May 24, 2016

God Stands Faithful

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. -- James 1:12

I hate surprises. I do. Almost every surprise I have ever had in my life has been bad news. Today was no exception.

We think we have our lives planned out and then someone else makes a decision and everything gets shifted around. It’s that simple and that complicated.

Sometimes it seems that the harder I try to plan, the harder Satan works to knock those plans down. I am reminded that there really is a war going on and Satan is trying to derail every Christian from doing God’s work and proclaiming His glory.

Last year I participated in a Priscilla Shirer Bible study. She noted that when she agreed to film War Room she was warned to expect an attack from Satan. And she got it. Full force. She obviously persevered and the movie is wonderful.

That’s just how life is. When Satan sees you doing something good, he will do all he can to change your direction. It’s just so important to pray in those times. It’s so important to ask God for guidance and protection. Remember that nothing can touch you without God’s allowing it.

That doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen. They will. It just means that our strength and courage will come form God. We have but to ask. We are His children. He loves us. He will fight for us if we will but stand still.

I didn’t even know what to pray today. I didn’t know what to say, what to ask for or what is the best path. God knows. The Holy Spirit also knows what to ask. The Bible tells us that the Spirit will intercede for us. I am thankful for that.

I have no idea what will happen in the days and weeks to come. I do know that God is in control and that He will work this out for my good and His glory. He promised and God always keeps His promises.

On days like this, when yet another surprise has sent me down another road I didn’t plan to travel, I am so thankful that He is someone I can depend on.

January 14, 2016

God Directs Our Steps

 

In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.

-- Proverbs 16:9

Before my feet hit the floor this morning, I had my day planned. I knew what needed to be done and when. It was going to be a jam-packed day but there’s nothing new about that.

And there’s nothing new about having my plans completely shoved aside. Things happen. People get sick. Someone else makes a decision and everything in my life gets shifted around.

I wonder why I bother making plans at all. It’s like I can’t seem to help myself. Deep inside, I want things to be orderly. I don’t like surprises. That’s an understatement. I hate surprises. Most surprises in my life have been bad. So I make plans that usually don’t work out.

God is a God of surprises. Good surprises. He is a God that blesses my messy life with His Presence. And He is the God who lights my path when the way seems so dark.

His plan prevails. Always and thankfully. I never could have imagined this season of life. But He knew. He’s got this. So when my plans fall apart, I can laugh and go with it, knowing everything will work out for His glory in His time.

January 3, 2014

Step Out In Faith

 

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. -- Hebrews 11:8

I don't like surprises. I don't. Sure, gifts can be wonderful but beyond that I've had maybe three nice surprises my entire life. Most of the surprises in my life have not been good.

I like a plan. I like to know not only where I'm going, but how I'm going to get there. Step by step. But that's not how God works. He's more like: I know the way, just follow close and I'll make sure you don't take a wrong step. I'm the one following behind, whining "But where are we going? I'd just like to know how it's all going to end up."

But that's not faith. Not really. It's not the walk on water kind of faith God wants from me. It's not the just take one step forward and then I'll show you the next step kind of faith. It's not trusting God to handle the details. It's not giving Him complete control over my life.

What?! Yeah. That's the point. Because when I'm determined to know the plan ahead of time, it probably means I'd like the opportunity to just say no. I want to follow God but I want to be in control. But that's not God's plan. God doesn't just want me to follow Him where I want to go. He wants me to follow Him even if it's somewhere I'd rather not go. Maybe especially if it's somewhere scary. Somewhere uncomfortable. Somewhere that will change me and maybe those around me. Somewhere in God's will.

I look at the patriarchs of the Bible and I want to have faith like theirs. I want to follow God, no matter the cost. That scares me because I don't know what that might be. Just writing those words, I wonder if I've set myself up for something I'm not ready for. Deep breath. He's already there. The God of the universe would never let me go anywhere without Him. He would never tell me to jump off a cliff without planning for a parachute. He's just too good to do otherwise.

I guess it really comes down to believing God and trusting in who He is. It's knowing deep inside that God wants what is best for me and that He will never leave me or forsake me. Faith is knowing that it's okay to step into the unknown because He's got this. Every step of the way. He's got this.