group of people can work together in one accord.  When it's church people, however, who get a job done with willing hearts and little to no bickering, there is no doubt that it is by the hand of God!  Unfortunately, the people of God are not always known for their unity of spirit.  

There is at least one instance in the Old Testament scriptures that stands out as an exception: It was when David was collecting materials for the tremendous task his son, Solomon, would undertake in building the temple of the Lord.  So many resources were needed, and astonishingly, it was the people of Israel who willingly gave from their hearts that supplied all that was necessary.

Afterward, David prayed to God, praising Him for His greatness and provision, going on to ask that He would keep the hearts of the people forever loyal to Him.  David knew it was God who unified the people, for he knew as well as any of us how difficult it is for people to agree on anything, let alone give up their valuables for a single cause.  Yes indeed, God worked a miracle in the hearts of His people that day.

This, however, is not a phenomenon that is peculiar to the people of David's time.  God can still unify us, giving us a heart that only desires Him and His will.  In this way, He gives us harmony that distinguishes us for the rest of the world.

Sovereignty

He knew God was in control of every aspect of creation, even the weather.  Consequently, Elijah prayed in faith, without a doubt in his mind that God could keep it from raining for three years.  It's not that Elijah was special, it's just that he understood that God is sovereign over all things.  He believed that because of God's power, He was able to do anything, even keep the rain from falling.  (1 Kings 17:1, James 5:17)  It's not so much that prayer is powerful as it is that the God to whom the prayer is directed is mighty.

Keeping this in mind, I realize that the things that I do that matter to God are not done out of the goodness of my heart.  Quite the contrary, since my heart is deceitful above all things, leading me down the wrong path time and time again.  (Jeremiah 17:9)  Instead, it is God who works in me, directing my heart and giving me the desire to submit to His work in my life.

As I yield to His sovereign power, I am telling Him that I want Him to have His way in my life and my prayers reflect that submission.  He's going to get His way despite my stubbornness, the only question is whether I will be a part of His plan, or continuing on in my own way apart from Him.

When God is the center of my life, my heart is loyal to His sovereign work in my life.

Love

For around 350 years the people of Israel followed a predicable pattern:  They rebelled against the God who loved them, found themselves in hot water as a consequence, crying out to the Lord and asking Him to have mercy on them and save them from destruction.  God would then, out of His great compassion for His people, send a judge to set them back on track.  Everything would then be pretty good until that judge died, sending the people back to the beginning of the cycle.

There is no doubt that God loves His wayward people and that His kindness is not based on our worthiness or faithfulness; if it were, we would have long ago been wiped off the face of the earth. Even now, it's the same; God has not changed.  There  is nothing I can do to lose the love I experience through faith in Jesus Christ.  (Romans 8:38-39)

When I keep Him first, above all things, He directs my heart into His love so that kindness and compassion can overflow into the lives of those with whom I come into contact.  Then I will find myself giving others a break where usually I would not cut any slack, or sense a desire to help those who I usually ignore, or to forgive the one who hurt me deeply.

When God is the center of my life, my heart is loyal to the love that becomes the hallmark of my life.

Perseverance

He never gave up, even though He was falsely accused, sentenced to death on a cross, mocked and ridiculed and put through torturous treatment that would break even the bravest soul.  Despite this unjust and inhumane persecution, Jesus Christ endured the cross, even forgiving those who killed Him.  (Hebrews 12:2)

I may never have to go through such torture as this, but I can be sure that I possess the same kind of stick-to-it-iveness.  With the perseverance of Christ I can keep going despite the pain that wracks my body, desiring to be used by God for His glory.  With His determination I can endure harsh treatment from those I love, giving nothing but mercy and kindness in return.  With the resolve of Jesus I am able to endure financial hardship, trusting Him to provide everything I need.

When God is the center of my life, my heart is loyal to the One who gives me perseverance to keep going for His glory.

Just as the people of God were able to work as with one heart in the time of David, we can also live in one accord.  God can keep my heart loyal to Him as I make Him the center of all things.  When He is, I will desire to let Him have His way, to dwell in His love, and to endure all kinds of treatment and hardships.  This is how I keep faithful to Him and let harmony rule.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will keep God at the center.

When do I complain about my circumstances instead of letting the perseverance of Christ empower me to carry on?

How does His love overflow into the lives of others around me?

The Plague of Doubt

". . .the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; 

your prayer has been heard.

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,

and you are to give him the name John. . .'

Zechariah asked the angel, 'How can I be sure of this?

I am an old man and my wife is well along in years?'

The angel answered, 'I am Gabriel.

I stand in the presence of God, 

and I have been sent to speak to you

and to tell you this good news.

And now you will be silent and not able to speak

until the day this happens,

because you did not believe my words, 

which will come true at their proper time.'"

Luke 1:13, 18-20

I remember when my oldest daughter was 4-years old.  She was always a chatterbox, but when she came into the age of inquisition, she became an interrogator worthy of the CIA or FBI.

"Come on, honey, it's time for me to give you and your sisters a bath."

"Why?"

"Because you're dirty and it's almost time for bed.  It's nice to go to bed clean."

"Why?"

"So you won't get the sheets dirty."

"Why?"

"Because then I'll need to wash the linens and I'd rather not make so much work for myself."

"Why?"

"Because I already have enough to do, now come on and gather up your sister's pajamas and let's head into the bathroom."

"Why, Mommy?"

"Because I said so!"

Preschoolers are naturally curious, constantly seeking to learn about the world around them.  I, too, tend to want to know why things are a certain way or what makes someone do what they do. There's nothing wrong with a healthy interest in what makes things tick.  Take Mary, for instance.  When the same angel that visited Zechariah showed up in her presence, Gabriel gave her some astounding news: you are going to have a baby named Jesus who will grow up to be some kind of ruler over a never-ending kingdom and will even be called the Son of the Most High. (Luke 1:26-38)

Mary accepted this shocking news but showed a simple curiosity in how it would all come about since she wasn't married.  How would she become pregnant; how was God going to bring this about?  There was no question as to whether this event would happen, just an interest in how it would occur.

Zechariah, on the other hand, questioned the accuracy of this message and God's ability to bring it to pass.  To make his point, he called attention to the old age of he and his wife.  

Curiosity is not discouraged by God; only doubt.  I am reminded in Hebrews 11:6, that without faith, or the ability to believe something will happen, it is impossible to please God.  

But I am prone to doubt, just like Zechariah.  His experience reminds me that there are consequences for my doubt.  Thankfully, my doubt will not stop the will of God.  Just as God's promise still came to pass in the form of a baby named John, God's purpose will always go forth. (Isaiah 14:26-27)  The only question is: Will I be a part of it, or will I be watching from the sidelines, mute and paralyzed by fear and disbelief?

God's Sovereignty

My husband and I owned a tandem bike for a period of time.  It was difficult for me to ride in back while he controlled the handlebars and brakes.  Donald decided in which direction to go and when it was time to stop.  If we rode down a hill, only he could slow it down.  In a nutshell, my husband had all the control and I had none.

This is kind of how it is with me and God.  He decides the direction my life will take, how fast I need to go, when it's time for a bumpy ride and when I need to stop for a rest.  This is His world and He's in control.

The problem is, I possess this desire to know my own future.  I want to know the details of what's coming up ahead.  When I give into this desire, I attempt to figure out what is happening and what I think will be the expected outcome.  I analyze all the possible angles, coming up with solutions for each scenario.  I spend a lot of time thinking about the issues at hand.  Much to my dismay, the reality is that this is the definition of "worry."

When I doubt God's ability to lead me well and hesitate to give Him control, I fall into an anxious heap.  Jesus said not to go after our needs or to try to orchestrate the details of my life because God knows what I need.  Instead, He said to, "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (all my needs) will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow  will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  (Matthew 6:32-34)

Worry and anxiety is a sign that I'm not trusting God's sovereignty and His ability to lead me well.  

If I want to avoid the plague of doubt when it comes to God's control over my life, I must learn to trust Him enough to place everything in His capable hands.  (Philippians 4:4-7)

God's Calling

God asked the impossible from a man who doubted.  He wondered how God could possibly use a reject like him to deliver such an important message to His people.  What if they didn't listen?  What if they didn't believe him?  What if he couldn't get the words out?  Who am I to do something so big?

The question is not, as Rafiki of the Lion King asked Simba, "who are you?"  Rather, the inquiry I should constantly make is, "who is God?"  You see, God's calling on my life has nothing to do with me.  It isn't dependent upon my abilities, gifts or desires.  Instead, it is about God and His ability.

When Moses asked God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"  God's reply was, "I will be with you."  (Exodus 3:11-12)

In the same way, when God places a burden on my heart for the hurting and downtrodden in my own neighborhood, but I'm afraid I won't be able to do the job, I can remember that God is with me.

Or when God convicts me to teach a Bible study despite my lack of degree in Bible teaching, I can take heart that God is with me.

Or when God inclines my heart toward the people of a third-world country even though I've always hated to travel, I will gain courage from the fact that God is with me.  It's not up to me.

The anecdote to doubt in the face of God's calling is to remember that God is with me and He will accomplish what He set out to do.

God's Plan

Clouds are looming on the horizon.  My way seems dark with no way out.  Voices laugh tauntingly as I continue down the path that seems destined for doom.  Should I continue on the way my Master pointed?  I wonder as my foot falls in a pothole.  Is this the way He meant for me?  It seems wrong; filled with pain and suffering.  How can this be right?

Which way is God leading that seems risky or perhaps not something I would choose for myself?  When I read that the Lord said, "For I know the plans I have for you. . .plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future," it's easy for me to form a picture in my mind of what those plans may look like.  I see comfort, pleasure and fulfillment.  

Then reality sets in as the test from the doctor comes back positive, the daughter goes missing or the loved one moves on to someone else.  How can anything good come out of this?  

Just as God allowed hard things to enter Job's life in order to test his faith, sometimes God allows trials and difficulties in the same way.  Other times, God's plan includes working with people I don't like, doing I job I don't particularly enjoy, or sticking with a marriage that brings unhappiness.  

Living a life of faith devoid of doubt means I'll have to do as Solomon instructed in Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT.  "Trust in the LORD with all you heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."  

In order to stop doubting, I must trust God's plan as good, even when it seems bad.

Asking questions of God is not forbidden, but doubting whether He is really in control of all things, is calling me to do something big or even small, or has a plan for my life comes at a price.  To fight the plague of doubt, I'll have to place my life in His hands, remember that He equips the called, and that His plan is good no matter how it looks to me.  Then I will avoid the consequences that come with disbelief and be able to say as Mary did, "I am the Lord's servant.  . .May it be to me as you have said."  (Luke 1:38)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God with my whole heart and let go of the fear that holds me back.

When do I let my own insecurities hold me back from answering God's calling?

How do I judge a hard thing as not from God?

  

Restoration

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and make me willing to obey you."

Psalm 51:12 NLT

Drops of blood rolled down His temple, stinging His eyes as the crimson life-giving fluid touched the sensitive tissue.  Agony seeped from every pore as the sin of all mankind rested upon Him.  It is finished.  With those words, sin lost it's power, humanity gained hope and restoration had occurred.  

A few years ago, I had seriously contemplated getting rid of our large, oak dining room table.  The veneer finish was flaking so severely that I kept it covered with a tablecloth at all times, never able to truly appreciate it's beauty.  My husband suggested that I restore its finish, but I had never tackled such a project and was unsure if I'd be able to accomplish the job.  After some time, I finally agreed to take on the challenge.

I spent several weeks in the garage sanding, buffing, cleaning and staining during those cold December days.  After much effort and pain, I stood back to admire the finished product: A glowing honey finish stared back at me from a better-than-new piece of furniture.  I was so glad I had taken the time to restore the table to it's original condition.  Now it sits proudly uncovered in the center of the dining room, appreciated by all who use it.

Restoration is not easy, but God's grace makes it possible.  Whether it be the restoration of a right spirit, faith or relationship, it can only be done by the hand of God.  He uses many different circumstances to accomplish renewal in our lives, as seen in the lives of countless people.  In each example, restoration occurs after a time.

After a Time of Humbling

His kingdom stretched to the ends of the earth. . . at least it seemed that way.  The Babylonian empire boasted new cities, temples, canals, aqueducts, gardens, reservoirs and all sorts of marvelous wonders.  Wide, straight boulevards stretched throughout the cities while massively impressive brick walls surrounded them, drawing the astonishment and awe of ancient travelers.  Certainly Nebuchadnezzar was an amazing ruler with a knack for innovation and extravagance.  

The king himself thought so as he stood atop his mighty palace one day. "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?"  (Daniel 4:30)  No sooner had the words left his lips than God began His humbling process.  The once impressive ruler was banished to the wilderness where he lost his sanity and become like an animal, sleeping out under the stars and eating grass like a cow.  God said he would stay in that state until he would, "acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." (Daniel 4:32)

Nebuchadnezzar had to learn the hard way that God is in control and everything we have is as a result of His grace and mercy.  I think I work hard to earn the lifestyle I enjoy, but it really is a gift from God.  I like to think my good health is as a result of my attention to diet and exercise, but it really is a gift from God.  It is easy for me to believe that the blessings of my family are due to my good parenting skills, but it really is a gift from God.

As the prideful king said of God after his seven-year time of humbling, ". . .those who walk in pride he is able to humble."  (Daniel 4:37)

When God restored Nebuchadnezzar's sanity, He also returned his honor and splendor, the throne, and made him even greater than he was before.  This time, however, the newly restored king knew his place.  "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just." (Daniel 4:37)

Restoration occurred after a period of humbling.

After a Time of Suffering

Once there was a man who lived in a place called Uz.  He always tried to do the right thing, lived an honest life and was completely devoted to God.  Not only did he raise his children in the ways of the Lord, but he took a stand against all forms of evil.  Everything this man touched seemed to flourish and he became wealthy, carrying a lot of weight in regional politics.  Everyone respect Job. 

Suddenly, his life dramatically changed in the course of one day.  Several disasters occurred, one after the other, systematically taking away Job's wealth and his children.  As if that weren't enough, Job's health declined as painful open sores emerged on every square inch of his skin.  

I may not go through such a severe time of suffering, but there are times when things happen that seem cruel and uncalled for.  I lose my job, the engine in my car blows up, the marriage that seemed so strong unexpectedly crumbles, the tumor suddenly appears.  I'm left sitting in a pile of ashes that used to be my happy, contented life.  

Suffering is a part of my life as a follower of Christ. "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."  (1 Peter 2:21) But that is a hard row to hoe, as professor and author Cornelius Plantinga Jr. said, "We do not want suffering; we want success.  We identify not with those who are low and hurt but with those who are high and healthy.  We don't like lepers or losers very well; we prefer climbers and comers.  For Christians, the temptation to be conformed to this world is desperately sweet and strong.  Yet, says the apostle Paul, we are children of God if we suffer with Christ."

We will have hard times in this life, but the good news is that the pain and misery is not without purpose.  Job came out on the other end of his period of pain with a greater understanding of the sovereignty of God along with a stronger faith in the One who delivered him from the suffering.  It is said that, "After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before."  (Job 42:10)

I can be assured that the difficulties I encounter as I live for Jesus will bring about the ability to stick with the fight, to not give up when the going gets tough: My faith will be strengthened and my hope renewed to an even higher level than existed before my trial.  Just as I must challenge my muscles with increasingly higher weights and bigger challenges if I want them to grow, so my faith must be stressed with things that are beyond my own ability.  It is then that I rely on God and gain a bigger picture of His power and might.  It is then that He renews my hope.

Restoration takes place after I go through a time of suffering.

After a Time of Sin

"A certain rich man lived in a particular town.  He owned an impressive herd of sheep and cattle.  In this town lived another fellow who was quite poor and his only possession was a little lamb.  He treated this baby ewe like a pet, almost like the daughter he never had.  One day a traveler visited the rich man.  As he hated to waste one of his precious flock on a stranger, the well-to-do farmer took the peasant's little lamb and prepared it for his guest."

David's temper flared.  "What a cruel and evil man.  He deserves to die for his heartless act, plus he should pay four times what he owes for the little lost lamb."    How dare this man show such little regard for one less fortunate than he!

Nathan the prophet delivered the news to David.  "This cruel and evil man is you!"  

David, as much as he loved God, still succumbed to the pull of sin in his life.  Similarly, as a human, I am bound to fall into sin.  Even though Jesus took the punishment for my sin, releasing me from the bondage that sin holds on my life, there is still a struggle between my flesh and God's Spirit that is living within me.  I cannot let my guard down for one moment as I fight against doing what comes naturally.  

When David heard the ugly truth, instead of justifying his actions or denying the truth, he accepted it, saying, "I have sinned against the LORD." (2 Samuel 12:13a)  Any act done out of my own desires or plans that goes against God's ways is committed against God.  There is fallout; people are hurt, lives are ruined, relationships end.  The bottom line, however, is that I have sinned against the LORD.   

Even though there are consequences to my sinful actions, God has a way of restoring me to a right relationship with him when I turn away from the transgression and call it what it is: sin. As was done with David, "The LORD has taken away your sin.  You are not going to die." (v 13b) Certainly David deserved to die.  But the grace of God gives us what we don't deserve: Life.

Restoration is given after a time of sin. 

God has a way of taking that which is over-sized, beat up, damaged and useless and transforming it into something beautiful, intact and useful.  He does this by using a time of humbling and suffering, or even allowing a period of sin as a refining tool.  After that time, He will restore His followers to a condition better than before, making improvements in faith and character. 

When I go through a time of difficulty or struggle against sin, it is my desire that I will remember that restoration occurs. . . after a time.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will remember that God uses everything to bring me to the point He wants me.  

How do I fight God's humbling process?

When do I avoid suffering at all costs?