Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: TRUST (07/21/16)
-
TITLE: There's No Other Way | Previous Challenge Entry
By Elaine Hemingway
07/27/16 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
What a precious verse, although so often difficult to understand and apply when life throws us a curved ball and it is difficult to see where and how the good will come. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves of what we can read in Isaiah 55 where he quotes the Word of the Lord. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” The text goes on to repeat the promise that His Word will not return empty but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent.
When we feed on the Word, dwell in the Word, rest in the Word and rely on the Holy Spirit to give us guidance, insight and understanding of the Word, we will be inundated by the promises we find. There are general promises but also those dependent upon obedience, which would probably offer us between three and five thousand phrases that we could claim. I am not a member of the name it and claim it brigade, and have found that to go to the Lord with a shopping list in prayer is a futile experience. Knowing that all things are possible to him who believes gives me the assurance to say, “Not my will, Lord, but Yours be done.”
This world is not our home, and as Randy Alcorn, one of my favourite authors, tells us in his book ‘Heaven’ there is a wonderful home to anticipate if we have accepted that a price was paid for us and a place is being prepared for us.
Yes, there are many questions, and as I often say when challenged by doubters, seekers or unbelievers, I don’t know all the answers, but I have the assurance of meeting face to face with Jesus one day, being able to ask Him, and then there will be eternity in which to receive all the answers.
We live in a world that is becoming increasingly full of hatred, violence, apostasy, greed, vice and idolatry, where these traits thrive and grow; where tragedy dogs our footsteps and terror may lay around the corner. Jesus says, “Come to Me, all who are tired and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) That is not necessarily a promise for the here and now, but for eternity.
I had a disabled sister, who now dances in Heaven.
I have an alcoholic fisherman son, for whom I pray, Lord, make him a fisher of men. The answer is pending and may be “No.”
I am the carer for my husband with multi-faceted dementia amongst other things, who yet puts out his hand for me to give thanks for every meal. Do I feel sorry for us? No, for I have a Saviour without whom I would not cope.
I look to the days of Noah, and see why the Lord sent a flood. I look to the days of the Exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, and see a modern Babylon tempting the world to its false gods and philosophies. And I look to a God who knows all, sees all, and will fulfil His plans and purposes.
He is my God, who has all my trust and commitment. He is El Shaddai, Adonai, Jehoveh Jireh, Elohim, God who sees.
How can I do other than to “Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to Trust and Obey.” (John H Sammis. 1887)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
