Yesterday we started unpacking some lessons on how we are to best navigate pain, difficult stretches of our lives. The premise yesterday was that the first thing that we have to have a firm grasp on is the sovereignty of God.
It seems to me that the second thing we have to have settled in our faith is the nature and character of God. Hebrews 11:6 (here @ Bible Gateway) seems to capture the thought most succinctly. We have to believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Consider the implications. To live like that we have to be comfortable, settled really, with not only God’s sovereignty, but that sovereignty, that power, is exercised consistent with a nature and character in which we can, using the book of Hebrews term, “rest”.
We have to know that we can trust Him.
There were times in this past year that my prayer in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances consisted of, “I love You, I trust You.” That was all. The rest of the time was spent in tears.
There is only one way of which I am aware to understand both the nature of God and His sovereignty. That is to devour His Word. There is no other way. We cannot survive on the work and understanding of others. We have to have firsthand knowledge of Him. Our minds have to be renewed, Romans 12:1 - 2 (here @ Bible Gateway).
The only way to do that is by spending much time with Him in the Word, prayerfully.
Consider the implications. To live like that we have to be comfortable, settled really, with not only God’s sovereignty, but that sovereignty, that power, is exercised consistent with a nature and character in which we can, using the book of Hebrews term, “rest”.
We have to know that we can trust Him.
There were times in this past year that my prayer in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances consisted of, “I love You, I trust You.” That was all. The rest of the time was spent in tears.
There is only one way of which I am aware to understand both the nature of God and His sovereignty. That is to devour His Word. There is no other way. We cannot survive on the work and understanding of others. We have to have firsthand knowledge of Him. Our minds have to be renewed, Romans 12:1 - 2 (here @ Bible Gateway).
The only way to do that is by spending much time with Him in the Word, prayerfully.
I finally caught up with this. You are at this minute on your way to Cameroon - miraculously! I'm praying with you.
ReplyDeleteYour post comes out of a heart broken with Gods' very own pain. The dross burned away will allow Him to shine through like never before. His ways are mysterious....