Are you confused and not sure what to do or where to turn? Let us pray for you.
“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. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29)
My husband enjoys Saturday mornings because I usually make chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. He has no clue what the required ingredients are but he knows it will taste good when it’s done. The ingredients by themselves would not be appealing to have for a special morning breakfast. Chances are he would gag while eating the dry mix and frown trying to gulp down oil and raw eggs. The only enjoyable thing would be the chocolate morsels, but he’d get sick if he ate a plate of them. However, when all the ingredients are mixed together and cooked they form a delicious stack of chocolate chip pancakes.
As with the batch of pancakes, you must realize that God works in “all things” for the good of those who love Him. You may not like nor fully understand why unappealing ingredients come into your life, but if it produces the result God desires everything will work to your advantage. As you love God and look to Him you will understand that He works for your good and not against you.
God’s ultimate goal is to form you into the likeness of Christ. Whatever He permits to come into your life is intended to transform you into the image of His Son. More often than not it is in the difficult and chastising times of life that God accomplishes His greatest works in and through you. God does not desire for you to experience needless suffering. It is wise to conform to His ways readily rather than stubbornly.
Even when you make a big mess out of things, God can turn it around for His glory and for your benefit. Something good will come out of your tear-filled days and hardships as long as you remain hopeful, trusting in His ultimate goodness.
God uses “all things” from your life –broken pieces, mistakes, unfulfilled dreams, and childhood tragedies– to produce a miraculous masterpiece, if you let Him. Allow Him to take all the ingredients of your life and work them together to bring about something good. When God’s good works and blessings bloom in your life remember to give Him all the glory. Give back to the Lord and choose to share all the ‘delectable things’ God bestows upon you with others.
Heavenly Father, Although I might not fully understand, I trust You have a good reason and purpose for all things that take place in my life. I realize when tough situations come it may in fact be a predestined time where You are conforming me into the likeness of Your Son. I know You can take whatever hardship I face and turn it around for my good and Your glory. In Jesus name I pray, Amen
Questions: Have you recognized God’s working hand in your life? Has God turned something bad into something good for you?
http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2012/08/19/all-things-2/
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again. Proverbs 24:16
Failure is Not Final
A few years ago, we bought a Garmin GPS unit for my daughter, Amy. Like her dad, she was not blessed with a good sense of direction. We knew Garmin could help her with that challenge.
One day, Amy, Debbie and I were traveling together with Garmin leading the way. Unfortunately, I missed a turn ... and Garmin let me know. She could have said, "You missed the exit, moron. You are going to have to turn around." But, Garmin is very polite and encouraging. When you miss an exit, she doesn't berate you, she just says this important word, "Recalculating." That means, you messed up, but let me find a new route to get you where you need to go.
GOD IS LIKE GARMIN
When it comes to our lives, God is a lot like Garmin. He guides us through His Word and prayer. And if we get off course, He lets us know it. Thankfully, He doesn't beat us up and throw us out. He gently, lovingly says, "Recalculating." He wants us to walk with Him and go in the right direction of His will and His ways.
How awesome to know that failure (missing "a turn" in life because of selfishness and sin) is not final. No matter how badly you may have messed up your life, you can get back on track with God. He graciously recalculates His route for you so that you can go on with Him.
WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
Have you missed your turn with the Lord? Are you hearing Him say, "Recalculating," but you are tuning Him out? Remember this: "In His presence is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11). When you go in the right direction with God, you experience His presence, peace and joy. "Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land" (Psalm 68:6).
The time is now to get back on track with the Lord Jesus Christ. He hasn't given up on you. Just like Garmin, no matter how many wrong turns we make, He keeps recalculating so that we can walk with Him, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Will you heed His voice today and let Him guide you? He is good and only wants the best for you. The rebellious dwell in a parched land ... but the obedient dwell in the Promised Land. The time is now to be obedient and enter in to the joy of your Master.
One day, Amy, Debbie and I were traveling together with Garmin leading the way. Unfortunately, I missed a turn ... and Garmin let me know. She could have said, "You missed the exit, moron. You are going to have to turn around." But, Garmin is very polite and encouraging. When you miss an exit, she doesn't berate you, she just says this important word, "Recalculating." That means, you messed up, but let me find a new route to get you where you need to go.
GOD IS LIKE GARMIN
When it comes to our lives, God is a lot like Garmin. He guides us through His Word and prayer. And if we get off course, He lets us know it. Thankfully, He doesn't beat us up and throw us out. He gently, lovingly says, "Recalculating." He wants us to walk with Him and go in the right direction of His will and His ways.
How awesome to know that failure (missing "a turn" in life because of selfishness and sin) is not final. No matter how badly you may have messed up your life, you can get back on track with God. He graciously recalculates His route for you so that you can go on with Him.
WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
Have you missed your turn with the Lord? Are you hearing Him say, "Recalculating," but you are tuning Him out? Remember this: "In His presence is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11). When you go in the right direction with God, you experience His presence, peace and joy. "Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land" (Psalm 68:6).
The time is now to get back on track with the Lord Jesus Christ. He hasn't given up on you. Just like Garmin, no matter how many wrong turns we make, He keeps recalculating so that we can walk with Him, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Will you heed His voice today and let Him guide you? He is good and only wants the best for you. The rebellious dwell in a parched land ... but the obedient dwell in the Promised Land. The time is now to be obedient and enter in to the joy of your Master.
 | Love, Pastor Jeff Schreve From His Heart Ministries |
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Grow Strong No Matter What Storms You Face!
How can you grow strong despite the storms you face in life? I cover this and much more in my 8-message CD series, Growing Strong, and I'd like to send you a copy today as my thanks for your gift of any amount. I hope you'll request your copy below and grow stronger today!
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