February 04, 2020
We want an understandable God. A God who is like us. Who moves on our timetable, does what we want, and is at our beck and call as needed.
But God is God. He is the One-Who-Sees-All and therefore He is looking at our lives from a completely different perspective. He knows what we need and He knows how He could use our lives for a more transcendent purpose than having a life of mere comfort and luxury. A life of no difficulty.
Enter Joseph. Joseph was taken through a very, very hard life. In the end, God raised him to be the source of salvation for the very family members who had mistreated him. When their father died, they were fearful that Joseph would now take revenge. Joseph’s response illustrated that he was willing to let God be God.
But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. (Genesis 50:19-20)
If Joseph had resisted God’s sovereign work in his life, he would have died a bitter man. He would have taken revenge against his brothers at his earliest opportunity. He would have been like any other self-absorbed human. And, his life would not have saved millions and taught all of us what a man who follows God fully looks like.
But, he let God be God, orchestrating the events of his life and resting in a faith in God's rightness and inherent goodness. And so should we.
Father, thank You for Your perfect perspective and overwhelming care. Thank You for not giving me what I want, but what I really need, which includes sufferings and hardships for greater purposes. Give me fresh grace to embrace Your sovereignty over my life, family, and future. You know what will bless me, bless others, and glorify Your name. Help me to relax in this and never try to take your place.
March 27, 2025
When our faith is sufficient to lead us to actually follow God’s plan, we will always see that it is “good, acceptable, and perfect.” These words, as always, are important.
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
