Responding to Life

My Utmost For His Highest

 

‘We have the idea that we ought to shield ourselves from some of the things God brings around us. May it never be! It is God who engineers our circumstances, and whatever they may be we must see that we face them while continually abiding with Him in His temptations. They are His temptations, not temptations to us, but temptations to the life of the Son of God in us. Jesus Christ’s honor is at stake in our bodily lives. Are we remaining faithful to the Son of God in everything that attacks His life in us?

Are you going on with Jesus? The way goes through Gethsemane, through the city gate, and on “outside the camp” (Hebrews 13:13). The way is lonely and goes on until there is no longer even a trace of a footprint to follow— but only the voice saying, “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19)’ CHAMBERS

 

Where is God? .. Why did God let that happen? .. What have I done wrong?  Those questions sound like they could have come from the book of Job or maybe out of my mouth.  Life is uncertain … when you focus your attention on your circumstances … but it is certain when you focus your attention on God.  Just when you thought you had everything in its place .. everything planned out … life happens and you find yourself scrambling to adjust .. frustrated by the uncertainty .. anxious about the outcome … Well maybe not ‘you’ but certainly other people you know.

 

God never stops being God and He never goes anywhere.  He is always sovereign .. always present …. even when we don’t feel like He is.  And what happens when we lose confidence in that?  When Jesus challenged Peter in John 21 … asking Peter if he loved Jesus … Jesus was setting Peter’s mind right … “Peter do you love me?  Then follow me.”  Peter had failed – big time – but Jesus knew Peter’s heart and his purpose.  Just like He knows yours.  Peter went on to lead the church in Jerusalem.  You may think but I am not Peter … Jesus chose him … remember, He chose you too …

 

(1 Thess 1:3-5) ‘We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.’

 

(1 Peter 2:9) ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’

 

Some people imagine the Christian life is supposed to be perfect .. but it is not … it is fraught with trouble and challenges and disappointments … but Jesus said ‘Be of good cheer because I have overcome the world’’ (John 16:33)

 

Remember Christian … God is faithful ..and able .. and willing … meditate on that today … remember it … walk in it .. no matter what comes your way … and let your light shine brightly.

 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)