January 15, 2010
Expectations
We hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends. From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry. We call them our "Friday Friends." So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend",
Angela Craig.
Today's Truth
Isaiah 55:8 (NIV) "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD."
Friend To Friend
Has life turned out at all like you expected? What about the last year? Okay, what about the last week? If you are human, you are probably laughing by now because no matter how much planning we do, life never seems to turn out exactly like we planned.
Personally, being somewhat of a perfectionist, I get a little defensive when things do not go according to my plan and the natural thing to do when I am feeling defensive is to blame someone. So who do I blame? I go right to the top. I don't settle for any small potatoes like my husband, parents, or politicians. I just complain directly to God.
I don't think I am the first person to blame God for unexpected life events. In the Bible, it seems that God takes responsibility for many things that the people of ancient times were not happy about - floods, barrenness, death, plagues, and much more. But could you imagine that their unexpected loss would eventually become a gift of mercy, forgiveness, restoration, and grace from a God that loved them?
Let me illustrate. Have you had a toddler in your home? I recently had my one-year-old nephew, Christopher Paul Jr., over for a visit. My boys are older and it did not take me long to realize that my home is far from baby-proofed. My full-time job immediately became the task of following Jr. around to make sure he went home the same way he arrived … uninjured and happy!
You can probably guess what his favorite game was. Remember the "Watch Me Climb the Stairs" game? With all the confidence in the world, my nephew would climb five or six stairs and then turn and grin at me as if to say, "I have totally got this down, Aunty. You have nothing to worry about." And like any good Aunty who did not want her nephew to fall down, I would take him off the stairs and redirect him to a safer path on which to play.
Sometimes we are much like Jr. As we confidently climb various "stairs" in life and follow our own plans, God lovingly redirects us to another path. He knows that if we were allowed to climb to the top, we would turn around and fall to the bottom. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
When you give your life over to Christ, God will always keep and fulfill the promises He has for your life. Talk about great expectations!
Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that no matter how stubborn I am, You will re-direct me when I am on the wrong path. Let my focus be on You and not on myself and my plans. Change me so that I trust You. Increase my faith so that I always follow You and only You. Thank You for loving me enough to gently guide me to a new path went I stray.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
1) Has God ever taken you off the stairs and re-directed your path?
2) Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." So often we want God to prosper us but we don't want to change our ways to align them with the Word of God. What is one thing in your life that you know needs changing?
3) Change begins when you commit to obedience and ask someone else to hold you accountable for that change. Change the change you want to make with someone you trust. And remember that we are here for you - Girlfriends in God. Go for it! We believe in you!
More From The Girlfriends
Life is filled with uncertainty. Circumstances can change in a heartbeat. However, God never changes and is faithful to meet the needs of His children. One of those needs is others. We are committed to walking with you through the certain and uncertain times of your life.
Visit our website at www.girlfriendsingod.com to connect with us and to find resources that will strengthen you for your journey.
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Originally published Friday, 15 January 2010.
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