God Knows Why

Sometimes things happen that don’t make much sense to us... we can’t explain why they’re going on... and we struggle with not having every detail.  It’s in those times that we must live lives of faith. The reason?  

Because God does know why.  In Jeremiah 29:11, the Bible tells us that God has a great plan for our lives... we simply need to trust Him and allow Him to lead us.  Fact is, He sees the finish line when all we might be able to see are the hurdles ahead.  But we have to keep running... knowing that He will use it to grow us, strengthen our faith, and help us reach our God potential.  

A philosopher once said, “ "Life can only be understood backwards: but it must be lived forwards."  I think he was right... we can only understand some things in hindsight... but we must press on, in faith, because we can trust the One who knows what’s best for us.  

Out-Serve

A group called the Worldwide Marriage Encounter has certified that Wilbur and Teresa Faiss of Las Vegas, married in April 1933, are America’s longest married couple.  As they celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary, the couple was asked the secret to a lasting union. 

What do you think it was?  Love?  Admiration?  Trust?  While all of these are essential in a relationship... they actually said: "It's very simple. It's give and take and compromise."  The Bible tells us in Romans 12:10 to “prefer one another in love.”  To put the other person first... out-serve them... and most of all, be willing to give a little ground so that both sides win.   Remember, relationships are not about being right... they’re about being honoring... and when we seek Godly unity over victory, we’re on track for a long and fulfilling time together.  

Tools

A man once took a tour of Henry Ford’s automobile plants.  Afterward he met with Mr. Ford and told him, “It seems impossible that a man who started with nothing could accomplish all this.”  Ford thought for a moment and replied, “You say that I started with nothing, but you are wrong.  I started with all that I needed.”

So many feel under-equipped to reach their destiny.  They think they’re too young... too old... they feel their bank balance is too low or their contact list is too empty.  Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we were created by God to do good works, “which God prepared in advance for us to do.”   Don’t let what you see in front of you discourage you from going after what you’ve been created for.  You already have everything you need to be what God made you to be.  He wouldn’t put a dream in your heart without giving you the tools to make it happen!   All it takes is the willingness to trust Him and believe (not hope) that it can be accomplished.

Already Famous

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”  Ephesians 1:4

Andy Roddick is a well-known name in the world of tennis...but it wasn’t always that way.  He started playing when he was three and a half years old.  As he got a little older, he never put down his racquet and played tennis in the garage for hours against imaginary opponents.  When he was seven, he was so certain of his future success, he gave his entire family autographed tennis balls for Christmas.  

Andy knew he’d make it in tennis... but so many think they “know” only to find themselves feeling unworthy and unsuccessful.  If that’s you today, I have good news... YOU are already a success where it matters.  In Ephesians 1, Paul tells us that even before He made the world... God loved us.  You are loved by God.  You are His child and He has a plan for your life.   No need to wonder if you’re important... you are.  You may never sign an autograph, but your name is written on God’s heart... and it’s for that reason that you should hold your head up and keep moving forward as the masterpiece you were created to be!

Forgiveness

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.”  Ephesians 4:31

A 23 year old man in Boca Raton, Florida is trying to snag a 2.5 million dollar mansion for free.  He has moved into the home and has filed an “adverse possession claim.”  In other words... he’s a squatter.  Someone who moves in like he owns the place and won’t leave.  As upset as the neighbors are at this... they can’t seem to get him out and claim that his being there will ruin the neighborhood.

Unforgiveness is a lot like that squatter.  When we’ve been wronged and choose not to pardon someone, it takes up residence in our hearts and refuses to move.  And it doesn’t come alone.  It invites bitterness, resentment, and anger to live upstairs as well.  The Bible tells us in Ephesians to get rid of all of these if we want to get past our past.  The other person may not deserve it (or even ask for it)... but when we forgive, we begin to move forward and our heart can start to heal.   Ready to evict what doesn’t belong?  I’ll be praying for you as you take that brave first step.

I Will Rise Again

In the 1800s, A printer decided to earn some money by printing lithographs of a young and beardless president Lincoln.  It took awhile to print them and before he had the chance to sell the first one... it was revealed that Lincoln had grown a beard.  This printer had a stack of beautiful photos that no longer looked like the president.  What did  he do?  Instead of letting his failure define him, he went a completely different direction to earn money.. he invented a game... Checkers.  You may recognize this young printer’s name... Milton Bradley.  He went on to become a huge success as the father of board games worldwide.

Failure does one of two things... it either defeats us or it makes us more determined.  In the Bible, Micah gives his reaction to failure in chapter 7  “Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again.”  Is that you today?  Have you been hit with a failure?  Change course, stay focused on God, and never give up!   And you, just like Micah, will rise up and enjoy future success!

Feeling Small

“You have made them a little lower than the angels

    and crowned them with glory and honor.

You made them rulers over the works of your hands;

    you put everything under their feet:

all flocks and herds,

    and the animals of the wild,

the birds in the sky,

    and the fish in the sea,

    all that swim the paths of the seas.”  Psalm 8:5-8 (NIV)

In one of Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” cartoons, Charlie Brown and Lucy are gazing up at the universe in the night sky.   After a couple of minutes of this, Charlie tells Lucy, “Let’s go inside and watch television.  I’m beginning to feel insignificant.”  

Have you ever felt that way?  Most of us do from time to time.  We see ourselves as unimportant in the grand scheme of things.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  In fact, Psalm 8:5-8 tells us that God put us in charge of all of His creation!  We are trusted, protected, valued, and given an important assignment while here on Earth!  Next time you feel small...remember how big God is... and how much you matter to Him.