Do you trust God?

In doing my bible study this week, I read something that I want to share. It is a study by Charles Stanley and it states the obvious. Something we probably know, but need to be reminded of from time to time. There are so many times that things happen in this world (tragic things) and then there are times when we are placed in a difficult situation where we struggle daily wondering how to make sense of what is going on around us. I am lucky, because I have never questioned God as in "Where are you? Why are you doing this to me?" But I am rare. I know a lot of people have had those thoughts and it's natural to question when you are hurting. But I have been baffled by what's going on around me at times. Currently, I am facing some tough times and feelings that I don't know how to handle. Most of all, hurt that has been very difficult to get a handle on, although I am trying. But through the hurt, and through this process, I still don't doubt MY God. He knows best. I don't. It's really that simple. It won't keep me from hurting. It won't speed up the healing process, but it helps to know, and be reminded...HE KNOWS BEST. So I want to share this in case anyone else needs a reminder:

We live in a wicked, vile world where we are subject to the consequences of sin. Many circumstances are not God's perfect will, but He allows them through His permissive will, despite the pain they cause. In His omniscience, God knows what is ultimately best, including the long-term consequences of tragedies that seem heartless and inexplicable. We should not doubt God or abandon our trust when we lack understanding. Instead, we should surrender our lives to Him, accepting by faith that He is good and worthy of our full trust.

GOD IS PERFECT IN HIS LOVE:
1 John 4:8 - The one who does not love, does not know God, because God is love
Romans 5:8 - But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

GOD IS INFINITE IN HIS WISDOM
Psalm 147:5 - Our Lord is great, vast in power; His understanding is infinite.
1 Corinthians 1:20 - Where is the philosopher? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn't God made the world's wisdom foolish? 1:25 - because God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you onto the right path.

GOD IS COMPLETELY SOVEREIGN IN HIS CONTROL
Psalm 103:19 - The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

I might hurt, and there may be some days harder to get through than others, but I do not doubt my God. I wrote a while back about our instant world, and I think that's the reason we do doubt so quickly. We don't have any patience. But God promises us that if we give Him time to work, He will bless us. I am giving Him time, to work in my life. I want His blessings. But most of all, I want to be the child He created me to be...one who serves God because she is completely indebted to Him for giving up His son for ME. For MY SIN. For giving me a gift that I do not deserve, and could never earn on my own, which is eternal salvation. His blessings? Just come because He wants me to know how much He loves me. And because He's God. That's just the amazing way He works. And even though I am going through this, I am still SO BLESSED. And I am so grateful to be called His child.

Cowboys

Believe it or not, there are times when it's OK to hate the Dallas Cowboys, and tonight is one of them. Ugh...

Judgement House 2008-Revenge

Sound on please! This is a slide show of last year's JH (Thanks to Bonnie's son, Hobie for making this video!!). I can't believe it is just around the corner again! If you remember or were fortunate enough to see it, this is a walk through drama that follows a script going from a story line, into deaths, then into Judgment, Hell and Heaven. Last year's script was called Collision, based on an alcohol related car accident. This year's theme is Revenge. It is based on a high school shooting which is unfortunately, pretty relevant to what some cities are facing these days. But no matter what, in all the chaos, God is a big, big God and He is in control. We watched a video this past week by Louie Giglio called Indescribable. Wow. I wrote about this concept last year of what a big God we truly have and how teeny tiny we are. Yet He knows us intimately. This video is powerful. I highly recommend watching it. Just puts things in perspective. I know my God, MY PERSONAL GOD, MY FRIEND GOD, is in control. Of everything I can see, and of everything I cannot. I fully trust in Him, cause Lord knows my life changes with every breath I take (to quote Where the Heart Is). Some day I might understand it all, but regardless, His will shall be done in my life, because I am His child. Have a great week everybody!