This is a lesson that I was CERTAIN that our family had learned well. Our past is littered with events that have no other explanation other than THE LORD directed our steps in paths foreign to our own devising.
It would seem that we have more learning to do for, once again, our plans have been thwarted. Past experiences have proven that God was directing, however, my sinful heart struggles to trust! Is that surprising? It shouldn't be, for the Bible teaches that the heart, the deviser or planner in Proverbs 16:9, is wicked and deceitful!
JEREMIAH 17:9 THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT?
In the midst trials, Christians are often guilty of complaining about our circumstances! Our wicked, deceitful heart would have us believe that SOMEBODY or SOMETHING is to blame for our current state of suffering. We don't usually have to look very far to find an object or person on whom to focus our negative energies. But WAIT! Christian, do we really believe that GOD IS DIRECTING our paths? I fear that if we did, we would anxiously anticipate the working of God.
Dr. Clarence Sexton, Pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tn. once said "FAITH IS TRUSTING IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD"! The character of God! Have you considered it? Studying the character of God, we will find that He is kind, loving and sees to it that ALL THINGS work together for GOOD to them that love God.....Romans 8:28a. How can we fear if God is directing and He ensures that all things work together for my good? Oh that I might wait with eager anticipation to see the Hand of God at work once again in our lives.
In my next post (or two) I would like to share with you a few letters that my wife and I have received from our children. They know of our struggles and they are such encouragers. Thank God for children that have a heart for the things of the Lord. Sometimes their innocent zeal for God places me under conviction!
God Bless You and SEEK FOR THE OLD PATHS!
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