Girlfriends in God - Mar. 10, 2011
Will God Really Come Through?
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you’” (Psalm 32:8, NLT).
Friend to Friend
When our daughter, Danna, was a toddler, she and her daddy had a favorite game. Dan would place her in some high spot then stand back, hold up his arms and say, “Jump to Daddy!” I hated this game but Danna loved it and always jumped into Dan’s arms, laughing and giggling. But one day, Dan put her in a spot that Danna thought was just a little too high. She did what I do when I get scared. She closed her eyes. When Dan ordered her to jump, Danna wailed, “I can’t! I can’t see you, Daddy!” Dan softly responded, “It doesn’t matter, baby. I can see you!” With a smile on her scrunched up face my daughter bailed off into the strong arms of her Father, secure in the knowledge that he would catch her - just as he always had.
The apostle Paul understood and lived by the truth that God is constantly at work in and around us, monitoring every circumstance. Paul writes in Philippians 4:10, “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.” There is a truth in this verse that is easy to miss - the truth that God is always at work around us. Paul’s circumstances did not show that God was working, but Paul knew He was. Paul was secure in the belief that help was on the way, so he stood firm and began watching for God to show up.
Paul examined every circumstance, understanding that it had already passed through His Father’s hands - with His permission. And God came through. To find real security and contentment we must learn to search for the handprints of God in the every day circumstances of life.
Life is not a series of accidents but a series of divine appointments made by our heavenly Father – each one designed to prove that He loves us and orchestrated to illustrate His provision for us. That interruption we complain about or that intrusion we resent may well be a window of opportunity sent by Him. God is our provider. The word “provider” comes from two Latin words: “pro” which means “before” and “video” which means “to see.” In other words, God will take care of it beforehand. God caused the church at Philippi to become concerned about Paul’s needs when Paul needed their love most. God always comes through when we need Him the most. It is a picture of the Good Shepherd meeting every need of every sheep.
John 10:4 (NLT) “After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they recognize his voice.”
The Shepherd is always ahead of his sheep - out in front - which means that any attack upon the sheep has to take Him into account first. What peace and security we can have knowing that God has gone before us through every valley, across each mountain of life. He knows what tomorrow holds and will give us everything we need to face it. When we begin to understand and walk in the truth that God monitors every circumstance, we will walk in contentment – knowing that He really is in control.
You may find yourself in a frightening place filled with darkness and doubt. Your fragile heart may be wondering if God knows where you are. He does. You think that because you cannot see the hand of God or sense His presence, it means He is not working. Nothing could be further from the truth. We may not understand or even like His process, but God is always at work in our lives. Rest assured – God really is in control – and He will come through for you.
Let’s Pray
Father, I confess that when the darkness comes and doubt invades, I sometimes complain that I don’t understand and cannot see Your hand at work. Forgive me, Lord, for my demanding and faithless attitude. Forgive me for not trusting You and help me, by the power of Your Spirit, to trust You completely.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now it’s Your Turn
By faith, accept the truth that God is always at work in your life and thank Him for His steadfast provision. Look back over the last few days, weeks and months of your life. Now praise Him for the things He has done.
Identify the people or things that you tend to think of and rely upon as sources of security and contentment in your life.
Read Proverbs 3:5-6. What are the steps listed in this passage that – when taken – will produce contentment?
What hedges of protection can you put in place today that will prepare you to face tomorrow with security and contentment?
More from the Girlfriends
When it comes right down to it, I really prefer that God be able to see me rather than insisting that I be able to see and understand Him. That is where faith comes in. Faith believes God is who He says He is … and will do what He promises to do. And it only takes a tiny seed of faith to unleash the power of God in your life. Right now, exchange your fear and doubt for His peace and power in your life.
Need peace?The "Fear Factor" is not just a television show. Fear is a faithful companion in a world filled with broken people, many of whom live at the mercy of their fears. Mary’s Bible Study, Getting a Grip on Fear, will help you discover God's plan for peace by identifying five ways to face and deal with fear.
It’s not too late to enroll in Mary’s weekly online Bible Study, How to Handle Hurtand have access to all of 2011 studies.
Need a friend?Connect with Mary on Facebookor through email.
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