Work of God Displayed

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned,"

said Jesus,

"but this happened so that the works of God

might be displayed in him.

As long as it is day,

we must do the works of him who sent me.

Night is coming,

when no one can work.

While I am in the world,

I am the light of the world."

John 9:3-5

Why me?  he cried out.  It would have been better if I had never been born.  If I had died at birth, at least I'd now be at peace.  As it is, I am in misery.  Everything I ever loved has been taken away from me.  All that defined my life is gone.  The only one left is my wife and even she says I should curse God and die.  What did I ever do to deserve the hell my life has become? (Job 3)

Sometimes it's easy to forget God's Sovereignty and blame bad things on past sins and their consequences.  The truth is, however, that God often allows these times of trial into our lives in order to spotlight His power and glory.

Sickness

It seemed like she'd never feel normal again.  While her family attempted to live their lives with some sense of normalcy, she writhed in pain in her darkened room, crying out to God in her misery.  In the hours she spent in solitude, she wracked her brain for a purpose for the suffering.  Was it the sins of her father who used and abused her?  Could it be due to all the years of putting her own well-being on the back-burner while she tended to her large family?  Maybe it's because she never really knew God like she thought she did.

As this tormented woman searched for an answer within her own understanding, God was using the situation to bring the rest of her family to their knees.  One by one, each member began to submit to Him, giving their lives to the One who created them for a purpose.  Like a vine growing rapidly until it covers the ground, the love of God was invading this home.  Due to the suffering of the matriarch, the rest of the family sought out the strength of God to get them through.

I can't expect to understand why God chooses a certain event, circumstance or condition into my life.  What I can expect is that He has chosen it for a purpose and that He will bring good out of it. (Romans 8:28) 

It could be the time of suffering will be used to draw me closer to the God of compassion who can comfort me in a way I've never experienced.  Then, I'll have a tool with which to reassure others in similar situations.  (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Maybe I am forced into bed rest so I'll learn to accept help from others, bringing glory to God as they get to use their gifts to bring relief to my suffering.

Sometimes, the time of ill-health can be used to showcase the power of God as He not only heals my body, but mends broken relationships as well.

In times of sickness, I can't tell God how to get His glory.

Family Issues

She was worried about her sister.  From the time she could remember, her younger sibling was under the iron fist of their mother.  While her life was controlled to the minute detail, at least she was safe from harm.  

When the mildly developmentally disabled middle-aged woman finally met the love of her life, she quickly married and set up a home of her own.  The extended family was ecstatic, that is until they began to notice signs of abuse and alcoholism from her new husband.  She was better off at home with their mother, the siblings agreed.

While the above situation is heartbreaking, God is using it to spread the brilliance of His name.  Family members who had never considered the Lord as part of their lives are turning to Him for guidance.  The sister who is caught in the middle of the difficulty is trusting God in a whole new way.  And it is evident that God is putting people who have been where he is in the path of the husband.  

God is using this difficulty to move some to a higher level in their relationship with Him, and others to begin what they never before considered but will in the end save their eternal life.

In times of family difficulties, I can't tell God how to get His glory.

Accidents

They became fast friends; the victim and the Good Samaritan.  While they would never have normally befriended each other, that fateful day on the interstate sealed the deal:  The two women were meant to be connected.

God has a way of using circumstances to bring people together who would normally cross paths.  It could be they live on opposite ends of town, circulate through different social circles or come from completely different backgrounds.  Whatever the reason, the Lord knows how to put me in touch with those He designed to be a part of my life.

For this reason, when I find myself in a crisis, instead of fretting over the totaled car, I can focus on the people who are in my midst.  When an emergency suddenly presents itself, the knowledge that there could be more to the predicament in which I find myself than the difficulty itself can bring a bit of peace to my troubled heart.  Instead of assuming God is out to get me when I face yet another mishap, I can rest in the knowledge that He is at work bringing good into my life.

In times of calamity, I can't tell God how to get His glory.

It's all too easy to forget the sovereignty of God and instead blame the bad things that happen on my past sins or assume I'm only reaping the consequences of seeds I've sown.  Sometimes, however, God intentionally allows hard times into my life in order to bring glory to Himself.  He often uses sickness, family issues and accidents to showcase His power and might.  It is evident that I cannot tell God how to best display His awesome glory: only He knows what's best.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God when things go haywire.

When do I forget God is in control and assume I'm simply unlucky?

How am I failing to see how God is at work through the difficulties in my life?  

Sowing Seeds of Righteousness

"Then Jacob called for his sons and said:

'Gather around so I can tell you what will happen

to you in the days to come.

Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob;

listen to your father Israel.'"

   Genesis 49:1-2

There were twelve sons who gathered around their father's death bed.  It was a solemn, grievous time, unlike the memories they all shared of recent family gatherings after they had been joyously reunited in a foreign land.  This was the moment when each man would discover what the future was to bring according to the way he lived his life.  Each one was about to discover the type of fruit that had been produced throughout their days.  Some learned of coming trouble and strife, while others received news of great fortune.  Either way, they were about to reap what they had sown.

I am no different from these young men.  While I may not receive a similar prophecy, I can expect my past decisions to affect my future.  Even though I am saved from eternal damnation by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, I still reap what I sow.  The question I must ask myself, then, is this:  What kind of seeds am I sowing?

Guard Against Evil

There are all kinds of messages bombarding my consciousness that are in direct opposition to God's goodness.  Many of these beliefs, viewpoints and principles of life appeal to my sinful nature.  When I hear that I must pull myself up by my own bootstraps when I'm in a bad place, for instance, or that all citizens should have the right to get married and enjoy the benefits found with that union regardless of sexual orientation as another example, my flesh inclines to agree.  It is easy to get sucked into evil.

Evil can be defined as a force that is in opposition to God.  This compelling power is at work all around me, effectively attempting to turn me off-course.  As long as I travel through life along the narrow path that leads to life, I am a target of my Enemy.  He has been described as a roaring lion prowling around looking for someone to devour.  (1 Peter 5:8)

With such a determined foe as this, I must enter the battle, purposefully taking steps to protect myself against the flaming arrows that Satan launches my way.  God has given me armor and weapons with which I can both protect myself and use to fight this battle. (Ephesians 6:10-20)  Instead of being a vulnerable target, I can then become a mighty warrior in the fight against evil.

To do this, I must always be on alert, like a soldier pulling perimeter duty.  If I let my guard down, thinking I am safe from attack, Satan will use the opportunity to launch an assault.  Therefore, it is in my best interest to realize I have an enemy, arm myself against him, and prepare some attacks of my own.

I do this by clinging to the truth as I've been taught, recognizing the attacks when they come and resisting the urge to fall for the lies Satan feeds me.  Furthermore, I can continue to strengthen myself with God's Word and prayer, utilizing the offensive weapons God has given to me.  (Ephesians 6:17-18)

If I want to sow seeds that will result in blessing, I will need to purposefully guard against evil.

Stand Firm in Temptation

I stepped gingerly onto the slippery log.  As part of an obstacle course, competitors were expected to cross a small ravine on a slick, muddy tree posing as a bridge.  If I slipped, I would most certainly fall off, necessitating a climb up the hill and another try at crossing the gap.  I had better be careful the first time I tried this obstacle in order to avoid a lengthy delay.

Similarly, it is very easy for me to slip and fall into sin.  I am constantly tempted to give into my sinful urges whether it be to lose my temper at someone, slide into a cycle of worry, or turn to another resource to provide for my needs instead of trusting God.  Whichever way I am tempted to try to do things my way instead of God's, God will always provide a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

Looking for the mode of escape as I am presented with the option of sin takes practice.  As soon as I feel frustrated I can either let myself go and naturally give into anger or I can listen to the still, small Voice telling me His plan is better than mine.  He reminds me there is more than one way to do things and my way is not the only option.  If I listen to the Lord, my anger will subside as I acknowledge that God is in control.

When I start to analyze a problem, feeling the temptation to look at it from every angle in order to find a solution, God may bring a passage of scripture to my mind, reminding me to turn my troubles over to Him.  (Philippians 4:6-7)  Soon I experience the peace flooding my soul as I walk through the mode of escape God has provided.  

For the times when I am tempted to depend upon my own supply to provide for my needs, my Father may gently remind me that I am rich in Christ and that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and knows how to give good gifts to His children who ask for them. (Philippians 4:19, Psalm 50:10, Matthew 7:11)

If I want to sow seeds that result in blessing, I will need to stand firm against temptation, taking the way out God always provides.

Surrender to God

We have a dog who is stubborn as all get out.  Whether it be time for a bath, toothbrushing, flea-medicine application, or to go to bed, this willful canine resists our attempts to care for him.  Either he digs his claws in, trying to avoid the inevitable, or he growls in an effort to get out of what is necessary.  Whatever his tactic, this is one strong-willed dog.

I am not so different from my pet in many ways.  I spend a lot of time fighting what God is trying to do in my life.  Sometimes, He is attempting to teach me something through difficulties but I resist learning the lesson, choosing only to focus on the pain of the situation.  Other times, God is trying to grow my faith by taking me through the fire, but I stubbornly insist that He is out to get me burned.  Then there are the times when I struggle against the direction I know God is leading me, obstinately hanging onto the desire to control my own destiny.

In all the above examples, I am just like my dog, resisting the good care my Master is trying to give me.  If, instead of fighting God I gave into His efforts, letting Him have His way, think of how He would transform me!

The apostle Paul taught that my spiritual act of worship is to give myself as a living sacrifice to God. (Romans 12:1) This means in a moment-by-moment act of surrender, I let go of my desires and take on God's instead;  I release my craving to control the direction of my own life and let Him take the wheel;  I stop fighting what God is trying to do and simply let Him have free reign in my life.

If I want to sow seeds that will receive a blessing, I will need to give into God, letting Him work without any resistance from me.

Even though I am saved by grace, I will reap what I sow.  If I want to plant seeds of righteousness in my life, I can do so by guarding against evil, standing firm when temptation comes my way, and surrendering fully to God.  In these ways I will reap the blessings of God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can sow seeds of righteousness.

When do I expect good out of my life when all I put into it is negative?

How am I giving into the temptation to sin without even a fight?    

God Can't Fit into a Box

"But Joseph was upset when he saw that his father

placed his right hand on Ephraim's head.

So Joseph lifted it to move it from Ephraim's head

to Manasseh's head.

'No, my father,' he said.

'This one is the firstborn.

Put your right hand on his head.'

But his father refused.

'I know, my son; I know,'

he replied.

'Manasseh will also become a great people,

but his younger brother will become even greater.

And his descendants will become a multitude of nations."

Genesis 48:17-19 NLT

His mission?  To anoint the king who would replace Saul as king.  His tool?  A flask of oil.  His method? To let God show him which son of Jesse would sit on the throne.

Samuel obeyed God and traveled to the town of Bethlehem to find a man named Jesse.  When He arrived there, he told the elders of his intention to perform a sacrifice to the Lord and that they should gather all the men together for purification rites.  As Jesse and his sons arrived, he took one look at Eliab, the oldest, and thought to himself, Yep, this is the one!  He's the next king of Israel.

Knowing his thoughts, the LORD said, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him.  The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them.  People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT)  So Samuel considered each of Jesse's sons, but God eliminated them all from the running.

"Do you have any other sons?"  he asked the father of the chosen king of the nation of Israel.

"Yes, but he's just the baby.  He's out in the field tending to the flocks."

"Send for him at once."

And so Samuel, priest of Israel, anointed Israel's new king, a mere lad with sweat on his brow and sandals freshly adorned with dirt from the field.

God did not choose the one who seemed to fit the norm for a king.  Instead, he picked the young man whose heart was inclined toward Him.  Many times, God's ways defy cultural norms.  He transcends everything I have come to expect using my limited mental capacity.  Therefore, I should not limit God in any way.  Instead, I should expect the unexpected.

Time

It runs everything.  Appointments are set by it, meals are eaten according to it's alignment and it is used to configure the work day.  Without time, man would be lost.

In days of old, people would use the sun to help determine when to rise, eat, work and sleep.  Today, the clock has become our taskmaster.  Deadlines must be met, meetings attended and tasks finished according to schedule.  Our days are regulated by time.

To God, however, time does not exist.  His today is the same as yesterday and tomorrow.  He transcends time so it means nothing to Him.  (2 Peter 3:8-10, Psalm 102: 12, 24-27)  Therefore, even though I may stress out because I think I'm late, God is always right on time.

When I expect my life to follow a certain track, God pays no attention to my beliefs.  Instead, He slowly and steadily unfolds the plan for my life.  If I am to follow Him, then, it is important that I let go of what I consider to be normal, and allow the Lord to lead me through my days.  If my life looks different than everyone else's, that's okay.  

It is also important for me to not get caught up in thinking that everything God has placed on my heart must be accomplished now.  There is a right time for everything, and if I try to force His hand, I will be working outside His will.  Instead, I am wise to wait on Him to set the timetable.  (John 7:6)

God is not bound by time so I must not attempt to limit Him by the constraints of the calendar.

Traditions

"God helps those who help themselves."

"Cleanliness is next to godliness."

"God will not give me more than I can handle."

While personal responsibility, hygiene and competence may be important, the above commonly-held beliefs are not biblical.  Instead, I learn from reading God's Word that He helps those who put their hope in Him (Isaiah 40:31), godliness has more to do with a pure heart (Romans 12:1), and God consistently gives me more than I can bear because it is then that I must rely on His strength. (Psalm 46:1-3, 2 Corinthians 12:9)

I can't try to force God into a mold I have created for Him.  Instead, it is important that I keep an open mind as I read His Word, letting Him show me His identity.  Then, I will not be held back by the silly and strange beliefs man has developed to help explain the mysteries of God.  

When I am tempted to limit God to what I can understand with my mind, I am wise to let some things remain unknown and trust Him in His all-powerful sovereignty.  If it were possible for my puny mind to comprehend everything there is to know about God, He would be a small God indeed.

God is not bound by my comprehension of Him, so it is best I let the traditions of man go and simply let the Lord be the mysterious and magnificent God He is.

Laws of Nature

The farmer sets his daily schedule by the faithful rising of the sun.  Fishermen and beachcombers depend on the reliability of the tide charts.  Gardeners know the best season to prune and the most beneficial times to fertilize.  We all rely on nature to act a certain way and have become accustomed to her laws.

God, however, can act in a way that goes against these widely understood principles.  He can stop the flowing of a river in order to allow His people to enter into the promised land on dry ground. (Joshua 3:14-17)  He can feed the multitudes with a few loaves and fish.  (Mark 6:41-44)  He can also make the sun stand still for as long as He desires.  (Joshua 10:13)

It is important to remember that God is a supernatural God.  He can easily work around the laws which He set in place at the beginning of time.  Nothing restricts the work of His mighty hand.  Therefore, when the circumstances of my life seem impossible, I can expect great things from God instead of drowning in a sea of despair at the hopelessness of it all.  

There is not a thing that is outside of the realm of possibility when it comes to solving my current issues.  Instead of worrying and trying to find a solution, then, I would be wise to leave the problem in God's hands for Him to take care of. (Matthew 6:31-33)

God is not bound by the laws of nature, so I need not lose heart when I can't see the solution.

Since God transcends time, tradition and the laws of nature which he created, I can trust Him with every aspect of my life.  Instead of limiting God , then, and expecting only certain things from Him, I can let Him work as He does best: outside of the box which I have created for Him.  He simply will not fit!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can let God be God.

When do I make the Lord smaller than He is?

How do I limit His work in my life by my own lack of faith?  

  

Wise Dealings

"Pharaoh will summon you and say,

'What is your occupation?'

Tell him,

'Your servants have taken care of cattle from our youth until now, both we and our fathers,'

so that you may live in the land of Goshen,

for everyone who takes care of sheep

is disgusting to the Egyptians."

Genesis 46:33-34 NET

I didn't know what to expect as my husband and I walked into the courthouse for a bond hearing regarding my brother-in-law's murder case.  Thankfully, the assistant District Attorney met with members of the family before the proceedings, taking the time to carefully explain the details of the hearing, what was expected of us as well as what we could anticipate to happen once we entered the courtroom.  As we later filed in and took our seats on the hard pew-like benches, each of us were prepared for what was to come.

When faced with an unknown situation in unfamiliar surroundings, it is good to be briefed on the protocol, traditions and expectations of the host, especially when facing a powerful entity like a judge in a court of law, or a king in a foreign country.  Therefore, when someone gives guidance as to how best to approach the unfamiliar, I am wise to heed their advice.

Unknown

My daughter and I sat at the Bengali woman's kitchen table, listening intently as she explained her religious beliefs.  We enjoyed our time together when suddenly she rose and said, "I would like for you to join us for lunch.  Come!  Fix a plate!"  I looked at my daughter, hesitating to take her up on this offer, knowing that our time to depart was fast approaching.  Assuming that rejecting my host's gracious offer might offend, we enthusiastically rose to join in the meal.  

As we ate and visited, I made sure to finish all my food, not wanting to cause offense.  Frustratingly, my new friend kept offering more and more food.  I thought, I'm going to burst at the seams!  Finally, this genial woman said, "I'm sorry.  We must get going or my children will be late for their class."  My daughter and I immediately thanked our hostess profusely and went on our way.  We couldn't help but be a little confused.  If she was running late, why did she insist we eat with her?  And why did she keep forcing food on us?

Later, I shared this bewildering experience with a friend who had spent some time in Bangladesh as a missionary.  She explained that offering for us to join in the meal was the custom in her country and it was expected that I decline, knowing that she was limited on time.  It is also the practice of their culture to signal a host a desire for more food by cleaning your plate.  Leaving a little left means you are full and do not want a second helping.

I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed at this breach of protocol, but my daughter and I were completely clueless.  In a similar way, there are times when I may enter into the unknown where certain prejudices exist, or there are practices of which I know nothing about.  In these cases, I would be wise to seek counsel before conducting business, seeking friendship or spreading the gospel.   I may end up doing more damage than good if I go into it blind.

If God is to be glorified in everything I do, I would be wise to learn the unknown ways of the people I seek to serve.

Traditions

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I found the ways of the southern part of the U.S. to be strange and confusing.  People used different terms like, "soda" instead of "pop" to describe a sweet, carbonated beverage.  I often was told to "mash" the button instead of "pushing" it or invited to "supper" instead of "dinner."  While these were just examples of a local vernacular, I did have to be careful not to carry an attitude of superiority since I sometimes thought the language to be a little inferior to the "proper" way of speaking we used up north.  After all, I would think, what does it mean to "mash"?

Once I know the traditions and ways of a culture, whether it be across the seas or in a neighboring community, I will find success when I respect their norms.  This must have been the attitude the Apostle Paul addressed when sending correspondence to the believers in Rome.  He said, "For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him." (Romans 10:12 NET)

No matter how small my prejudices may be, others will most likely be able to detect my feelings.  Therefore, it is important that I deal with any prideful feelings I have regarding my heritage, background or education, nailing them onto the cross so God's merciful love can freely flow through me to all people, regardless of their ways.

If God is to be glorified in everything I do, I would be wise to humble myself at the foot of the cross where the ground is perfectly level.

Favor

When Jacob and his sons presented themselves before Pharaoh, they did as Joseph had instructed them to do.  After they said the prescribed words, the leader of Egypt appointed the clan to the best land and even offered a position tending the royal flocks to any of the men who desired such an occupation. (Genesis 47:1-6) God used their wise dealings with the king to grant the family royal favor.

In the same way, the Lord can use me to win over even the hardest heart simply in the way I show wisdom in my dealings with them.  If a relative expects all guests to view her extensive collection of tea cups when coming to visit, her heart would be more open to hearing about the love the Lord has for her if I willingly comply.

Other times I may be faced with an unreasonable expectation of a difficult neighbor who stubbornly insists walkers avoid the parking strip at her corner when crossing the street.  Instead of fighting her unrealistic logic, I could gain a better witness for Christ if I quietly observe her wishes.

There might even be a time when I am confronted with the dilemma of how to interact with a mean-spirited acquaintance.  Instead of dishing out the same sour attitude she serves up, I can let God's unconditional love cover over her shortcomings.  (1 Peter 4:8)

If God is to be glorified in everything I do, I would be wise to let God use me to love others by winning their favor by respecting their ways.

It is not easy to enter into an unknown situation.  When doing so, I need all the assistance I can get.  Therefore, I am wise to heed the advice of anyone who can help me negotiate the ways of the people I serve, to understand and respect their traditions and to win their favor in my consideration of their culture, beliefs or expectations.  In these ways I will glorify God in my wise dealings.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be sensitive to the Lord's leading when dealing with others.

How do I unknowingly bring disgrace upon the name of the Lord when I disregard another's cultural traditions?

When do I think of my culture as superior to another's?

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?

Kingdom Prosperity

"The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered,

and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.

When his master saw that the LORD was with him

and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did,

Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.

Potiphar put him in charge of his household,

and he entrusted to his care everything he owned."

Genesis 39:2-4

He wanted the good life; a fulfilling career complete with perks, a nice home with all the modern luxuries he'd grown to expect, a car that was more than a mode of transportation but a symbol of status, financial security, and a beautiful wife and 2 good-looking children.  This man went after these goals until he was living the epitome of the prosperous life.  Everything went according to plan and he reached the pinnacle quicker than anticipated.  Why, then, did he feel so empty inside?

As humans, we often base our lives on the pursuit of worldly prosperity.  Once we attain the goal, however, we realize that what we're striving for is never enough.  There is always a longing that cannot be satisfied with anything that can be touched, tasted or seen with the naked eye: Only our Maker can fill that void inside.

While my flesh may desire the kind of success reached by the above-mentioned man, God has a better way for his children.  In His kingdom, prosperity looks different than it does in the world.  As His beloved daughter, I would be wise to desire His brand of wealth.

Flourish

Water leaked through the cracks in the wall, forming a perpetual stream of sliminess through the center of his space.  His bed was the hard stone floor that also served as his desk, dining table and recreation area.  The never-ending stream of insects became his friends and the tiny birds that came to feast on them his confidantes.  Still, Joseph's life was flourishing. (Genesis 39:20-23)

Despite his dismal surrounding as he languished in the king's prison, Joseph's heart bloomed.  He knew the God of his father Jacob, and the belief that the Lord was with him made all the difference in his present circumstances.  Even though he did nothing to deserve this brutal treatment, knowing that God has a purpose for everything He allows into His children's lives gave him peace.

I can take a lesson from Joseph.  Many times I let my present situation define my mood or outlook.  I think if things don't look good through my eyes, then there is nothing for which to be thankful.  In reality, the good things are there, I just have to look for them.

When my car breaks down, I may think I'm undergoing cruel and unusual punishment but if I'd never gone to the shop, I'd have never met a sister in Christ who encouraged me as I paid the bill.  When I can't bear the thought of how much I miss my dearly departed brother, I soon experience the comfort of the Father of compassion in a way I'd never before felt. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)  Even though I don't understand why my loved one has to lose his mind, I begin to more clearly understand the love of my heavenly Father as I witness His care.

While it would be easy to grow bitter at all the suffering in this world, focusing my eyes on Jesus gives me a whole new perspective.  As I trust Him to lead me through the gauntlet of troubles found in the world, I will experience nothing but peace.

Seeking first God's kingdom as I live this life means my heart will flourish.

Success

Even though Joseph was a slave, Potiphar made him supervisor over all the affairs of the household.  Instead of treating him as property, his master put Joseph in charge and every effort he made ended in success.  In addition, due to his presence in this Egyptian home, God blessed everything that belonged to Potiphar. (Genesis 39:5-6)

Wherever I go and whatever I do as one who has committed my life to the Lord, I will find a similar principle.  As I stay connected to Jesus in my day-to-day life, any effort put forth in God's kingdom will bear fruit.  (John 15:4)  Living in relationship with my Lord and Savior and letting Him have His way in my life will result in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that is foreign to my own flesh. (Galatians 5:22-23)

This kind of success will then draw others to me as the blessings of God will overflow from my life to those around me. (Psalm 23:5)  Instead of going after the worldly success that consists of climbing the corporate ladder, living out the American dream, or gaining all the trappings of the rich and famous, I would much rather experience God's kind of success.  In the end, it is all that will last.

Seeking first God's kingdom as I live this life means I will experience success as God has defined it.

Favor

He possessed no experience leading men.  When he first fell into slavery, he was only a boy of seventeen who had lived a charmed life under the loving care of his doting father.  All his needs were provided for him and his responsibilities were few.  Still, when he found himself in prison for a crime he didn't commit, the jailer inexplicably placed him in charge of all the prisoners. (Genesis 39:21-22)

Joseph could have refused this responsibility, citing inexperience as a valid justification.  Instead, though, he trusted God that this new-found job came from Him and moved forward in faith, believing that the Lord would equip him to handle the task at hand.

In the same way, I will be offered jobs I may feel completely unqualified to fulfill.  Instead of relying on my own abilities or lack thereof, I can do as Joseph did and trust God to supply my every need.  (Philippians 4:19) Instead of fearing my own weaknesses and frailties, I can walk forward in confidence, knowing that the favor of God is upon me because of His great love for me.

Seeking first God's kingdom as I live this life means I will recognize opportunities of greater responsibility as the favor of God.

Prosperity means something totally different in the world than it does in God's kingdom.  In His realm, I can flourish despite my dismal surroundings, find success simply by staying connected to Christ, and receive job offerings that have nothing to do with my qualifications but everything to do with the favor of God.  In these ways, I am experiencing  prosperity, kingdom style!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to supply all my needs when I am faced with a task outside of my comfort zone.

When do I hang back in fear instead of walking forward with confidence in my Father?

How am I missing out on God's blessings because I am afraid to submit to Him?

The Danger in Standing Silent

"'Don't shed any blood.

Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness,

but don't lay a hand on him.'

Reuben said this to rescue him from them

and take him back to his father.

So when Joseph came to his brothers,

they stripped him of his robe--

the ornate robe he was wearing--

and they took him and threw him into the cistern.

Genesis 37:22-24a

She noticed something was off but couldn't put her finger on it.  Looking at the clock, she groaned as the time seemed to mock her, "Three o'clock" the timepiece glowed.  Only two hours and she'd have to get up. Better go back to sleep, she thought to herself.  Still, there was something wrong, she could feel it.

Reluctantly, this woman rose up out of bed and peered out the window.  What she saw brought her fully awake: an unfamiliar pick-up truck was backed up to her neighbor's house while men seemed to be helping themselves to the vacationing family's possessions.  Quickly she called 9-1-1 and soon the authorities were on the scene, making an arrest.

The example set by this citizen was used at our community's crime watch meeting to remind residents the importance of keeping an eye out for our neighbors.  One phone call can save a life, help catch a criminal and make a difference.  In the same way, when I sense God's Spirit prodding me to do something to help another, but fail to take action, there will be consequences.  

Others suffer when I fail to speak up on behalf of the weak, take steps to protect a victim, or put my faith into action by sticking my neck out to help one who is at the end of her rope. There is a danger to standing silent.

Backfire

Abram was a man who trusted God enough to pack up all his belongings and move away from his extended family in order to obey the call of the Lord.  He did more than just give lip service to his faith; he put it into action.  When it came to his wife, however, his faith wavered.  What if a man of influence is taken by her beauty and kills me in order to have her as his own? he worried.  So, instead of trusting God to protect them, Abram came up with his own plan.  He called his own beloved his sister in order to spare his own life.  (Genesis 12:10-13)

While this may have made sense to him at the time, the scheme ended up backfiring.  The Egyptians were indeed overwhelmed with the beauty of Sarai, but the Pharaoh himself claimed her as his own.  While she lived in his palace, though, the entire household suffered as God brought down terrible plagues upon their heads. As a result, Abram brought out the anger of the leader of the most powerful nation in the region:  Not exactly a great plan! (Genesis 12:17-20)

While things turned out alright in the end for Abram and Sarai, there must have been some sleepless nights while his soul-mate slept under the roof of another man and he wondered if he'd ever see his wife again.  Instead of trying to take the easy way out, then, I can learn from Abram's life that God's way is always best.  Only He can see the outcome and knows what is truly needed.

Therefore, I can follow His lead, taking a stand when He convicts me to do so.  Instead of waiting to take action when I know in my heart of hearts that a neighbor is abusing his child, I can make the call that could save her young life.  While I may tell myself it's none of my business, the wife who confides in me about her husband's cruel and heavy-handed ways is making it my affair.  It may be easy to look the other way when a gang of thugs descends upon a homeless man, but the God whose Spirit fills my being will not let me rest until I take a stand.

If I fail to act in each of these instances, I am sowing seeds of indifference.  And I should never be fooled into thinking that I will reap abundance when I've been so stingy. (Galatians 6:7-9)

When I know something is wrong yet don't speak up, my own lack of action will come back around to haunt me.

Tragedy

It seemed he had not followed through on a command to circumcise his sons.  Instead, he went forward in obedience to God's call to travel to Egypt and confront the Pharaoh, but he failed to do as he was told in the area of circumcision.  As a result, Moses nearly lost his life at the hand of God before he even started his mission. (Exodus 4:24-26)

While it is easy to ignore the commands I don't understand or am reluctant to carry out, my inaction or procrastination could have costly consequences.  Failing to dispose of a violent video game, for example, may result in the corruption of a child's heart that could taint the whole course of his life.  

As difficult as it is to take a stand as a leader against foul language and harassment in the workplace, my inaction could precipitate an employee taking matters into her own hands in a fit of frustration.  

Similarly, there are times when I don't want to rock the boat, but speaking up in defense of the defenseless could end up saving a precious life.

When I know something is wrong yet don't speak up, my own lack of action could end in tragedy.

Spread Wide

He stood by, wringing his hands and pleading with his sons to do the right thing.  "Stop stealing form the Lord's sacrifices!  I have heard how you take the best for yourselves.  I also demand that you cease your shameful seduction of the young women of God who come here to serve Him.  Stop, for your own sake if not for mine!" (Paraphrased from 1 Samuel 2)  Instead of heeding the warnings from their father, however, the wayward sons kept at their corrupt activities.

While Eli did warn his boys, he did not take any action to make sure they didn't defile the Lord's temple in such appalling ways.  In this way, he was holding his own relationship with his offspring as more important than his connection to the Lord, making his children more valuable than God himself.  Therefore, not only did God remove Eli's family from the priestly line, but He also promised that every member of his family would live a short life of great suffering.  Even more, each one would watch in envy as all of Israel prospered without them.  (1 Samuel 2:30-34)

Eli's inaction had widespread consequences.  In the same way, I must be careful to think that I'll only hurt myself if I stand by in silence.  Failing to act when I know there is a right thing to do always affects more than just me.  Instead, I would be wise to do what needs to be done for the sake of those around me.

When I know something is wrong yet I don't speak up, my own lack of action could have widespread consequences.

There is no doubt that standing up and doing the right thing takes conviction and courage.  Standing by silently, while seemingly easier, carries with it a great cost.  Sometimes my own plan backfires, tragedy occurs, or the affect of my inaction is widespread.  Whatever the cost, however, of one thing I can be sure:  there is danger in doing nothing.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can draw courage from a God who is willing to give me all the power I need to protect those who can't protect themselves.

When do I fail to act because I think it won't matter?

Are there times in my life when I've caused suffering because of my inaction?