All Knowing God

Because I know Jesus is in charge of every detail of my life I can rest assured that nothing that ever happens to me is by accident.  I can praise the ONE sovereign God as Job praised:

Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

And naked shall I return there.
The LORD gives and the LORD takes away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD
Job 1:20

The preparations of the heart belong to man,

But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
Prov. 16:1

My heart may plan my way but the Lord directs my steps (Prov. 16:9). Every detail that happens to me is subject to God’s absolute sovereignty. He is in control of all things.  He rules over all kingdoms of the nations and in His hand is power and might so that no one is able to withstand Him (2 Chron 20:4-6). God gives me eternal life and I shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch me out of God’s hand (John 10:28).

When I come to believe these truths, I can rest assured that I am safe regardless of the circumstances around me.  I can have peace in the midst of the storm because I know God is walking through the storm with me (Is. 43:1-2)

I can praise knowing that all things will work out for good because I love God and I am called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).  I know I've been called and created by God for good works before the foundation of the world (Eph. 2:10).  I know I have a living hope through the resurrection of Christ (1Peter 1:3).  I know no matter what happens to me here that this earth is passing away and this is not my home.  I know I have an inheritance waiting for me in heaven (1 Peter 3:1). I know because of this inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled, an inheritance that does not fade away I can greatly rejoice though I have trials and hardships. I am convinced that the genuineness of my faith must be tested and found to praise, honor, and glorify God.  This is not always easy. I don’t believe faith is ever easy. We are a people who do not believe unless we see. We depend on our senses.Faith goes against our senses.  But faith is not something we stir up ourselves. Faith is a gift from God.

You might believe this life is way too hard, and I agree at times it is. But Jesus does not leave you alone. He was tempted and tested just as you are. He comes beside you to comfort you (2 Cor 1:4). Think of the passage regarding the man with an ill child. Jesus said all things are possible if you believe. The man replied, “I believe. Help my unbelief.” I believe the most God-honoring faith is when we come to God in honesty and humility sharing with Him exactly how we feel. It's okay that our faith wavers just as long as we come back to Him to strengthen and encourage us. He pours out His grace upon us.

My soul melts from heaviness;

Strengthen me according to Your word.
Ps. 119:28

Unless Your law had been my delight,

I would then have perished in my afflictions.
Ps.119:92

God is a God of love. I can be sure of His love as I look to the cross. At one time I was an enemy of God. I was fulfilling my own desires.  I was walking in my own truth and using God as a magical genie in the sky. I was the one in charge and He was to perform for me whenever I called upon Him. And yet in the middle of my rebellion He laid down His life for me. He endured the agony of the cross. He took upon Himself God’s wrath that was meant for me. I deserve death and I get life.  Jesus walked this earth and was tempted and tested in every way that I am tempted and tested. He understands my struggles and fears. If He loved me so to endure the wrath of God and the agony of the cross, why would He leave me now?

People, we must understand the great love of God. We must trust His love.

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because He trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3

*This post is the answer to a challenge. Yesterday, Aaron Matthews (A Disciple's Guide To Common Sense) and I decided to write a blog based on a single question (How does the knowledge that Jesus is in charge of the details of your life encourage you today?). This question comes from Mike McKinley's incredible book "Passion: How Christ's Final Day Changes Your Every Day". We had one day to complete it. I would encourage you to read Aaron's blog as well.

God is Faithful

God answers prayers.  I am seeing results of prayers today that were prayed over three years ago. We will not outlive our prayers.  Once a prayer is prayed in faith and accordance with God's will/His Word, God will bring this prayer to completion.  Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil 1:6 

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six month.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. James 5:16b-18

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks find, and to him who knock it will be opened.  Luke 11:9-10

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. colossians 4:2

My question to you is, "How desperate are you for God to answer this request?"  Are you willing to put in the time, energy, and tears this type of praying requires?  God is looking for warriors, people who are willing to fight the good fight of faith upon their knees.

Friend do not give up.  Continue seeking and asking.  God is faithful  He will bring the request to completion in Christ Jesus!