If you look at me, you may wonder,
“What’s there to be thankful for?”
It is my life, I know better;
I know where He picked me, how far
He’s brought me: you weren’t there.
I know where and what He saved me from
Which you may never see.
I know where He’s leading me: it may not show
What He’s making me: a clue you may not have.
I know He’s able to deliver from all ahead
Land me in safety and plenty though you find
No reason to believe, no proof to agree.
Where I am today may not meet your spec
But each time I look back, every time I look ahead
I smile praises, I beam gratitude even if the world
Doesn’t know, doesn’t care: I know:
No matter my present, He’ll finish this good.
Food For Thought: Swell and dry times are normal parts of human existence. Each comes for a reason, in its season but all work together for our good and God’s ultimate glory. Jesus said concerning an embarrassing situation, “It is for the demonstration of the power and glory of God.” God doesn’t need difficulties to prove us because He knows us already. Yet, He allows us to be tried so the enemy can witness the display of eternal glory in earthen vessels. He doesn’t test us with evil because He stocks none and has no pleasure in our failure. However, when the enemy brings on troubles, He waits for us to turn them over to Him so He can demonstrate His awesome power to the kingdom of darkness. He is an ever present help in times of need but often, we fail because we remember a little too late that it is not by our power and might but by His Spirit and strength. It thrills God when we enthrone Him above our concerns. The enemy expects us to sink under afflictions and accuse God, who waits patiently for us to turn to Him for answers and solutions. It is hard to be kind or thankful while hurting but where grace is appreciated and appropriated, godliness comes handy in times of need. Satan is shocked when we bounce up after hitting walls of disappointment. Our faith in God, like air inside a ball, helps us bounce and rise again and again, whenever we are struck. Our ability to rise above circumstances threatening to deflate us is dependent on the strength of our faith in God, not faith in ourselves, our prayers or spiritual activities. Our faith in God and His word determines how we interpret and translate the impacts of life on us.
Scripture: Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1: 6.
Prayer: Dear Lord, may I not allow my circumstances to discourage and depress me: as I remember how far we have come and what lies ahead, may my heart continually rise up, full of praises to You my God, amen.