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A Closer Walk

Sometimes we wonder why things are happening to us and we might ask, “Why is this happening to me”. We ask that question when the happenings are things we consider to be bad. Ever heard anyone say "Why is this happening to me?" when their lottery ticket turns out to be a winner? Or, when someone receives a larger than expected tax refund do they exclaim, "Why is this happening to me?" No, we only wonder why this is happening if it is something we consider to be bad. Perhaps a better question is, why are we willing to accept things we consider good, but unwilling to accept things we consider bad? Job may have said it best, "...Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" Job 2:10 NASB.
We occasionally need reminding that our God is sovereign. He is on His throne, and He is in control. In control of what? Well, everything. John the Baptist explained to his disciples, "...A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given to him from heaven," John 3:27 NASB. As children of God, if something does comes our way, whether we consider it good or bad, we have the assurance that it has been commanded, ordained, allowed, or condoned by Almighty God. Our Heavenly Father is always and ever working to make us more like our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will never give up on us. "...He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus," Philippians 1:6 NASB.
Is it possible, then, that our Lord doesn't look at happenings as good or bad? Is it further possible that He sees things in light of whether or not they will move us in the direction He wants us to go? Is it possible our God in Heaven chooses things (afflictions, hardships, trials, tribulations, or even things we would consider good or pleasant) to help mold and shape us in the one area where He knows we need the most help? A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given to him from heaven.
"I can't believe God put us here to be ordinary.” This quote is from Lou Holtz, former head football coach at Notre Dame (where his team won a National Championship) and South Carolina. Did God put us here to be ordinary? Did He put us here in hopes that no one would notice? Or, does He desire to make Himself known through us? In what ways can He work through each and every one of us to minister to our fellow man by using our hands to do His work?
If God is sovereign over all the world, including us, does He have the authority, even the right, to do with us as He wishes? In His sovereignty, does He have the authority to take us here, or there, or somewhere else? If we disagree with what He is doing, or how He is doing it, does that diminish His sovereignty?
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” Romans 8:28 NASB.

 

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