Good morning and happy Monday! I pray you are doing well. Did you have an awesome weekend? Even if it wasn’t the best weekend you’ve ever had, we give thanks because we had a weekend. Considering the current war climate, some may not get to see today. My encouragement is that we give thanks despite our circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
When what you plan doesn’t work out, how do you react? Many times our plans are not what’s best for us. The consensus is that God should answer our prayers for whatever we want. Do we consider that God knows what’s best for us? It is not always comfortable. The inclination is to wish difficulty away. Let me close my eyes, and when I awake, I realize it was all a dream.
How do you respond when a circumstance happens in your life that’s challenging? Why is this happening to me? Do you consider that maybe the difficulty God has allowed is to grow you? To help you move forward? Are you familiar with the concept that God does want what is best for you? 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.”
Joseph was able to see God’s hand in his challenging circumstances. Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Joseph’s challenges were major; from being sold into slavery to being thrown in prison for something he didn’t do. I am not minimizing anyone’s challenges. The pain can sometimes be excruciating. However, I am a big fan of reflection because it allows me to understand the depth of gratitude when I consider my own growing pains. What I have experienced gives me the strength to encourage others. Full disclosure though, this revelation is an ongoing process.
Ephesians 1:8-10 – “…With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
When considering the manifold wisdom of God, I appreciate that He considered man in the grand scheme of things. Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
God bless you and be encouraged.