Growth Opportunities

Trials.......those faith challenges(illness, loss of job,  unfaithful spouse, unanswered prayers(at least the way we want them answered)…….. We must believe that God will answer. He will conclude   "yes," "no," or "not right now." He is able, ready and willing to answer our prayers — here is the catch — as He sees fit and to grow us to be more like His Son in the process.  “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."- Jeremiah 33.  I must not merely seek the answer to my prayer. Instead, I must seek a deeper relationship with the answer Giver.  Realize how significantly God can use inconvenience, interruption, and unlikely twists ……… Psalm 38:15, "I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God." Romans 8:25, "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  What a powerful, loving and patient Creator we can know through obedience.  What a friend we have in Jesus-the old hymn reminds us.  One we can lean upon during the trials.  This is not an easy task for we humans.  I struggle, and I surmise all do.  We may doubt, demonstrate fear and frustration, or even have sinful thoughts/attitudes.  Yet, we must believe in His faithful promises.  May we all thank God for His perfect plans... His perfect timing... and the perfect way His development happens in those times of waiting/searching.  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Remaining a Kid/Being Childlike!

I have often been labled as a big kid from close family and friends.  I believe it can be beneficial, even healthy (physically and mentally) to have that mindset if properly kept in perspective.  Of course there are times when that would not be appropriate as we need to grow and mature intellectually to effectively handle situations,decisions and trials as adults.  What about spiritually?  We are commanded to mature in our faith and knowledge of God’s word-which can only come via effort/time spent in His Holy Word.  Yet, there are several instances where Jesus  teaches us to be like children………..these are matters of the heart, our attitudes(Matt 18:1-4).  Characteristics we could improve by remaining childlike in heart include:  forgiveness- small children typically do not hold grudges-at least not very long; humbleness;  pureness;   more- trusting, gentleness, gratuitous, patient, kindness, and compassion. What can result is a life steeped in prayer, joy, service, and love towards others.  All this helps to remind me that, just as a child is in need of caring/loving earthly parents, I need to acknowledge  I am a child of God and dependant upon His care, love, compassion, patience, mercy………..……the list could go on.  May we never lose the heart of a child-spiritually.  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO