Plans

When plans change abruptly, hopes are dashed, and answers to prayers are delayed over and over and over again, how do you react?

Friends of mine had saved up and planned a dream trip.  They had made all the arrangements, taken leave from work, bought the airline tickets, made reservations at hotels, and at places where they wanted to go.  The night before they were to leave everything changed. One of them tested positive for Covid and the trip had to be cancelled. Instead of enjoying the time away together they were separated as the husband fought off Covid in the ICU and she was not even allowed to be with him.  It was hard for them not to question GOD as to “WHY?”

At times we are severely tested. When we become angry about it, it shows that we have a faulty view of GOD and HIS ways (3 John 1:11). During hard times we need to remember GOD’s word, believe and claim HIS promises.  For HE says HE has a plan for you that is good (Jeremiah 29:11); HE has even scheduled each day of your life before you began to breathe (Psalm 139:16) plus HE has special things for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).   

You might react, “What do you mean GOD scheduled my days. I am just a puppet?”  The answer is a resounding NO!  The Word of GOD tells us that our Creator, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, who by the way knows all things past, present and future determined all things according to HIS purposes (Ephesians 1:11) and HIS astounding unfathomable foreknowledge includes knowing how each of us will act in any and all situations (1 Peter 1:2).  GOD sets the stage by determining the exact times and places and HE does it for a reason (Acts 17:26-27).  Then we get to choose how to act within those boundaries, so we are definitely not puppets.

Our faithful LORD will keep every one of HIS promises for HE alone has the power, will and knowledge to do just that. You see GOD cares deeply for each of us and was in CHRIST reconciling the world to HIMSELF (2 Corinthians 5:19) In the same way HE designed the exact minute details of let’s say a mosquito or a flower, every nuance of each of our stories is important to HIM.

When trouble comes (and it will John 16:33), we can know GOD has not abandoned us nor forgotten about us for HE has promised to go with us through whatever is our lot (Isaiah 43:2, Hebrews 13:5). Hard seasons have their end dates set by GOD HIMSELF (Acts 17:26). Setbacks—for the Believer—are always setups preparing us for what lies ahead (James 1:2-4) and achieving for us amazing eternal things that far surpass the pain of today (2 Corinthians 4:15-18). Detours always have a hidden and divine purpose for the greater good of our stories and for the glory of GOD. Remember, we are only passing through; this world it is not our home.

Have you been holding your breath during an onslaught of struggles or hearing of worldwide pandemic, unrest and rioting, wars and rumors of wars, an onslaught of volcanos erupting and increasing earthquakes?  Have you been wondering what in the world is coming next? Stop! Be still and remember GOD is sovereign (Psalm 46:10) and HE told us this all was coming.  Exhale today, refocus by considering GOD’s control, HIS great promises and all the incredible blessings you are enjoying today. Then, offer up a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to GOD for HIS faithfulness to you. Remember HE is faithful who promised that all who call on the LORD shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

Hugs

Sharon

Even the details

Each and every artist, whatever his style (cartoon, abstract, impression) whether a doodler or sketcher, regardless of being a beginner or highly experienced, starts a new work in the same way- with a single line. Then line goes on line, here a little line- there a little line. That is the very way GOD teaches us. (Isaiah 28;9,10)  So as I reread a favorite Bible story… GOD put another line in place and deepened my appreciation of HIS work in my life. So, here is the story- Sharon style.

Now several young good looking, highly educated and quick to learn, socially adept teenage boys who had never known a moment of dire need or deprived of any valid joy (for all were children of Jewish royalty or leaders) were among those taken captive by the Babylonians. Can you even imagine their horror of being captured and forced to walk for miles and miles? They were in no way prepared for this situation.

Because these teenagers were already trained in many areas, the foundation was laid and therefore they were selected to live in the king’s palace and put under teachers to be taught for 3 years the learning and culture, writings, and language of the Chaldeans so they could stand as counselors to the king. The King also ordered that they be feed and given drink from the very best of his own table. What an opportunity, what an honor. Though the teens grieved the horrors they had seen in Jerusalem and the struggle to survive during the trudge of walking to Babylon, can you imagine the teens relief when they were selected and taken to the palace?

But one of the boys felt a check in his spirit… I image a check very like you or I feel when placed in a situation where we know we shouldn’t do something everyone else is doing. When in Rome should we not do as the Romans do?

But not Daniel. He knew the law of the LORD said that he was not to defile himself by eating meat of an unbled animal, or meat fried with its fats, or offered 1^st to idols even when a captive in another land. (Leviticus 3:17 Hosea 9:3).

But what could he do about it? He had no options for he was a slave. Even though he didn’t know how yet, he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat nor with the wine (Daniel 1:8). Since his heart was in the right place, I believe GOD placed a plan in his thoughts (Proverbs 21:1, Philippians 2:13). He share this idea with his 3 closest friends. They agreed to join him.

Bravely he ventured to the one in charge and requested to be allowed to eat only veggies and drink only water. (not that meat was wrong in itself but the kings meat had not been bled so was unclean, and it was roasted with its fat and all fat belongs to the LORD plus animal fat harms the human body and most important of all 1^st it was offered to idols.)

The head guy was horrified at such a request for he felt such action would lead to the 4 boys to wither away and he knew without a doubt that if these 4 looked poorly to his master the king who had assigned the meat and wine for the boys, he would be killed. But the teen plead that his plan just be tested for 10 days. Now how much damage could happen in just 10 days? Since GOD had already given this teen favor in the head honchos eyes, (Daniel 1:9) he agreed to test Daniel’s plan.

And what happened? After the 10 days those 4 teens looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate and drank the royal food. So the one in charge allowed Daniel and his friend to continue on their diet of vegetables and water. Because of their desire to do what HE wanted GOD gave those 4 knowledge and understanding, skill in all learning and wisdom: and gave Daniel understanding in all visions and dreams (Daniel 1:17).

Why? Those 4 looked not on their own comfort, but on what GOD said was right.  GOD delights in obedience.

We’ve sees Daniel’s desire to do right, to act as prompted by GOD and we have seen his bravery to go to the one in charge and change the King’s command. Now let’s focus now on GOD’s part in this familiar story:
1. GOD created this teen in the womb of his mom and given him special abilities (Psalm 139:13).

2. Our Creator had a plan for Daniel (Jeremiah 29:11).
3. The LORD placed him in a family of royalty or nobility (Daniel 1:3-4).
4. The Almighty ONE nudged the king to make specific commands concerning the Jewish teens (Lamentations 3:37). 
5. The Holy SPIRIT nudged the teen by putting a check in his spirit, reminding Daniel that what the king expected was wrong. Perhaps HE did this by bringing a piece of Scripture to Daniel’s mind. I know that is often how HE speaks to me. 
6. The Designer of the universe placed within Daniel a plan and the desire to do what GOD wanted with the ability to do so (Philippians 2:13). Daniel didn’t have to think up his own plan.
7. GOD gave Daniel favor in the eyes of the one in charge (Daniel 1: 9). We see that so often in scripture how GOD opens doors through giving people favor with those in charge.
8. GOD blessed the choice and action to do right with physical health and vitality above the others (Daniel 1:15).
9. GOD gave Daniel and his friends more in intelligence, wisdom, understanding and skills plus special abilities because they used what they already had (Daniel 1:17).

I must never lose sight of the fact that I have nothing that has not 1st been given to me so have no reason to boast (1 Corinthians 4:7).  I need to remember that I am GOD’s workmanship (Greek=poem) (Ephesians 2:10) and never have to fear for HE has prepared the way ahead for me to fulfill the assignments HE gives me.

GOD is the artist and has a plan for you and also has given you the HOLY SPIRIT to lead and empower you.

Hugs
Sharon

GOD planned ahead

Jonah was GOD’s man and GOD gave him an assignment, but he ran the other way and ended up in the fish’s belly.  It was there going down for the count that Jonah cried out to GOD saying, “YOU cast me into the deep… the waters surrounded me, even to my soul (Jonah 2:3, 5). 

But despite his situation Jonah said, “when my soul fainted within me I remember YOU LORD and my prayer rises to YOU in YOUR holy temple” (Jonah 2:7).

GOD heard his prayer, even though Jonah had rebelled against HIM and the LORD told the fish to spit him out on dry land. and it did.

In the same way sin and self-will creates distance between GOD and us, we can look up from the lowest points in our lives and see HIM high and lifted up in holiness, goodness and grace.  Even though it feels like we are all alone and in the valley of death GOD is with us (Psalm 23:4) and when we cry out to HIM then HE will strengthen us and lead us out to safety and purpose. 

*Please note: we must cry out to the the LORD for it is only those who call on the name of the LORD that are saved (Romans 10:13). 
I find it very interesting and encouraging that GOD planned ahead because HE knew all things that would happen. Before Jonah even was thrown overboard into the sea GOD had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah (Jonah 1:17). 

It is really assuring that GOD not only hears our prayers but even before trouble hits HE plans ahead to deliver and lead us (Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 29:11-13). 

Isaiah 30:18 “And therefore will the LORD wait, that HE may be gracious unto you, and therefore will HE be exalted, that HE may have mercy upon you (when you call out to HIM) for the LORD is a GOD of justice: blessed are all they that wait for HIM.

hugs

Sharon

I just didn’t fit in

The ALMIGHTY is AWESOME. We get glimpses of HIM through what HE has made.  Some things are big and some small, some amazingly colorful and some drab, some are beautiful and some comical (like the praying mantis) but each in their various ways show us something true about our CREATOR.

Psalm 104 mentions different places for one kind of bird and another for the stork, one place for the mountain goats and another for the cronies (rock badgers).  1 Corinthians 12 says the same thing goes for HIS children. There are different kinds of gifts but the same SPIRIT; there are different kinds of service, but the same LORD; There are different kinds of working, but the same GOD works all of them in all men (1 Corinthians 12:4).

As a young Christian woman, I thrived in women’s Bible studies but put in a social situation with the same women I just couldn’t fit in.  I tried and tried but I couldn’t do the group small talk.  Wanting to be like the others, I cried out to the LORD concerning fitting in a social situation and HE said, “That is their place, not yours. I didn’t make you for that.”

When GOD created the heavens and the earth is was not done haphazardly, HE had a detailed plan for each and every object and creature, synchronized times and appointed places for each one.  GOD gave the sparrow a strong maternal nature but did not give the ostrich the wisdom to protect her eggs. But enabled her to be swifter than a horse and able to kill a lion with a single kick (Job 39:14-28).  Though she flaps her wings joyfully, they cannot compare with the pinions and feathers of the stork (Job 39:13).

One is not better than another for all are necessary for us to glimpse truths concerning GOD’s infinite nature.

We are GOD’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) created for specific work to demonstrate a point of HIS glory that could not be seen otherwise.   I am not suited to group social activity but put me in a small Bible study or prayer group or send me out to comfort someone hurting, and I am where I belong.  So, don’t try to be like anyone else, ask GOD to develop in you that specific grace HE designed you for in the very place HE has assigned for you and set you in (Acts 17:26-27).

Remember that you have nothing that you have not been given, so why boast as if you had not been given it? (1 Corinthians 4:7).

I urge you to consider and talk over these things with GOD and let HIM show you what HE made you for.

Hugs

Sharon

Before I was afflicted

When someone declared GOD’s word and the people of the Old Testament didn’t like it, often they attack the prophet.   Like the Prophets of old, what I have to say is not popular, but it is GOD’s word taken straight out of Scripture. 

Got an urgent text this morning concerning an awful situation.  As I talked to the LORD concerning it, two scriptures came to mind.

“Before I was afflicted, I went astray but now I have kept Thy word” (Psalm 119:67).

  “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).

Thank YOU, LORD, that this is happening not to harm that person but to redirect and help her grow.  YOU are an amazing GOD and YOUR ways are not our ways and sometimes like now, I just don’t like them.  But I know they are right, and they will work (Isaiah 55:8-11) for YOU are good and know what YOU are doing.  I praise YOU in JESUS name and rejoice in hope of this promise of benefit for this afflicted one, just as I rejoice in the hope of my salvation.

Do you have a problem?  Doesn’t matter if it is big or small or even if it is an attack of the enemy. The LORD declares HE is allowing the situation for your good.  That’s right it’s for your benefit (2 Corinthians 4:15, Romans 8:28).  That doesn’t mean that HE wants you to do nothing but is a call to look to HIM and trust HIM to lead you.  HE promises to give you the direction you need if you simply acknowledge HIM (talk it over with HIM) (Proverbs 3:5-7).  Go with the nudges HE places in you (Philippians 2:13).  If it is an attack, GOD may instruct you to verbally condemn the weapons used against you (Isaiah 54:17).  Let peace be the umpire (Colossians 3:15) to show you if the directions you are getting are from the enemy, yourself or from GOD.  May GOD bless you.

I urge you in Christ’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon