James 1:16-18(NIV1984)
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows
It is easy to try and say if God is sovereign, and he is, that he planned everything. He knew or predestined all the things happening around all of our lives. One might feel a bit helpless as if we have no will in it. Might as well just go with the flow and not try to resist the tides that pull at us.
I believe there are things that God leaves for us to decide. We can choose to follow him or not. When bad things happen to (good) people we want to blame God. Why didn't God step, in we prayed, and that loved one still died. Must be God who's to blame.
There are a number of forces at work in every situation and while God is not asleep at the wheel, he also does not step in un invited. As I see it the following are the forces at work in and around us. I can't say I've got it fully figured out but I am in the camp that believes one of the primary good gifts God has given us is that of having a free will.
God: giving good gifts, who is un changing,
who makes for us a way to be in right relationship with him.
Self: our desires and tendency to sin, as well as the opportunity to be one who overcomes.
Others: their desires and tendency to sin or to rise above and overcome.
Satin: his ability to meddle and minipulate
Nature: Stoms, Floods, Earthquakes, etc.
So here is the main thought I want you to ponder. What is a perfect gift?
Was the lion sent to David as a young shepherd gift? Was it an opportunity for him to trust God, to move by faith, to be courageous? It was a terrifying event and could easily be called a trial or even a temptation to fear. In his life because he chose to look to God it became an opportunity to walk in faith and courage and to hone his skills.
Who am I to say what of the seeming trials in my life are, perhaps they are just gifts in disguise. David went on to be able to stand before the giant Golliath while everyone else hid in fear. He was still a young man, who had just been sent to deliver food to his brothers. Even then he was able to draw upon his past experiences with God who protected him and helped him as a shepherd boy. He had faced a lion and a bear and knew that God was able. He did not have to work up faith in that situation with Golliath, he already had settled in his heart that God was able. He already believed, he had practiced and spent time alone with the Lord. He knew his voice, his heart and his power to deliver or judge.
So that thing, that giant you are facing is it a trial or a gift of opportunity? I believe God will allow you to make that decision.
Prayer:
Lord,
We could stand before you and weep and grumble or we could choose to trust you to lead us through the seemingly impossible things that we are facing. We could resign ourselves and throw a pitty party or we could rise up and look to you. Thank you for the trials that we are facing. Even the things the enemy has meant for our destruction you Lord are able to turn around for our good and for your glory. Help us to look at this trial from a new direction with the anticipation of seeing how you will use it in each of our lives. Even now Lord help us bring to mind the verses to stand on. Help us to push past the fear and doubt to do what is right before you.
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