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Good morning…a windy morning, friends. It's good to be inside and feel safe…ah, safe…Yes, it's good to be inside the fold and feel safe.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray…each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
This morning, I'm so very thankful that the Lord gave all of our sins to Jesus to deal with, so that we can know we are safe inside the fold. Just where would we all be without the Grace of God working in our lives?
I've been thinking much lately about the grace of God…His undeserved favor, and it gives me so much peace to know that when things go wrong in this life, we need not stay focused on those hard, painful things. No, instead, we can look to God to fix all that hurts. So much pain in our midst. I believe our enemy loves when we focus on our pain, rather than turning our focus to the Great Physician, Jesus.
Just in my own life in recent days, there have been many opportunities to wallow in self pity, but I know from much experience that will not help me, or the ones I love. Instead, I need to step away from the situation that I'm so caught up in, and instead seek God, and worship Him. What? Worship in the midst of pain and heartache? Yes.
Worshiping God has a way of helping us see that God is in control of all things…remember? All things work together for the good of those who love God….who have been called according to His purpose? Read that again. If we claim to love God, then we can trust Him to work out everything for our good and His purposes. No, the verse doesn't tell us we will necessarily enjoy what we go through at the time, but God will be faithful to bring us through those times that break our hearts. Not only that, but the world will see Jesus in us, as we do life His way, and not our own way.
Andrew Murray, great preacher in the 1800's, had lived for many years with chronic pain in his body that he sustained in an accident. Murray refused to be brought down by it, and while in his bed one morning, he penned this:
In Times of Trouble Say…
First, He brought me here; it is by His will I am in this strait place; in that fact I will rest.
Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.
Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lesson He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
Last, In His good time He can bring me out again…how and when He knows.
So…let me say I am here, by God's appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time.
The message of my heart this morning is simply…when life hurts, turn to God. Let Him have it all. Trust Him that He knows why it all happened, and remember to praise Him for all He has done and will continue to do. Let God lead.
Lord, we so often get caught up in our pain, and forget that You are in control. You have very good plans for us, but we lose sight of You. Help us look up, instead of around us, or inside of us, behind us, or before us. We long to trust You more. We love You, Lord, in Jesus' name, I Pray. Amen.
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Debby Renninger is a freelance writer and inspirational speaker. She holds a Bible study in her home in McVeytown, where seeking women are always welcome. She may be reached at (717) 250-7086 for speaking engagements.