ONE DAY LATER.......

Yes, only one day later I am rejoicing because I hold the hand of Jesus! And all because of a little book called JESUS CALLING! Today, I write holding Jesus' hand.  I am enjoying His blessings and trust in His goodness regardless of the situation in the world.  Yesterday, I wrote out  of fear.  Today I write out of hope and something else...the certainty of God's goodness!


 What we usually see as goodness, you and I, is not always a perfect picture of goodness.  What we may see as hardship and causes us fear, is often God's goodness for the world in its entirety. Hardship is part of the life on this earth.  Hardship helps us in the long run as we find Christ through our need.  So, when part of the world is under hardship, God is at work there, bringing goodness after the hard times which is important for those in the process of finding God.  We suffer, we work, we learn to pray in our suffering, and God answering, reveals Himself.


The world can be a terrifying place, and at times, we resent it.  We rebel against it.  We may not be looking for God at work there, for it looks the opposite of control.  But chaos may be a needed factor for any part of the world before God can be revealed, and like Job, we lose heart.  Fear encroaches upon us and the world seems to be a terrifying place.


If we really have what God has already given us, hope in Him and trust in His goodness, we must remind ourselves that God works His work in spite of our rebellious  tendencies to fear and distrust.  His Spirit is aware of our attitudes.  Would not God prefer to have us trust Him?  Would not God prefer to have us believe that He is in charge and have reasons and purposes we may not yet understand?


We are not very good at understanding our own losses or thwarted hopes. How can we begin to understand losses going on in other parts of the world? Wherever losses occur, here on our doorstep or across the ocean somewhere, God is in charge.  Praying for those in another part of the world is the best answer we will ever find.  Trusting in the work of God there will give us hope for our own time of hardship.


Now, hear from JESUS CALLING! "The best response to loss or thwarted hopes is praise.  The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord. Remember that all good things--your possessions, your family and friends, your health and abilities, your time--are gifts from Me.  Instead of feeling entitled to all my blessings, respond to them with gratitude.  Be prepared to let go of anything I take from you, but never let go of My hand!"


So, whether our resentment may come from personal hardship or what we fear is happening beyond our shores, we are advised well to continue to PRAISE GOD. And be prepared to let go of anything taken from us, bur never let go of Christ's hand!  Trust in Him, always.


I am holding His hand as I perceive my world and the world around me.  I will be at peace because of trust in Him. Are you with me?


Jo INMN