Faith
“So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.” (Acts 12:21-23. NKJV.)
Yikes!!! How many times have we been blessed by the grace of God and did not give Him the credit and praise? Too many times in my life I should have been consumed by maggots. Thankfully Christ drank the cup of our Father’s wrath so that it is not ours to swallow and we are not subject to the same no tolerance policy that is seen in the Old Testament time and time again.
I feel so fortunate that our Father takes care of everything! It lifts a great weight from my shoulders knowing I do not have to control everything, I do not have to bear the responsibility for everything, and He is there to make the decisions. Even my husband has more of the stress than I as I am protected when I am obedient to him and follow his lead. With so many stressors in life, (i.e. the raising of children, finances, loved ones who sin against us, what the future holds, etc.) it is a breath of fresh air having our Father on my side and working everything for the good of those who love Him, those whom He has called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
And what of those pesky trials and tribulations? How in the world are they used to glorify God? Perhaps it is by our actions and reactions. If we are not challenged by the world and non-believers we would probably stand quiet and most likely in a prideful state. But the presence of difficult situations and those who sin against us keep us dependent on our Father and provoke us to act in a way that brings glory to Him instead of lashing out in defense, to “protect” ourselves. But how often do we choose to recognize God and behave in a manner that draws attention to Him? I am embarrassed to say it is not too often on my end. I am wretched and constantly seek to gain and maintain the quiet and gentle spirit of one who has unconditional, steadfast faith in our Father, His love, His tender guidance, and His protection.
By His grace we have been saved and woke up again this morning from our slumber to live this vapor of a life another day. We have been given a further chance today to honor, serve, encourage, worship, fight peer pressure, and defy the world!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” (The 23rd Psalm.)
Amen.
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