[07/01/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
Life can be tough. In spite of our striving to live pleasing to God, conflicts arise. We find ourselves challenged. Our focus gets drawn to the storms around us. We may feel the need to withdraw and wonder about our purpose in life. However, when our focus is distracted in such ways, let us remember God has a purpose for us and is able to lead us through whatever challenges we might be facing. Let us keep our focus of trust turned toward Him.
Consider the following words written by David when he was in the cave when fleeing from Saul. We read. . .
“(1)Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (2) I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. (3) He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!” (Psalm 57:1-3 ESV)
Though David had become a mighty man of war, his trust for victory remained with God. It was not to his men, but to God he would cry in prayer. David remained open to God’s purposes and trusted, by the mercy of God, He would work those Divine purposes in his life.
In a letter written by Jeremiah to those who had been taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 29), we find the encouraging words of God. . .
“(11) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (12) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12 ESV)
These exiles were to go about their life (i.e. Jeremiah 29:5-6), even in that foreign land, as they patiently awaited God’s deliverance. In their calling upon the Lord, they were encouraged they would be heard. God had plans of which He was fully able to fulfill on their behalf.
In the face of challenging times and difficult situations which may not even make sense to us, let us remember Paul’s encouraging words. . .
“(28) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)
God is able to do this! May we live like we know this to be true as we continue striving to live not according to our own purposes, but for His!
Have a great day TRUSTING GOD TO FULFILL HIS DIVINE PURPOSE EVEN FOR US!
Carl
