“Within the Fire”

Scripture:

 

Ezekiel 1:5-10
Within the fire were what looked like four creatures vibrant with life. Each had the form of a human being, (6) but each also had four faces and four wings. (7) Their legs were as sturdy and straight as columns, but their feet were hoofed like those of a calf and sparkled from the fire like burnished bronze. (8) On all four sides under their wings they had human hands. All four had both faces and wings, (9) with the wings touching one another. They turned neither one way nor the other; they went straight forward. (10) Their faces looked like this: In front a human face, on the right side the face of a lion, on the left the face of an ox, and in back the face of an eagle.

 

Observation:

 

Each of the four living beings had four faces, symbolizing God's perfect nature. Some believe that the lion represented strength; the ox, diligent service; the human, intelligence; and the eagle, divinity. Others see these as the most majestic of God's creatures and say that they therefore represented God's whole creation. The early church fathers saw a connection between these beings and the four Gospels: the lion with Matthew, presenting Christ as the Lion of Judah; the ox with Mark, portraying Christ as the Servant; the human with Luke, portraying Christ as the perfect human; the eagle with John, portraying Christ as the Son of God, exalted and divine. The vision of John in Revelation 4 parallels Ezekiel's vision.

 

So here we have special creatures, supernatural and unusual, coming out of a cloud lined with fire. Ezekiel hasn't told us everything about his vision, but two things are evident. (1) Something that is supernatural and that involves God on the move is about to happen. (2) It is happening in Mesopotamia, to exiles who thought themselves hopelessly removed from God's presence and out of the picture religiously, as well as economically and politically.

 

Application:

The phrase that really spoke to me this morning is, "Within the fire were what looked like four creatures vibrant with life..." I am so thankful that Jesus doesn't bail out on me when I am going through the fire. Over and over again I read in the Scriptures that God spoke in the storm, walked with His children through the fire, stayed with them through the lions den, led them across the Red Sea, knocked down walls, walked with them in the valley to face giants, stood with them as they were martyred, and I could go on and on. I am so thankful that in today's text God was seen "within the fire..." I am not alone when I face difficult times. Even if I feel alone. I walk by FAITH and not FEELINGS. God never promised that we wouldn't have difficult times. In fact, quite the contrary. Jesus said in John 16:33 (msg) "I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."

 

The Word says in Isaiah 43:2-3 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. (3) For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."

 

One of my favorite songs is "Through the fire" by the Crabb Family. The words are powerful:

So many times I've questioned certain circumstances
Or things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
And my frustrations get so out of hand
It's then I am reminded I've never been forsaken
I've never had to stand the test alone
As I look at all the victories, the Spirit rises up in me
It's through the fire my weakness is made strong

And He never promised the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered victory without fighting but He said help would always come in time
Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again

I know within myself that I would surely perish
But if I trust the hand of God, He'll shield the flames again

Thank the Lord that He is "within the fire!"

 

Prayer:

 

"Lord, when I read Ezekial 1:5 and saw the words "within the fire" I wanted to shout hallelujah as I was once again reminded how many times you have walked with me through the fire. You promised me that I would make it through the fire, and that you would be with me. You have never broken Your Word to me, and you never will because Hebrews 6:18 says 'God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go.' Thank you for that truth Lord. I will make it through this fire because you are WITH ME! In Jesus name, amen!"

“Do ALL THINGS without grumbling, faultfinding and complaining!”

Scripture:

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves], (15) That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world,

Observation:

We don't realize that when we complain, we are saying that God isn't caring for us like He should. We rob Him of the praise and Thanksgiving that He so deserves.

• We complain about the price of groceries instead of offering Him thanks that we can afford to buy food.
  
• We complain about our spiritual struggles instead of offering Him thanks that Jesus died on the cross for my salvation.
  

  
   

• We complain about the price of gasoline instead of offering Him thanks that we have a vehicle.
  

  
   

• We complain about how messy our families are instead of offering Him thanks that we have a family.
  

  
   

• We complain about how much our kids fight instead of offering Him thanks for our children.
  

  
   

• We complain about our country instead of offering Him thanks that we live in the greatest nation in the world.
  

  
   

• We complain about our spouse instead of offering Him thanks that we are married.
  

  
   

• We complain that we don't feel very well instead of offering Him thanks that we are alive.
  

  
   

• We complain that we don't make enough money instead of offering Him thanks that we have more wealth that a large percentage of the world
  

  
   

• We complain about the traffic jam on the interstate instead of offering Him thanks that we are not causing the jam due to car problems or an accident.
  

  
   

• We complain about the music of our church instead of offering Him thanks that we have the right and freedom to worship God in our church
  

  
   

• We complain about the problems that have to be fixed in our house instead of offering Him thanks for our house.
  

  
   

• We complain about how busy we are today instead of offering Him thanks for this day
  

Observation:

I could go on and on. I (we) can very easily become a complainer. That is why my theme verse is Psalm 118:24, "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." I have to remind myself often that I choose to be full of thanksgiving and not complaining… TODAY. I have to take one day at a time. I often teach on how we need to enjoy each season of our lives. Well, I actually believe that we need to enjoy each minute of each day, or each season of our lives. How do we do that? Develop an attitude of gratitude.

Listen to what Paul says in Philippians 4:11-12:

Philippians 4:11-12 Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. (12) I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty.

He says, "I have learned to be content in every circumstance." Being content is something you have to learn. You learn it through your daily choices. You will never be content as long as you make the choice of complaining! However, when you strive to give thanks daily, you will slowly but surely become content, regardless what comes along in your life.

I love the CONTENTS of my life (Salvation, family, home, vehicles, etc), but I will never be CONTENT in my life until I daily choose to give God thanks before I bring my needs or complaints before Him. It is the absolute least that I can do for a God who has blessed me abundantly.

So my prayer today is: "Lord, help me to enjoy the CONTENTS of my life by learning to be CONTENT in my life. I become content by becoming a daily, habitual thanks giver!"

Prayer:

"Lord, thank you for Your faithfulness in my life. You have blessed me abundantly. Forgive me for the times that I have taken those blessings for granted. It is human nature to complain, gripe and bellyache. But you have called me to "die" to that human nature. I choose to replace complaining with gratitude today. I am learning to be content whatever my circumstances. I will do better today with thanksgiving. I do that by declaring by faith "this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." In Jesus name, amen!"

 

 

 

“Who did hinder you?”

Scripture:

Galatians 5:7-8 (ESV) You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? (8) This persuasion is not from him who calls you.

Galatians 5:7-8 (MSG) You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? (8) This detour doesn't come from the One who called you into the race in the first place.

Observation:

Who did hinder you – literally means, "Drive you back." The Greek word used here (anakoptō) means to beat or drive back. Hence, it means to hinder, check, or slow down. Dr. Doddridge remarks that this is "an Olympic expression, and properly signifies "coming across the course" while a person is running in it, in such a manner as to jostle, and throw him out of the way." Paul asks, with emphasis, who it could have been that slowed them down in their Christian course, implying that it could have been done only by their own consent, or that there was really no cause why they should not have continued as they began.

I believe the answer is found in the next verse when Paul states, "This persuasion is not from the One who calls you."

Application:

I am so thankful for the persuasion and influence of the Holy Spirit in my life, but there is another persuasion that is at work to hinder me (and you) in my progression of becoming more like Christ. This persuasion is from satan himself. He will do anything and everything that he can to persuade you that there are more important things in your life than following and trusting Jesus.

This persuasion has been at work in this world from the beginning of time. Let me share just a few examples:

Adam and Eve had it made, but allowed this persuasion to convince them that they couldn't trust the goodness and fairness of God, and that God's Word wasn't valid.

Then there is Esau who traded the blessing of his birthright for a moment of satisfaction. He was hungry, and was persuaded that the pleasure of the moment was more important than the blessings of the future.

How about Demas (2 Timothy 4) who was persuaded that this present world was more important than his eternal one.

Then there is Samson who was persuaded to compromise God's Word and paid a horrible price for it, before being restored.

How about Simon Peter who was persuaded that he should fear man instead of standing up for Jesus.

And King David who was persuaded to have an affair with Bathsheba.

Lot's wife lingered back from Sodom and Gomorrah as it was being destroyed and died a brutal death. The "call from Sodom" was so great that she felt that she had to look back.

I could go on and on with examples. Paul warns us that we can be hindered, or "driven back" by this persuasion so we must be careful. Every one of us has to battle that "call from Sodom" in our lives. It is where the enemy tries to persuade us away from being zealous in our walk with Christ. If we aren't careful we can be persuaded that going to church isn't important, that reading God's Word doesn't really matter, and that prayer isn't effective. I need to ask myself, everyday in every situation..."Who is persuading me?"

There are some reading this blog today that "were running so well" in your walk with Jesus, but this persuasion has driven you back. It is time for you to get up and get back after it. God has given you everything that you need to fight and defeat this persuasion from hell. You have God's Word, you have His Spirit, and you have His people. You are more than capable through Christ, and "more than a conqueror."

Instead of allowing this persuasion to influence you, you can become persuaded in God's goodness and love:

Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, (39) Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer:

"Lord, forgive me for the times that I have allowed "this persuasion" to influence me. I choose today to become persuaded like never before of Your goodness and love! I love you Lord and will not allow anyone or thing to hinder my walk with you. In Jesus name, amen!"

“God used those same plans for good”

Scripture:

Genesis 50:20 (msg) Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now--life for many people.

Observation:

The life of Joseph was anything but peaceful. It was filled with youthful folly, broken dreams, and the mean-spirited actions of others. Yet he remained a man remarkable for his lack of bitterness or regret, always seeing God as the "Great Engineer" behind even the worst of circumstances. Genesis 50 and verse 20 shows us how we should view our struggles…through 50/20 vision. What is 50/20 vision? The understanding that Joseph had concerning what he was going through. He knew that it was meant for evil, but God meant it for good in order to bring about a lasting victory. Regardless what you go through, ask God to help you see the struggle in light of Genesis 50:20, 50/20 vision.

In a final confrontation with his brothers, Joseph graciously noted, "You meant it for bad; God meant it for good."

Application:

The theology packed in that statement is astounding. 'God meant it for good means –

You can accept the past -- No sin, no action, no choice on your part is too big for God to handle – or too big to be worked for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His name. Just ask Joseph; Better yet, ask his fearful and famished brothers, who were forced to rely on him for survival.

You can embrace the present -- There's no need to play the 'what if' game. The past is gone, and no energy you expend will ever change it. The future is in God's omnipotent hands, so you're free to focus on the present. Your job is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, trusting Him to forgive the past and transform the future. Martyred missionary Jim Eliot once wrote, "Wherever you are, be all there," not living in the past and not fantasizing about the future. God wants you in the present because that's where His grace will flow.

You can look expectantly toward the future -- Even if you make mistakes today, God still controls your future. Walking in the Spirit, you can live life to the fullest, unafraid of making mistakes and unconcerned you may stumble into some terrible circumstance that takes you out of God's control. Even when things appear to be terrible, you can trust that God is working out some divine plan through you.

Always remember…

· No matter how bad things get -- God is still able to bring good out of it. Today, thank God that nothing – no disaster, no delay – is bigger that his ability to turn it into something good and godly.

· Thank God and let go - Thank God that He is sovereign over your past, your present, and your future.

· Give God the circumstances, disasters, hindrances, hurts, and sins from your past;
· Give God your current situation, your disasters, hindrances, hurts, and sins of today;
· Praise God that he can work anything in your future for godly good, that you can walk in confidence that there is nothing anyone can do to you, or anything you can do that will be beyond the reach of God's Grace and redemption.

· Look for God's hand -- Walking by faith means you see God's hand even in the most difficult of circumstances. You trust in his ability and his willingness to transform the bad into godly good. God is not limited by people's motives; in other words, it does not matter why someone hurt you, God can still transform a deliberate, mean-spirited situation into something for his good. So today, why don't you purposely look for and recognize the Divine Presence of God. Regardless how you FEEL, know that God is in the middle of the FIRE with you, just like He was in the Old Testament story of the Three Hebrew Children.

· What will you allow God to change? – There it is: some situation, or event, or person in your life who, as far as you can tell, 'meant it for bad.' How do you think God meant it for good? Ask God what he wants you to do with this situation (event or person). When he answers, do it. God used Joseph's pain from his family to save his family from pain and starvation. God will use your current pain to help someone who is in pain. That you can count on.

Prayer:

"Lord, Joseph's response in Genesis 50:20 is really about trust. I don't care what situation I find myself in today, my prayer is that I will realize and remember that it may have been meant for bad, but you WILL turn it around for good…to fulfill Your purpose for my life. I confess that I trust you, and depend upon you today. In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

“Don’t insist on getting even!”

Scripture:

Romans 12:19-21 Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it." (20) Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. (21) Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Observation:

In this day of lawsuits and incessant demands for legal rights, Paul's command sounds almost impossible. When someone hurts you deeply, instead of giving him what he deserves, Paul says to befriend him. Why does Paul tell us to forgive our enemies? (1) Forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to mutual reconciliation. (2) It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways. (3) By contrast, repaying evil for evil hurts you just as much as it hurts your enemy. Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness.

Forgiveness involves both attitudes and actions. If you find it difficult to feel forgiving toward someone who has hurt you, try responding with kind actions. If appropriate, tell this person that you would like to heal your relationship. Lend a helping hand. Send him or her a gift. Smile at him or her. Many times you will discover that right actions lead to right feelings.

Application:

I love reading Max Lucado. Please allow me to share with you today an excerpt from his book "Facing Your Giants" that goes perfectly with what I am trying to say today.

Some years ago a Rottweiler attacked our golden retriever puppy at a kennel. The worthless animal climbed out of its run and into Molly's and nearly killed her. He left her with dozens of gashes and a dangling ear. I wrote a letter to the dog's owner, urging him to put the dog to sleep.

But when I showed the letter to the kennel owner, she begged me to reconsider. "What that dog did was horrible, but I'm still training him. I'm not finished with him yet."

God would say the same about the Rottweiler who attacked you. "What he did was unthinkable, unacceptable, inexcusable, but I'm not finished yet."

Your enemies still figure into God's plan. Their pulse is proof: God hasn't given up on them. They may be out of God's will, but not out of his reach. You honor God when you see them, not as his failures, but as his projects.

God occupies the only seat on the supreme court of heaven. He wears the robe and refuses to share the gavel. For this reason Paul wrote, "Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it' " (Rom. 12:19 MSG).

Revenge removes God from the equation. Vigilantes displace and replace God. "I'm not sure you can handle this one, Lord. You may punish too little or too slowly. I'll take this matter into my hands, thank you."

Is this what you want to say? Jesus didn't. No one had a clearer sense of right and wrong than the perfect Son of God. Yet, "when he suffered, he didn't make any threats but left everything to the one who judges fairly" (1 Pet. 2:23 GOD'S WORD).

Only God assesses accurate judgments. We impose punishments too slight or severe. God dispenses perfect justice. Vengeance is his job. Leave your enemies in God's hands. You're not endorsing their misbehavior when you do. You can hate what someone did without letting hatred consume you. Forgiveness is not excusing.

Nor is forgiveness pretending. David didn't gloss over or sidestep Saul's sin. He addressed it directly. He didn't avoid the issue, but he did avoid Saul.

Do the same. Give grace, but, if need be, keep your distance. You can forgive the abusive husband without living with him. Be quick to give mercy to the immoral pastor, but be slow to give him a pulpit. Society can dispense grace and prison terms at the same time. Offer the child molester a second chance, but keep him off the playgrounds.

Forgiveness is not foolishness.

Forgiveness is, at its core, choosing to see your offender with different eyes. You don't excuse him, endorse her, or embrace them. You just route thoughts about them through heaven. You see your enemy as God's child and revenge as God's job.

By the way, how can we grace-recipients do anything less? Dare we ask God for grace when we refuse to give it? This is a huge issue in Scripture. Jesus was tough on sinners who refused to forgive other sinners. In the final sum, we give grace because we've been given grace.

Prayer:

"Lord, please forgive me for the times that I have insisted on getting even with the people that hurt me. When I insist on doing this, I am trying to remove You from your throne. I choose to stop playing god, and yield to You, and trust you. I make the choice today to forgive those who have done me wrong. Thank You, Lord for forgiving me. I love you and will walk in forgiveness today. In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

“The Lord calmed me down and cheered me up!”

Scripture:

Psalm 94:17-19 If GOD hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it. (18) The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, GOD, took hold and held me fast. (19) When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up.

Observation:

Before a violin can produce music, stress must be put on the strings. But pull them too tightly and they'll snap. The same's true of you. Enough stress gets the juices flowing and helps you do what needs to be done, but beyond that you snap. Someone joked, "You know you're on overload when you've no time to cook a TV dinner, the cat's on tranquilisers and family reunions have to be mediated by law enforcement!" Seriously, before it gets to that point, do the following things:

Application:

(1) Ask for help: During Hurricane Katrina eight dolphins were swept out of their aquarium into the sea, but because they stuck together they were rescued. If one had tried to go it alone he'd have perished. When you're alone too much, you lose perspective. If the enemy can isolate you, he can influence you. God designed His family to stay connected. Or as Paul says, "So that all the members care for each other" (I Corinthians 12:25 NLT).


(2) Get real with God: Under stress the surge of negative emotions can be overwhelming, and unless you unburden your soul before God you'll explode at the wrong people. The Psalmist addresses this: "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you" (Psalm 55:22 NIV). "Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us" (Psalm 62:8 NKJV).

It's no mere coincidence that many of the Psalms start out with the Psalmist crying out to God for help, and end up with him rejoicing because he vented his pent-up frustrations.

I'm awake all night. (Psalm 77:4 TM)


You can't escape stress, but you can learn to cope with it by taking control of your life in small but important ways.

(3) Think about someone other than yourself. David was so frazzled that he was awake all night. Ever been there? That's when you need to "Let… praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down" (Philippians 4:6 TM).

Elijah was depressed and suicidal when God showed him how to help himself. How? By leaving the cave he was hiding in, and going out and ministering to others. Focusing on something other than yourself gives you perspective. Paul says, the "God of all healing counsel… comes alongside… when we go through hard times… and… brings us alongside someone else… going through hard times so… we can be there for that person… as God was there for us" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 TM).


Do you need help? Reach out to others. It's in connecting that we are made whole!

(4) Don't get bitter. Life is 10 percent what happens to you, and 90 percent how you respond to it. Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, "Nothing creates more deep-seated anxiety, than the false assumption that life should be free from anxieties." When somebody you trust betrays or disappoints you, or you're struggling financially after tithing faithfully for years, it's easy to feel hard-done-by. But "Don't… become bitter" (Hebrews 12:15 CEV); it destroys relationships and cuts you off from God's presence. The answer is learning to "thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you… to live" (I Thessalonians 5:18 TM).

(5) God's still looking out for you. When things look bad, remind yourself that God's bigger than your problem. "Don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Don't get worked up. (Matthew 6:34 TM)

(6) Don't think about quitting! Every time you reach the breaking point it's a test. You have before you a series of choices that will add up to either quitting, or persevering through to victory. Paul was flogged, thrown in jail, shipwrecked and run out of town. But he refused to give in to circumstances and in the end he was able to say, "I have fought the good fight… finished the race and… remained faithful" (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT).

(7) If it doesn't have your name on it, don't pick it up! Stress comes from micro-managing others and assuming responsibilities that aren't yours. Establish healthy boundaries. If you're not sure what's appropriate, ask God to show you how much to get involved in the lives of friends and family.

(8) Your breaking point can be the start of a breakthrough. Ever heard the expression 'hitting the wall'? Runners use it when they're exhausted and feel like giving up. But seasoned athletes know if they push through the pain they'll get their second wind and experience a 'runner's high' that'll carry them over the finish line. So keep going - by God's grace you'll make it!

Prayer:

"Lord, thank you that I can come to you with all of my struggles and stresses! Many times I have allowed myself to get worked up with fear and anxiety. When I call out to you, you calm me down and cheer me up. Thank you for that. I choose today to walk in Your peace. In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty

“When you can’t trace His hand, Trust His heart!”

Scripture:

Romans 8:28 (amp) We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Romans 8:28 (msg) That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Observation:

God works in "everything"—not just isolated incidents—for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good. Note that God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill his purpose. Note also that this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called by him, that is, those whom the Holy Spirit convinces to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mind-set. They trust in God, not in worldly treasures; their security is in heaven, not on earth. Their faith in God does not waver in pain and persecution because they know God is with them.

Application:

Romans 8:28 is one of those verses that bring much hope and encouragement, but yet is one that is tough to hold onto when you go through a crisis that you don't understand. When the "why Lord?" begins to form in your mind. "Why" do some good, godly people die at such a young age? Doesn't it make more sense for them to live a long life and continue to do great exploits for God? "Why" does bad things happen to good people? "Why" did the doctor just tell me that there is no hope? "Why" did my spouse just walk out on me? "Why" am I struggling so much financially? I've paid my tithes. I've been faithful in giving to God. "Why" am I battling depression and discouragement? And it could go on and on. But it doesn't change the fact that Romans 8:28 is a very real promise from God's Word.

My wife shared something yesterday on her blog that I want to share today:

Trust.

I think I have issues with that word sometimes.

Like today.

I cannot imagine the pain and the sense of loss this family must be feeling.

But God IS in control.
He DOES have a plan.
He KNOWS what is best for everyone.
All things DO work together for the GOOD of those who love Him.

Sometimes we can't see the angle He is going for.
Sometimes we just don't get what His purpose is.
Sometimes we can't trace His hand.
That is exactly when we need to learn to trust His heart.

Babbie Mason sings a song that has some of the most powerful words of any song that I have ever heard. Let me share them with you:

"All things work for our good though sometimes we can't see how they could. Struggles that break our hearts in two, sometimes blinds us to the truth. Our Father knows what's best for us. His ways are not our own. So when your pathway grows dim, and you just can't see Him, remember you're never alone.

God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too good to be unkind. So when you don't understand, when you don't see His plan, when you can't trace His hand...Trust His heart

He sees the master plan, and He holds our future in His hands. So don't live as those who have no hope, All our hope is found in Him. We see the present clearly, but He sees the first and the last, and like a tapestry He's weaving you and me to someday be just like Him.

God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too good to be unkind. So when you don't understand. When you don't see His plan, When you can't trace His hand...Trust His heart

He alone is faithful and true. He alone knows what is best for you. So when you don't understand. When you don't see His plan. When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart"

Prayer:

"Lord, I am so thankful that you have a plan and purpose for my life. During the times that I lose sight of that, please forgive me for the lack of trust, and lack of faith. I am so thankful that you love me and that you are truly touched with the "feeling" of my struggles. I must confess that there are times that I can't trace your Hands. But I know down deep in my Spirit man, that you are too wise to be mistaken. You are too good to be unkind. So even when I don't understand, when I am having a hard time seeing your plan…I determine to truly trust your Heart. In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty