Tuesday, December 16, 2008

HIS EYE WAS ON THIS SPARROW

God is a good God, God watched over His children, God is a loving God. These words I have told myself over and over again, I have told this to friends and my husband when they needed to be reminded but never have these words come alive to me as they have recently. These are words that I truly know to be true and believe with all my heart but there is something different when you walked a long and difficult journey and scratched and clawed to get to the top of a mountain and stood at the top and looked back and seen every step of that journey and know that you did not walk it alone. It's different when the words on that Bible completely and utterly come to life in front of you.

My life is changing and I just can't believe it. He is bringing things to pass that I never thought He would and you know what I learned? I can rest assured that we do not have a God that we can order around and ask things to come to pass and feel entitled for our prayers to be answered immediately. That He knows what is best because sometimes I think what is in front of me is the best thing for me but, wait, He's got something better down the road next month or next year. I am grateful that I have a God and a Best Friend who says "No" and "Yes" at precisely the right time. He is a good God, He does watch over His children and He is a God who loves. Thank you Jesus for all you have done.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Building of Character

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " James 1:2-4

My family has been going through a difficult time as of late dealing with a situation that I would really rather not be going through. But, I have learned in my walk with God that these trials are necessary to prepare me and equip me and develop a stronger walk with Him. So, just as I say no to my child when he is hungry because I am fighting for the greater good of a dinner well eaten, so I believe that God says no to me because He has my much greater good in mind. That can be a tough pill to swallow, but I long for more maturity and completion in my life. So, this is my lot. And I am going to sit through this storm and rejoice in the midst of it because this is a special time of year. This is when my Saviour was born with me in mind. What an opportunity to rejoice and celebrate in the midst of fear and anger. Thank you, Jesus, for never leaving me or forsaking me.