Devotionals

Trials come in various forms. 

The word various comes from an interesting Greek term, poikolos, which means "variegated" or "many coloured." We also get the term "polka dot" from it. 

Trials come in a variety of forms and colours. They are different, just as we are different. Something that would hardly affect you might knock the slats out from under me—and vice versa. But God offers special grace to match every shade of sorrow....

Following the will of God requires faith and action, which in turn call for risk and release. This is where things get very personal. 

This is where we persevere and flesh out the will of God.

I have come to this conclusion: Doing the will of God is rarely easy and uncomplicated. Instead, it is often difficult and convoluted. Or...mysterious. 

Can't seem to get where you want to go fast enough? Leave it to God.

Worried about your kids? Leave it to God.

Living in a place you'd rather not be? Leave it to God.

Looks like you won't graduate with honours? Leave it to God.

Found a lump and you see the doctor tomorrow? Leave it to God.

A mid-career change seems scary? Leave it to God.

You did the job but someone else got the credit? Leave it to God.

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By now in our Christian walk we hardly need the reminder that life is not a cloud-nine utopia. It is a terribly unrealistic view to think that Christ helps you live happily ever after; it's downright unbiblical! Most of life is learning and growing, falling and getting back up, forgiving and forgetting, accepting and going on.

We know the sovereign Potter is working with our clay as He pleases. 

The word formed literally means "originated or created." 

God reached into my life when I was merely a tiny embryo and began to shape me within. He originated me. He began to put me together while I was still in the soft silence of my mother's womb. It was there my "inward parts" were originated by God....

Do you know what I've discovered about the Lord? He doesn't give wisdom on credit. He doesn't advance you a bundle of insight.... Do you know when He gives us words and wisdom and insight? 

Right when we need them. At the very instant they are required.

Among Christians, a favourite verse of Scripture is Romans 8:28:

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.

The tyranny of the urgent will always out-shout the essential nature of the important...if we let it. 

We have to determine not to let that happen. The secret is establishing personal priorities. I have suggested four:

In the depths of every person's soul, in the secret chambers where no one else knows the thoughts, we are usually able to find a worry or two or three. Even in the hearts of those who are laughing and smiling.

We worry about death—our own or that of a loved one. We worry about disobedience and sin, about feelings of guilt. We worry about daily problems—people problems, decision problems, problems related to work, home, relationships, finances, school...

You name it, we worry about it....

Proverbs 4:11