Showing posts with label plans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plans. Show all posts

Monday, December 29, 2025

Light on Your Path

 

In January our pastor talks about vision. “Even if a person has 20/20 vision, it does them no good without light. When we are born again, we have 20/20 spiritual vision, yet we still need the light of God’s Word to see what God is saying.” – Pastor Mark Cowart, CFAN The Power of Vision

He speaks of catching God’s vision for our lives and writing it down and being purposeful about fulfilling His plans in our lives. He speaks of the need for God’s light to understand God’s will and great plans for us. That light is called rhema. It’s the light of God that gives us understanding of His Word.

We know God’s will about many things - that we love one another and that we be quick to forgive. We know He wants us to share His truth and His love (with words, if necessary). We know He wants us to always rejoice and give thanks. We know He wants us to turn from sin and turn TO Him.

Because of that light, God’s rhema light, I know He wants us to run with Him and discover all the love and joy and secrets and power and authority He’s placed before us.

When it comes to learning to do things His way, we need to accept that it’s not simply because “He’s the boss” but because His way is truly best (and probably most adventure-filled) for us.

We love our children with a crazy, passionate love. When they’re small, we want to teach them how to do the everyday things they’ll need to master early in life like feeding themselves and walking, using manners, sharing and so much more. We teach them OUR way of doing them, we know how to do them efficiently and effectively. Along the way, we may see clever little ways they adapt their own personality to what they’re doing while still putting one foot in front of the other and still managing to get their food into their mouth. They still manage to write out letters and words, but in their own handwriting.

I’m right-handed. If my child is left-handed he’s going to hold his pencil differently than I do – but he’ll still master writing.

Here I go stating the obvious, but we aren’t God.

Though we endeavor to teach our children our ways of doing things, our way isn’t the only way.

God knows more ways to do things than we can imagine. He designed us to be like Him – creative! He wants us to discover new ways of showing off our creativity. He doesn’t care if we color outside the lines. He wants us to show off His glory through the talents He’s given us.


Clearly, we don’t want our children hurting themselves, we try to steer them in certain directions, teaching them to obey laws and to love and respect others. When they’re young, it’s usually easier to get compliance from them. As they grow confident in who they are and how they make their own decisions, they’re harder to protect. Eventually, we may discover that they didn’t need all the protection we pushed on them. They may leap into the air and fly, filling their hands with success. They need to have the freedom to discover even things we don’t know about them.


God’s Word teaches us all we need to know. Yet convincing us that His way is best must look futile at times. Once we’ve established ourselves as individuals we want to make our own decisions. Regarding our relationship with Him, He’s given us that freedom; the freedom to choose Him and His ways or reject Him. He knows what each choice holds. He’s already seen the outcome.

Now, if I was holding tomorrow night’s winning lottery numbers in my hand, wouldn’t you want me to show them to you? Wouldn’t  you want me to “shed a little light” on that for you?

Pray for God’s rhema light. Ask Him for it, and He’ll give it to you.

“In him was life; and that life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” – John 1:4-5

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

 


Thursday, January 9, 2025

I Thought I Had No Vision.... Part II

(from Pinterest)

PART II

In part one, we read scripture from the Old Testament book, Habakkuk 2:2. I’m continuing to explore what it says in various translations. This one from The Message Bible, makes it pretty plain and simple to understand, and this time I’m including the following verse as well.

“And then God answered: “Write this.
    Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
    so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness
    pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
    And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
    It’s on its way. It will come right on time.”

Digging in to chew and digest what I’m reading, I’ll pull it apart like I would the turkey from its bones.

God says to write what you see, meaning what He is showing ME, as He wanted Habakkuk to do all those years ago. Why do I presume that God is speaking to me the same instructions he spoke to an Old Testament prophet? I don’t make that presumption with the instructions God gave to all the writers of the Bible. I’m taking this one personally because I believe that He has certain instructions for all of us, some instructions that are for only specific individuals. But His vision for His people involves all of us. We are on a co-mission with Him. Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam cultivated the garden, but God provided the life for every living thing in the garden. Adam could have done all he did to cultivate a garden, but if God didn’t make or allow the plants to grow, it would all have been in vain. If God provided the life but Adam refused to do his part in the garden, he would have been in disobedience. I’m born again, I am in Christ, I’m in covenant with God Himself, through the blood of His Son Jesus. I joyfully choose to obey God, because I have a revelation of how much He loves me – and you. He has more to reveal to me (and to you) and I want us to get to the place of continuous revelation. Surely in our lifetime we won’t exhaust the knowledge and wisdom of the God of everything.

(theheavenguy. org)

So, what do I see now that I didn’t see before? The way I’m going to explain this is that I now actually understand that I have a role to play in all of this. I knew it before, intellectually. Of course, we all understand that we’re responsible for how we live our lives. Well, let me take that back, as I look at the behavior in the world around me, it’s evident that this isn’t true. Many people refuse to take responsibility for their own lives. I am not one of them. I choose to be a part of what happens in my life. God has great plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11), but I have my part to play. I DO NOT provide my own salvation – I needed Jesus to redeem my life just like everyone else does. But fulfilling His will in my life isn’t an automatic thing. “Whatever happens happens” is not how life works. We have input as to what happens. Now that Jesus HAS redeemed my life, I belong to Him. I’m His daughter and He wants only the best for me. Note: what is best for me is not always what I think is best for me. Coming to this point of recognition is a huge part of finding God’s vision for my life and life for all of us.

(from slideplayer .com)

I’ll wrap up today’s thoughts with a place to ponder this. A space to think about how we fit into God’s plans. Take a minute right now to ask God what He wants to do with your life – then give Him a few minutes of your time to listen to what He wants to say to you – right now, today.

Looking forward to part III!

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Mistaking Them For Us

(en.wikipedia.org)
What then?

After we’ve discovered we’ve mistaken them for us, revelation can be a beautiful thing.

We put so much importance into the flesh we’re wrapped in. Yes, we need to take care of it; this flesh houses us while we’re living here on planet Earth, the vessel that holds us in, that often holds us back. But, our flesh only defines who we are when we believe that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

There are plenty of things society dictates about our worth or about what we can and cannot do, simply based upon what we look like. The catch I don’t understand is that WE ARE SOCIETY!
The color of our skin shouldn’t be an advantage or a disadvantage.

The number on our weight scale shouldn’t decide if we’re capable 
of accomplishing our dreams.

The wrinkles on our face shouldn’t determine our value to society.

The way our backside fits into our jeans shouldn’t dictate a number 
on some ‘scale of beauty’.

Missing limbs shouldn’t hold back our drive.

Scars shouldn’t force us to hide.

Male or female traits shouldn’t cripple determination.

Being a minority shouldn’t limit our creativity or abilities.

Our ethnicity shouldn’t have anything to do with whether or not 
we’re suited for a particular job.

Our complexion shouldn’t decide how much fun we can have.

(homes-kid.com)
The flesh we wear shouldn’t determine our limits.

Nor should we allow someone else to define who we are and what we can do.

Yes, I think most of us, at least at one point or another in our lives, mistaken them for us.
We allow someone other than our Creator to create the path for our lives; we follow blind men down brightly illuminated streets seeing nothing for ourselves. We look at a blue sky filled with brilliant sunshine and believe it’s a dreary day simply because someone else said so.

When we look into our own hearts, for ourselves, and see the design that was created there on purpose, the world’s plans for our lives fall away and we begin to discover the power of our own existence.

(guysglassandmirror.com)
Could an abandoned child in Ethiopia born without legs, starving and scared; hold the secrets to the cure for cancer?

Could the millionaire on Wall Street, hiding in his ivory tower hold the secrets to happiness?

What secrets are wrapped up in who you are?




Though we love to quote it, do we dare believe it?  -  “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Or, instead, do we believe what others dictate about us?

(bellecandy.com)

Thursday, April 2, 2015

When I Don't Know How to Pray

(meveda.com)
As my friends sometimes do, one sent me a scripture this morning. Two verses that made me take note – and ponder.

When someone asks how they can pray for me, I often stumble for a response. 

Of course, my loved ones are first on my mind.

They’re suffering.

Yet, God is in control; nothing is happening that He hasn’t already seen, none of this has taken Him by surprise. To pray for their deliverance seems trite, because He’s already working on that. To pray for their salvation; He’s got that covered, too. To pray their eyes be opened and that He reveals Himself to them in ways they will understand and receive – yes, He’s already doing it.

(1ms.net)
 To pray that I trust Him with them, yes, I trust Him completely.

There’s no thought of my loved ones He hasn’t already heard, no cry He hasn’t already considered. How do I identify how to pray over what God is already seeing through to glory? Tearfully and sometimes feeling ill-equipped, I pray in faith and through a yielded heart; rejoicing that God prays through me. His Spirit is in me, and He knows exactly how to pray. Always.

Pray that I not get in His way? Ah, that might be even better, as one who loves deeply, my heart wants to jump right to every situation that arises; it can be hard to close my mouth and sit on my hands and watch pain and anguish and fear twist those I love. Especially when pride tells me that appearing to do nothing might convey that I don’t care or understand.

(mnn.com)
Yet, sometimes my own spiritual growth and understanding comes most brilliantly and powerfully through the painful breaths in my own life. Anguish can be a tool. Fear can paralyze or catapult me. Struggles can teach. Nothing we experience is wasted.

And we can’t experience for someone else.

Freedom is treasured more intimately when we’ve fought for it; when we’ve discovered for ourselves how that liberation exhilarates us.

In “wishing” for less turmoil, I dare not hope to remove God’s hand from the lives of the very ones I love more than life itself, or slow His plan, even if I could......

(theguardian.com)
With every request I bring to my Lord, He assures me: “I Am.........” 

My friend sent me a verse from Isaiah.


“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is none else; I am God and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure.” – Isaiah 46:9-10 (KJV)

Monday, March 16, 2015

Wait Just A Minute Now


(edudemic.com)
I used to wait – for the kids to be born, to walk, to be potty trained, to be in school; till the work day was done, till the kids were old enough to leave at home on their own, till the kids graduated, till we “settled down” instead of moving from base to base….

Now, we’ve retired from the military life. The kids are all grown with kids of their own; some of the grandchildren are almost ready to graduate from high school.

Now, hmmmm….. what was it I was waiting to do?

(edudemic.com)

Or, I’d buy a pretty dress and save it in the closet for a special occasion; when an occasion finally came along I deemed worthy enough for the special dress, alas, I’d either gained or lost weight and it no longer fit me.

Even short term waiting sets us up for failure. I’ll wait for just an hour to go for my walk, until the sun is hotter or the clouds roll out. Alas, that hour turns into several hours and other things crowd into my day; no time for a walk today. I wasted all that sunshine piddling around indoors.

Even waiting to make that mad dash for the ladies room can be detrimental, if you know what I mean.

Yes, sometimes we need to wait. If we pull the cinnamon rolls from the oven after just a minute or two, the dough will be raw and uneatable. If we pull the clothes from the dryer too soon they’ll be too wet to wear. If we drive away while the gas is still pumping into our tank, God only knows what disasters that could create.

But, sometimes waiting is just an excuse; putting off the inevitable until it’s too late. We’re either rushed to fit in our plans, or our plans are completely ruined. We shake it off and wind up playing the same game the next day.

Procrastination.

(lifestyleot.com)
What are we waiting for? The proverbial “engraved invitation”? Are we waiting for someone else to do it for us? Are we waiting for someone else to run with that great idea we had, or thinking that no one else would come up with it?

Are we waiting for “the right time” or “waiting on God’s timing”? Sometimes that’s legit. Sometimes God is waiting on us! Sometimes, yeah – it’s just another rut in our path that procrastination makes deeper. If we let putting things off create enough deep ruts, our road to success will become harder to travel; and that can lead to giving up completely.

Although we can have lots of fun in this life, it’s not much of a game when we’re sitting on the losing end of all the potential we’ve been given. Yes, there’s a time for everything. And our time is NOW!

Rise and shine, Buttercup! Today is not a day for sitting around waiting. 
(xochi.info)

“…I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” – 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)

“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” – Romans 13:11 (NLT)


For everything there is a season,
    a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
    A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
    A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
    A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
    A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
    A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
    A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
    A time for war and a time for peace.
~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NLT)

                                    
(eventbrite.com)

Monday, December 29, 2014

Here Comes 2015

(photo from whatiflearning.com)
What if?

You can say it any way you’d like. You can tack on anything imaginable.

What will you imagine?

Human nature often begs us to imagine something bad or negative to finish the question with, such as, “What if – something bad happens to me or to my children or my finances, etc…?”

But, what if – it’s something good? What if it’s something great?

(photo from flickr.com)
God’s Word tells us it IS something great! “But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV) The writer is quoting Isaiah 64:4 from the Old Testament.

Our frail, human hearts can’t even begin to image all the good God has for us; good things, good plans, good beyond our finite comprehension. He does go on to say in verse 10, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”

So, though we can’t imagine it without divine intervention, we can know what God has in store for us. And we can be reassured that it’s all good. A verse that many consider to be their favorite is in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” In the NIV we read, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

I’ve included both versions because I want us to know that God’s thoughts toward us include His plans for us. He didn’t just map out our lives and then walk away, hoping we get it right. He’s here with us every single step of the way, unfolding His plans and loving us, whether we allow ourselves to accept and feel that love or not.

(photo from michelewoodward.com)
Our pastor defines imagination as image-formations; the images we form in our minds. When we allow God to take hold of the images we form there, we can see the good; our minds won’t always impulsively run toward the bad. Instead of what if something bad happens today, we can ask, what if something great happens? Then, we can begin to dwell on the good and form good images. Ah, yes, my favorite scripture instructs us to do that: think on the good things!  (In case you don’t know it yet, that’s Philippians 4:8.)

Even humanists that don’t call on the Name of Jesus chime in with the knowledge that what we think will determine what we are. (“for as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” Proverbs 23:7 NIV)

I count at least seven times in scripture where Jesus asks, “What do you think?” (Mt 17:25, 18:12, 21:28, 22:17, 22:42, Luke 10:36 and 13:4)

How cool is it that He cares about what we think? He cares about it, because He knows the power involved with our thoughts and words.

When we form images in our minds around what could happen today or tomorrow – or this coming year, 2015, what will we allow? Yes, again, I bring up choice. We get to choose what we allow into our minds!

What if – [negative] = worry
What if – [positive] = peace
Which would you rather live in, worry or peace?

(picture from balancedandbarefoot.com)
“…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” – 2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV)

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)


“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultess before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” – Jude 1:24-25 (KJV)

Sunday, November 16, 2014

All I Need

(photo from justbetweenus.org)
“The riches of Your love [O LORD] will always be enough…” – a line from a song we sing in church, got me pondering.

Are the riches of His love ever enough for us? For the most part, we’re a pretty discontented people.

When we women fall in love with the man of our dreams and he becomes our husband, we pledge “…as long as I’ve got your love, that’s all I’ll ever need.” Very romantic, but, soon we find ourselves realizing we also want a secure roof over our heads, good food on our table and as many of our tangible needs met as possible. We may also discover that in married life, the man of our dreams may not pour out his love in ways we recognize as love. Sure, he may work hard to provide for his family, but what about the affection and attention we assumed we’d get, too? Or hey, what about a little help with the half a dozen kids you helped me bring into this world? And, oh yes, I need some “me” time, please pencil that into your schedule.

(picture from layoutsparks.com
As wives, for the most part, it’s probably safe to assume that we believe most, if not all of that comes with the marriage package. (Not to imply that we can’t help make all of that happen.) Am I wrong? Most of us don’t think we’ll be sheltering under a bridge or waiting in lines at a food pantry or taking care of the kids like a single mom, or starving for affection like the single girls at the club. After all, isn’t marriage about provision, too? Now, of course, I realize catastrophes come into our lives; lost job, disabilities, etc. But, when we vow “for better or for worse” – who seriously imagines “the worst”?

(photo from sheknows.com)
When we enter into the relationship with God that redeems us, it’s tempting to expect things to be all rosy and sunshine as we walk with Him and grow in Him. But, being a Christian doesn’t mean life’s path will always take us where we think we need to go.

“The riches of Your love will always be enough…” While in essence, this is true, the riches of His love is truly all any of us need, for in those riches we have everything, yet, as humans, most of us continue to want more than we have. It can be hard to be content right where you’re at, especially for long periods of time in less than ideal circumstances.

Sometimes we expect God to change the will of those around us. Yes, He gave us freedom of choice, but, those around us don’t make good choices like we do! (Yes, I say that jesting.) But, wouldn’t life be easier if those around us didn’t disagree with us so much, or if they could see what we perceive to be the “greater good”? This is where we take on a God complex, thinking (consciously or subconsciously) that if we were God, we’d run things more smoothly here on Earth.

Sometimes we expect God to “get us that promotion” because, after all, we’re His children. Or we may expect that convenient parking place to open us just as we get there, because, yes, we’re His child. Or maybe we expect our teams to win, whether at sporting events or in games of chance. Maybe we just think life shouldn’t be “so hard” for us if we’re “in His Word”.
(photo from examiner.com)
In reality, the riches of His love will always be enough… is only true when we let God be God and bring ourselves into His plan, instead of wanting to write the plan for Him.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:12 (NIV) “…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation….”

We can learn contentment, too. It comes with trusting God, without reservation.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’S word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” – 2 Samuel 22:31 (NIV)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)



Sunday, May 18, 2014

Today

(picture from soufulspoon.com)
What if we succeed? What if – as a parent (or any task we complete, really), we’re successful at our job? Of course, we didn’t measure up every single day; no one does except Jesus Himself. But, thank God for grace!

But looking back at your seasonal job completed, there’s great news and for some of us a bit of hard news, too. The great news is we’ve raised self-sufficient, God-dependent men and women; people who will make an impact on the world - in big ways and in small everyday ways. They’ll be armed and equipped to raise their children.

As a learning, growing woman of God, naturally I want to see my children making an impact in the lives around them – for Christ, and to advance His kingdom. But, what if they’re not serving Christ – does that mean we failed? Absolutely not! God is our heavenly Father, we are His children, and do we all glorify Him? No. Is He a failure? No in every different way you can say it!

Are your children free to ask questions? Are they free to search out life on their own? Do they have resources available to them wherein they can pose their questions and argue their points, voice their frustrations? The answer to those questions, in most cases, is a resounding yes!

God is true to His Word and true to His promises. Diligently seek after His Word for your children and continue to pray it over them; His Word does not return void. We each have our own journey through this life, a journey we have to walk out on our own. We can be nurtured and taught, but we all make our own mistakes; we each trip over different rocks. Exercise your faith, see your child as God does and watch and pray, believing God for the fruit of your seeds sown.

But, what’s that hard news I mentioned?

As with any job well-done, and with any leaders who lead well – you’ll likely outlive the task at hand. Though we’ll always be our children’s parents, they won’t always need us like they did when they were little. If we were good parents (no parent is perfect), they will love us forever. Even if we were not-so-good, chances are, they’ll love us forever, even if they find along the way that they don’t actually like us.

Kissing one job good-bye and looking for another good and useful purpose can be a challenge. But when we sit and wallow in how well our children are doing, that’s a complete waste of self-pity! Realistically, I can’t think of any good use for self-pity. How many days will we throw away, never to be lived again, wishing we could cling to the usefulness we used to feel; being needed in the same ways we were in the past?

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

Not only have our children grown, we have too! We aren’t the same men and women we were when our children were young. We’re equipped to do even more, and to do it more effectively. Look at all the years of practice we’ve had, learning from mistake after mistake!

“The steps of a good [wo]man are ordered by the LORD; and he delighteth in his way.” – Psalm 37:23 (KJV)

Today is all we have. Yesterday is gone. Face it. Tomorrow isn’t promised. Don’t waste your precious moments looking back. Don’t long for what used to be, get excited about what is right now. Look up from any despair or anxiety or sorrow you may be wallowing in and experience what this moment in time holds for you. God’s plans are on-going and perfect. He knew this day would come and this part of our purposes here would be completed; He’s seen the end from the beginning. His game plan continues. It’s your choice, sit on the sidelines until you die – or jump back in the game. Our Head Coach calls the plays, not us. Seek Him today for what He’s got planned next!

And one of everyone’s favorites: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11-13 (KJV)




Saturday, October 5, 2013

Is God Mean? Part 2

Not settling for less than the best sums up the submitted Christian life. God wants the best for us, and sometimes what’s best is something we can’t see yet or perhaps even something we’ve been running from. But that doesn’t keep God from presenting one opportunity after another, one facet of revelation after another.

It might feel like we’re doing that old dance that takes us one step forward and two steps back, or maybe we’re going through a season where we actually see what we consider to be progress on the road of life.

God’s Word tells us that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” - Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)

There’s more to life than what we’ve already gone through and seen, and much more than the plans we’ve created in our own mind, though our dreams may be God-given. There is a divine plan in place. We weren’t abandoned here to flounder around like a fish out of water. We were designed and created with specific purposes. None of our lives are without purpose, whether our purpose is obvious to us, or to others, or not.

Some suggest that life is pointless and we die. Nothing preceded our existence and nothing follows it. I cannot even fathom that being a viable option.

Jeremiah 29:11 is an often quoted verse, because it encourages us. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (KJV)  The New International Version reads: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Clearly a verse to cling to.


Does God do things we don’t understand? Absolutely! Again, His ways are higher than our ways. If God was so puny that I could understand everything about Him, He’d be too tiny to meet my needs, too small to be my God. Our God is a BIG God, He’s everything we’ll ever need. He’s all we need! Once we invite Him into our lives, understanding begins to unfold……

Is He mean? It only appears that way when elements of our understanding are missing.