Tonight's Word π±
"Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths."- Psalm 25:4 π±
Have you ever challenged yourself to look at a bad experience and undoubtedly think of it as working for your eventual good? There is a story I read, which was of a Chinese farmer who experienced a seemingly distressing series of events, from a horse running away, to his son suffering a broken leg after trying to tame the several wild horses the runaway horse brought back with it when it returned, to the son not being drafted in to the army on a deadly mission due to his broken leg. Those around him were quick to judge each event as good or bad, however, the farmer responded each time as "maybe". Each of these events had a surprisingly positive end result. The farmer wise in his years, realized that things in life have a way of working that may not appear so initially.
The Bible strongly echoes these sentiments. Romans 8:28 says that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.". Can we truly trust God to the point that even in our suffering we can give thanks?
This is the level that God wants us to reach. It may take each of us a while to reach to this point, but I think we can all agree that it does require a desirable level of trust and faith. Trust and faith in the sincere love, good intent of our heavenly Father, and in His ability to work through all that is bad to bring out something good, even excellent.
Around this time last year, a friend shared a song with me. I am sure glad she did because it was my first time hearing it. It spoke of God's master plan behind the scenes, and while we may fret at what we may be going through at any point in time, if we knew the end from the beginning, we would much more easily sense God's all-knowing smile through it all. Fast forward to the present, and this same song was shared recently once again with me by another good friend. I believe the timing of this reminder is not coincidental, and it can very well be that someone needs to hear this as much as I did.
I encourage you to meditate on the words of this hymn, and may we once again be reminded that God's ways are not our ways, that He has our best interests at heart, and that placing our trust in Him is the best thing we can do through all that we go through. Be encouraged, be blessed ππΌπ§π€
God works in Mysterious Ways [Hymns of Grace]
God of mercy, God of grace, give us eyes to see...your smiling face within the mystery. Thank you Dora :)
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