Daily Devotion  January 29, 2002 Be joyful always; pray
continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will
for you in Christ Jesus. Have you ever wondered how a
loving God could allow people to suffer and die? Has the thought ever
crossed your mind that if you were God you would prevent all the evil
and suffering in the world? God permits some things to happen because
they serve His purpose. His ways are not our ways. Our vision is so
limited, but God sees and understands all. That is why He asks us to
walk by faith and not be what we see. 2 Corinthians 5:7 He
comforts us and lets us know that all things work together for good to
those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus and when
he became ill his sisters sent a message to Jesus; they were sure that
he loved them and their brother as much as they knew He had the power to
heal him. They had witnessed first hand many times the miracles He
performed. I can imagine how they felt as they waited and watched
Lazarus die, wondering where Jesus was, thinking surely he will come.
They most likely felt forgotten and disappointed. Jesus knew what
was happening yet when He received the message He knowingly stayed
behind for the purpose of glorifying God. If we could begin to
understand who Jesus really is and what our lives are really
about, we will see that He is the resurrection and the life and no
matter what we face He can be trusted, and that our faith is secure in
Him. We all want a story with a happy ending. We want to be victorious
and not defeated. We love to hear those who testify how they overcame.
But it does not always appear that way, because we are not looking
through the eyes of faith. Faith is the reality of who Jesus is. Lazarus
was permitted to die so that others would witness the miracle and
believe. The purpose was of great importance. It is the same with
whatever situation we face today. It is for His purpose and His glory.
Praise God for the happy endings, but also praise God when the situation
seems hopeless. Remember there is none greater than our God and our
lives are in His control; we have willingly surrendered them into
His hands. Jesus did not fear death or ridicule He always trusted
in the will of the Father. He could not have been crucified had it not
been God's will and God's time and for a purpose. A purpose I am sure
many could not understand at the time; but I thank God that He
accomplished His purpose. He will accomplish what He has purposed
in all the situations in our life; if our faith will look past what we
understand and see with our eyes; we will witness the glory and the
purpose. Prayer God your ways are perfect. The storm in my life may rage out of control but I am resting in your peace. Your love flows through my soul like a warm calm breeze. All that is in my heart and life are Yours I pray that Your purpose for my life will be revealed and until that time I will continue to love You with everything in me and serve you with joy in my heart. I love you Jesus! You are my life! Amen. |