How Do You View Disaster - Despair or Hope
Proverbs 16:4 "The Lord works out everything to its proper end - even the wicked for a day of disaster."
Well, this popped out at me a bit different today. I totally understand the beginning of this verse, have heard it many times. The last part, jumped out at me in such a way, that I had to read it over several times.
I understand that God made everyone and everything. I understand that He gave us all "free will" where we get to choose what we do and say, how we act, how we respond.... This verse gave me a different insight to the people that are choosing to NOT follow God, and work against His will. The ones that are following the devil and are a part of his army. Reading this verse, and having it sink in - I see that even those who are following wicked ways, are used for Gods glory! I had a memory flash of times when people who DO have a relationship with Jesus, have been tested by people who are wicked. Not only do I remember that their faith grew because of the circumstances, but their faith actually drew others closer to God as well.
This verse helped me see, that instead of followers of Christ being "turned" towards evil, there are people that have had their hearts hardened like Pharaoh, and who are "doing their part" in situations that could be considered "disaster", they start being changed due to God getting the glory. Seeing that the faith of people is being built up not torn down. They are watching those of us who are believers in Jesus, and how we are going to act or respond. WOW!! Not that God is trying to "trip us up" or divert us, or have us lose faith - but it is for our benefit and to strengthen our faith. Which, by what I have experienced and witnessed - ALWAYS happens to those who have a true heart after God.
Today, lets stop and thank God for ALL of the people in and around us in our life. In the world too. Yes, I believe that the prayers of Gods children, can and will change the hearts of people following evil. So we need to pray for them and their hearts to change and seek truth instead of darkness. However, when we see disaster happening around us, in our community, in our nation, in the world.... we need to pray for those involved in evil AND then pray for Gods vision to see where those people and their choices in the disaster are strengthening our faith. Where we can lean on Him and His understanding. Praying for His will to use the disaster for His glory. How He WILL work things out in the end. I am praying for you today. I am praying for our nation today. I am excited that God will show us the ways in which He is using the current disaster to draw us to Him. How, He will use someone to come to the side of the young man involved in causing the disaster and draw him to God as well. What a testimony he will have! Light does come after darkness fades. Like the rainbow that comes after rain, so too will Gods glory shine after disasters. If the disaster is "natural" or "man caused" - God will show us ways to be blessed in and through it! Be well, be safe, and be on the alert. Blessings to you today!
Well, this popped out at me a bit different today. I totally understand the beginning of this verse, have heard it many times. The last part, jumped out at me in such a way, that I had to read it over several times.
I understand that God made everyone and everything. I understand that He gave us all "free will" where we get to choose what we do and say, how we act, how we respond.... This verse gave me a different insight to the people that are choosing to NOT follow God, and work against His will. The ones that are following the devil and are a part of his army. Reading this verse, and having it sink in - I see that even those who are following wicked ways, are used for Gods glory! I had a memory flash of times when people who DO have a relationship with Jesus, have been tested by people who are wicked. Not only do I remember that their faith grew because of the circumstances, but their faith actually drew others closer to God as well.
This verse helped me see, that instead of followers of Christ being "turned" towards evil, there are people that have had their hearts hardened like Pharaoh, and who are "doing their part" in situations that could be considered "disaster", they start being changed due to God getting the glory. Seeing that the faith of people is being built up not torn down. They are watching those of us who are believers in Jesus, and how we are going to act or respond. WOW!! Not that God is trying to "trip us up" or divert us, or have us lose faith - but it is for our benefit and to strengthen our faith. Which, by what I have experienced and witnessed - ALWAYS happens to those who have a true heart after God.
Today, lets stop and thank God for ALL of the people in and around us in our life. In the world too. Yes, I believe that the prayers of Gods children, can and will change the hearts of people following evil. So we need to pray for them and their hearts to change and seek truth instead of darkness. However, when we see disaster happening around us, in our community, in our nation, in the world.... we need to pray for those involved in evil AND then pray for Gods vision to see where those people and their choices in the disaster are strengthening our faith. Where we can lean on Him and His understanding. Praying for His will to use the disaster for His glory. How He WILL work things out in the end. I am praying for you today. I am praying for our nation today. I am excited that God will show us the ways in which He is using the current disaster to draw us to Him. How, He will use someone to come to the side of the young man involved in causing the disaster and draw him to God as well. What a testimony he will have! Light does come after darkness fades. Like the rainbow that comes after rain, so too will Gods glory shine after disasters. If the disaster is "natural" or "man caused" - God will show us ways to be blessed in and through it! Be well, be safe, and be on the alert. Blessings to you today!
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