When The Planets Align

"And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.  And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.  And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day." - Genesis 1:14-19

I installed a motion light last night near our RV since we are basically in the middle of nowhere, that being the back acreage of New Hope Presbyterian church, in the middle of somewhere - that being Fort Myers. When church activity ceases, we are the only ones on the property. Well, there ARE a number of lizards running amuck and two relatively small alligators in the pond behind us, a rabbit hopped past me last night and there are some Peacocks calling out "help us" (in bird speak), well that is what we imagine anyway.  As I was testing the light, I happened to look up and saw two planets aligned vertically in the clear night sky. It was one of those stilling moments, when you are suddenly aware of how small you really are and how big God really is. Those planets are Jupiter and Venus by the way.

I was reminded that just as God has set those celestial bodies in motion - He has also set an alignment of events in our lives. We are living in that alignment even as I type these words. It is remarkable.

"And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers" - Romans 8:27-29

And you and I are the Called if we have been born again by faith in Jesus. Just like the planets, God has set certain things in motion. Things that involve you and me. Perhaps not the same things - but then again, perhaps we share the same call from time to time. I met a brother the other day, Andy, who serves with a ministry called Echo - Hope Against Hunger - "Echo has impacted millions of lives by teaching small-scale, sustainable farming methods so families can provide for themselves and their communities [around the world]. By tackling hunger at the source, Echo is growing hope from the ground up." (their website)  As we talked I told him that I sensed we were kindred spirits. I have met a number of men over the years - not many men but a few - where the Spirit of God connected us in that first meeting. Our lives were aligned in that moment for God's purpose. A purpose which has not yet been revealed. Does that sound mysterious? It should! That is what faith-life is all about.  What lies ahead at the next step is a mystery - revealed only after we have taken that step of faith. Is it a dangerous life - oh yes - full of uncertainties. Is it a rewarding life? Absolutely! As I have said many times before, there is nothing better than being in the center of God's will for your life - geography or circumstances have nothing to do with it.

Live your new life with expectation - expecting that God has a plan for you. But, you won't experience it if you are not willing to trust Him. And know that His plans for you are not independent of Himself. He is the source of your strength and understanding. 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone