Skip to main content

Half Full

    As I talked about yesterday, our plan rarely aligns with God's plans for our life. He is always surprising us and taking us directions we never imagined were possible. We thank Him for this because it really is an amazing gift. But what is our reaction when things do not go as planned or expected in our life? How do we react when we do not get that promotion at work, relationships we thought would last fall through, weekend plans are cancelled, a traffic jam makes us late, etc. The list goes on and on. Life is full of disappointments, how do you handle them?

    It is easy to be upset when things don't go our way. We get angry with Jesus and ask Him why it didn't work out for us. "I prayed for this promotion, Jesus. I worked hard and I deserve it. Why didn't you come through for me?" But did you ever stop to consider that there might be more to the story that we cannot see? What if Jesus needs you in your current position at work to minister to someone? What if that traffic jam allowed you to stay out of a car accident?  We hear testimonies about these sorts of things all the time, but usually on a larger scale. I believe Jesus does so much work behind the scenes that we may never see, even with the "small" stuff.

    I challenge you to change your perspective. Trust that Jesus has a plan that is bigger than yours. He sees everything in everyone's lives and is not limited to your vantage point. Instead of being upset when things do not go your way, thank Jesus that He is looking out for you even when you don't see Him. Be open to Jesus using circumstances you consider less than ideal as a lesson for you, and humbly allow yourself to be taught. Jesus is in everything if you simply open your eyes.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (ESV)

 Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. (ESV)

 Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (ESV)

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your way and my thoughts than your thoughts. ” (NIV)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

He Time

     We have now gone over me time and we time, so today I want to address He time. It's a pretty simple concept-- that we have to spend time with Jesus to grow our faith. Just like anything else we want to get better at, you have to spend time doing it. In the case of Christianity, we are changed into the image of Jesus as we spend time with Him. 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (ESV)     My message is as simple as this-- make sure that you are setting time aside for Christ. You will never change if you don't continually immerse yourself into His presence. We need to be spending time in His word so we know His promises and guidelines for our life, in prayer to speak to Him for individual direction in our circumstances, and worshipping Him for His goodness.     Do not le...
Post a Comment
Read more

Here's to New Beginnings!

    As 2014 begins, with it comes talk of a fresh start and new beginnings. Resolutions are made to eat healthier, save money, travel, learn a new skill etc. But as Christ followers, the new year is always a good reminder of who we are in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. (HCSB) Galatians 2:20 and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (HCSB) Ephesians 4:22-24 You took off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires; you are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; you put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth. (HCSB) Galatians 5:24-25 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let...
2 comments
Read more

Knock-Knock

Revelation 3:20   Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (ESV)     When you think of a gentleman what comes to mind? A man who holds open doors, pulls out your chair, and helps you with your coat? Whatever your definition is, one thing I think we can agree on is that a gentleman is never pushy. He is "gentle" and meek, respecting all those around him. To me, Jesus is the perfect example of a gentleman.     A gentleman never pushes for his way, but respects your thoughts and opinions even if they disagree with his own. But that doesn't mean that he lets his own beliefs fall to the wayside because of what you believe. Does that not describe Jesus? He waits for us to make our choices, but remains the same perfect, faithful and unchanging God. We were always created to have free will. We have a choice to have a relationship with Jesus, or not. To sin, or not. To...
Post a Comment
Read more