Our God is an amazing God! His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He is infinitely bigger and better than we can ever fathom. He is big enough to hold the stars in the sky yet intimately knows us...even better than we know ourselves. He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins and continues to show us grace when we fall as He continues to sanctify. The God of the universe loves us that much!!! On top of that, if we know Jesus as Lord and Savior, we have the hope of heaven for...eternity. This world is but a vapor and our time here is so short.
When all the above is in perspective, it's pretty easy not to stress. When we look to circumstances, it's easy to feel like life is out of control. I am in the midst of the battle of trying not to rest my hope in circumstances , rather, FULLY rest in Jesus Christ.
Here are some of the things that are tugging at my anxious heart:
*Chris' company (a new home builder) has layed off all but 3 of the sales team...praise Jesus he is one of the three
*The medical side of the adoption is much more than we anticipated...both physically and financially (and we'll be paying for it out of pocket)
I guess that those are the biggest...but you know there are tons of others ones that are lingering daily. With the job and adoption situation, it'd be easy to say, "Maybe it's not time to use all your savings (and potentially go into debt) for this." Circumstantially, it's not. But our decision is grounded in faith and the Lord has not closed the door or redirected us. He continues to provided for our needs. I am also aware that "needs" are so much less than most Americans say are a "need." If it came down to it, true "needs" do not include a cell phone, Internet, car...I know it's hard to imagine...but it's true. Anyway, we are acting in obedience to our God who does see the big picture and knows what's best for us and what will bring Him glory. We know the risks were are taking and the sacrifices we are making...we are acting in obedience and anticipate all the joy that will bring as God continues to lead us.
Jeremiah 29:11
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.
Psalm 28:6-8
6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
8 The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."
Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 25:4-6
4 Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
James 4:13-15
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."***If you want to post some encouraging verses as comments, that would be awesome!!!
2 comments:
James 1:2
Consider it all joy , my brethen when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Thanks for this scripture post. I have been feeling really similarly with all of this economic stuff. I am sure you have heard about all of the OHSU lay-offs. Needless to say, my job is not very secure right now. God is teaching Matt and I some amazing lessons about His provision, trusting in Him completely, and that He honors decisions that are made in light of His calling ( ... and like you, what is really necessity vs luxury). Here are a couple more passages.
John 6:27-29
Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval. They then asked him, "what must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent."
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry saying, "What shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? or What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
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