Author: astherainandsnow

“We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:23

“For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” 2 Corinthians 5:2

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you… If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” 1 Peter 4:12-14,16

“But he knows the way that I take;
    when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” Job 23:10

The sky is frothed with grey, veiling the long moments before dawn. Almost imperceptibly, the flocked puffs begin to blush a fanfare of welcome for the Queen of coming day, then blaze red momentarily with anticipation, then as just as quickly fade back to monotone. You have to watch to see the glory.

We must look up to develop a grateful heart. We must lift focus away from troubles, painful circumstance, and clouded moods to see His grace-tinge. It takes determined and patient watching, waiting with expectation, lifting sights from heavy self, to see His glory in life’s clouds. He always shows up. And even then, He displays just a hint of the promise of eternal glory to come.

Graciously, the Lord offers glimpses of beauty to remind us He is at work, He will one day make all new, this world is not our home, and this body is merely a tent awaiting redemption. Our pangs here, whether in agony of hurt or longing at the breathless exquisite, are a longing for His glory that will be fully revealed. (Isaiah 40:5; Revelation 21:5)

He brings a friend with the phone call, the kind hug, the knowing look, the savored message. He ministers through His personal, living word. He brings palpable balm through the fellowship of the saints. His Spirit testifies with ours that we belong to Him, are the apple of His eye, and He is on our side. He speaks the still small voice at the edges of the storm. He rejoices over us and holds us in forever promises. Yes! His glory shines bright in the clouds! (1 Kings 19:11-13; Psalm 17:8; Zephaniah 3:15-17:; Zechariah 2:8; Romans 8:16,31)

Have we set our hearts above? Is our hope daily dashed here on earth, when it could be grounded in heaven? Are we looking for and expecting Him to appear with mercy, love, and grace? (Psalm 146:3-7; Colossians 3:2; 1 Timothy 6:17)

When we are still long enough to behold, how do we respond? DO we bow in humble gratitude? How will we tuft our days with praise, pausing to acknowledge the Lord’s hand and beauty before others and in specific thanks? And how will we be agents of His glory in dark times to those we love?

Lord, in all life’s clouds, help me look for, behold, and rejoice in the splendors of Your glory.

“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’

Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’

“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!^’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

“Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.^’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:1-11

Jesus had His eye on Simon Peter. He knew the fisherman’s personality and what He intended to refine and develop in him as an apostle and eventual church leader. He chose his boat, and spoke to him directly to bring him to the point of commitment. Peter had already washed his nets from a night of fruitless fishing, so the Teacher’s command seemed unnecessary, even ridiculous. But out of respect, he let them down again.

When Jesus speaks, He means deeper business than we assume on the surface. Peter, having acknowledged his own failure, now fell before his Lord. Astonished at the divine haul of fish, he was humbled in his human limitations of capability and imagination. This Master was worth following.

The Lord has a majestic way of revealing our failure at flesh fruitfulness and bringing us to our knees. His design for us to follow Him begins with our acknowledgement of personal helplessness and destitution and desperate dependence on Him alone. We can’t wholly follow until we’ve failed, and fallen before Him. Time and again the scriptures tell this gospel message. (Luke 5:12-13; Acts 6:26-33; Romans 3:23)

Do we go about our days with zealous purpose in our own efforts? Are we satisfied checking off lists, but lacking significant spiritual fruit? Where have we toiled with little to show, but seen great results when done for Christ? For what specific areas of work, interactions, ministry, decision-making, future planning will we seek the Lord’s direction and blessing? What deeper lessons and motivations is He enjoining us to incorporate into all we do?

Lord, keep me honest and earnest in every effort, that I willingly follow You, act at Your behest, and always expect Your glory in the results.

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness  for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone.”’  And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time,  and said to him, ‘To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’  And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,

“You shall worship the Lord your God,
    and him only shall you serve.”’

“And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here,  for it is written,

“He will command his angels concerning you,
    to guard you,”

and

“On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.”’

“And Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”’  And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:1-13

Jesus’ earthly ministry was about to commence, and God the Father set His approval on His Son in baptism. At this point, we might expect that being filled with the Holy Spirit and led by God Himself He’d display a grand flourish of fame. Instead, He’s led away from people and popularity into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. His triumph was a resounding victory and an encouragement for all who would follow Him. (Matthew 3:13-17)

We might have great plans for all we want to do for God when He has very different plans for what He wants to do in us. God’s children are promised eternal security and the guardian of the Holy Spirit, but not ease or absence of trouble. In fact, in order to understand all we have in Christ and all He wants from us we are often led into the wilderness of pain, temptation, chafed relationships, and heartache. It is here we are tested and can test the Lord’s promises, power, and ongoing petitions for us. (Romans 8:31-34; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 4:16)

Is there something we sense the Lord has equipped us to do, yet we keep hitting obstacles? Where has He led us in unknown paths, only to take us through experiences that train us for later ministry? How open and alert are we to the Spirit’s sway? Do we daily avail ourselves of all He has provided, trusting His leading? The Lord works into us what He desires to work through and out of us over time. (Isaiah 42:16; Philippians 2:13)

Lord, keep me attuned to Your filling and leading so I act and respond to every temptation according to Your righteousness and word.

“David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader. And David said to all the assembly of Israel, ‘If it seems good to you and from the Lord our God, let us send abroad to our brothers who remain in all the lands of Israel, as well as to the priests and Levites in the cities that have pasturelands, that they may be gathered to us. Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul.’ All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

“So David assembled all Israel from the Nile of Egypt to Lebo-hamath... And David and all Israel went up… to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim. And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart. And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.

“And when they came to the threshing floor.., Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled.  And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God.  And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah… And David was afraid of God that day.” 1 Chronicles 13:1-12a

His heart meant well, really well. Gather the people, return the ark, rejoice in the Lord’s presence! But if it seems muddied the way of upright attention to God’s details. Intention and emotion adorned with horizontal human consultation drove David’s effort; vertical inquiry of God’s direction was omitted. What is right in the eyes of the people may not be right in the eyes of God. A swift and holy intervention would remind David who was the true King.

He learned his lesson. Anger and fear worked their necessary corrections. His heart after noble desire returned to follow after his Lord. The humbled regent brought ensuing challenges and brilliant ideas directly to Him, who answered with clear instructions, and he heeded his prophet’s words from God. When God directs and we obey, we cannot go wrong, and He gets the glory for the results. (1 Chronicles 14:8-11,13-16; 15:1-4,12-15; 17:1-20)

In those who love Jesus and His people, desires and ideas bloom from benevolence and gratitude, and are often inspired by the Holy Spirit. Yet with every idea we’re warned not to lean on our own understanding but to seek His will and guidance. Consulting trusted others is a help but God’s word should have final say. Sometimes He urges us to complete our intention with action, sometimes He commends our desire but has different, broader plans. (Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 8:5,11-12; 1 John 3:18)

In what situations are we prone to run ahead of the Lord? What plans are we currently making that need pause, and prayer? Would we pay attention to His instructions, timing, and best?

Lord, purify my every motive, impulse, thought, and action that Your will be done and Your glory exalted.

“I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
    and his mercy is over all that he has made.

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth…
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1-18,21

A song of praise voiced is a song that can stick. Melodies and words soak in and hang around the heart and mind, fingering and fine-tuning both attitude and outlook. Everyday blessing is every day passed on when praise writes the music.

Taking time apart from the hustle of life, be it long moments, Sabbath hours, or short seasons, allows God’s people to remember who He is and recount His goodnesses toward us. Focusing on His character brings to mind specific attributes we can relish and rest in. Speaking His name and particular praise fills the soul with wonder and brings sunlight to its deepest darkest recesses. Accounting for His mercies, faithfulness, and deeds on our behalf instills glad expectation for more.

Then we bubble over. Our demeanor and language cannot help but express gratitude and praise. The palpable joy invites others in and envelops those who come around and follow. Is there any who would not be attracted to unsearchable greatness, glorious splendor, abounding love?

What influence are we leaving for the next generation: complaint, self-righteousness, and arrogant boasting, or humble, vibrant, memorable praise of the gracious, mighty King and what He has done? What part do the psalms have in the routine of our days? How often, and how robustly, do we sing and extol the Lord? Are we speaking to make Him clear, and pouring forth His fame so it is sought and oft repeated?

Splendid Lord, may I sing Your praises through each days hours, passing along the wonder that You are and the glory You deserve.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen… By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household…

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise… For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God…

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar.” Hebrews 11:1,3,5-7a,8-9a,10,13a

“By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

“Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works… You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.” James 2:18b,22

The definition of faith calls the mind to higher realities than can be seen. Its exercise involves the unseen, and hope, and the mysterious work of the Spirit. Faith is very real, yet untouchable by human hand, effort, or will. It is God’s gift that by intent and nature must be received and put to use to complete its design. The invisible gift imparted by the Spirit is evidenced in responsive visible action. (John 3:8)

Faith that saves is faith that serves. When it is given it has to give. There is no such thing as impotent, passive faith. What the Lord bestows with grace-filled affection carries His life pulse and must respond in kind.

Where do we see examples of faith in action, and how are we inspired? Has another’s lavish generosity, selfless patience, persistent prayer, difficult forgiveness, or steadfast plodding, when all feel impossible, prompted us to go and do likewise? Where we are lacking, would we ask?

How has God met me in faith-prompted giving of myself and my resources? When has He out-given and out-blessed the meager I offer? What have I learned about His nature, bounty, and invisible power through stepping out in faith and trusting Him? Whom have I told about it? (Proverbs 11:25; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 10:35-36)

Where is the Lord calling me to test Him by putting His gifted faith to a new use? How willing am I to change directions, put away long-held resentment, forgive the unforgivable, move in a new direction, or give more than I think I can afford of time or riches? He is faithful, and will match desire to live by faith with supernatural provision. (Malachi 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Father, help me trust Your unseen and by faith give much unto Your glory.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

The challenge to obey, serve with excellence, and live in right relationships is an ongoing and sometimes fierce battle. Paul alerts to the unseen but insidious spiritual fight being constantly waged around and against us and the enemy’s cruel schemes to undo our faith. The devil is relentless. We must not simply rest in God’s defense, but take up arms and confront the fray with acuity, wisdom, and perseverance.

Yes, it is tiring. We might be tempted not to fuss with that now. We’re too busy with more important endeavors. Why pay heed to an invisible foe when more urgent matters are coming at us and requiring attention and energy? The warnings are for good reason. Demons do not let up attempting to destroy good work and witness, and their cruel master knows our weaknesses. (John 10:10)

What will we do this day to arm ourselves against physical, psychological, and spiritual attack? Would we choose to fasten securely every piece of armor, and by faith see that those with us are greater than those with our ancient foe? (2 Kings 6:16-17; Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4)

“A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal…

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!” ~Martin Luther (1539)

Mighty God, keep me standing firm in faith, daily conquering in Your strength and for Your glory.

“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near…

“And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God… For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. [H]e adds, ‘I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.’

“Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:1,11-12,14,17-23

A privileged calling it was for the faithful priests of Israel, yet theirs was a repetitive job. Morning and evening, Sabbath by sabbath, year by year they were the nation’s purveyors of blood in the sacred sacrifices. It was always enough for the occasion, never enough for the life. But the task was vital for understanding what it symbolized: the sacrifice repeated now their Priest Messiah would come and perform Himself, His life blood spilled, once for all. Each death said look ahead. Every repeated sacrifice remonstrated with life itself until it ushered in the way for life everlasting.

The law pointed to Christ, then was fulfilled perfectly by Christ. As Christians, we’ve been freed from guilt the perfect law imposed and slavery to sin that the law revealed. Yet, we tend still to hang around bad habits and cling to those repeated priestly sacrifices by nursing condemnation and asking continual forgiveness. Though Christ has defeated our defeat and opened the way, we get stuck in self-loathing and defeat like a skipping record and never move forward. (Matthew 5:17; Romans 7:7)

In what debilitating vortex are we stuck? A spiritual funk? A skipping record of all the times we’ve been defeat by repeated sin? A downward spiral of covetousness, bitterness, lust, anger? There is no condemnation! We must not throw away confidence in His provided victory, but persevere in its resurrection power! The only offering we’re to repeat is praise to Jesus who set us free from sin and death! (Romans 8:1; Galatians 5:1; Philippians 4:4; Hebrews 10:35,39)

When will we choose to unstick our feet, habits, and false mantras and walk in the freedom Christ won for us?

“My faith has found a resting place,
not in device or creed;
I trust the ever-living One,
his wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
it is enough that Jesus died,
and that he died for me.” ~Eliza Hewitt (1851-1920)

Lord, help me reckon all You have done as true and effective, with resounding praise.

“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),  and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.  Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.  For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

‘Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you…’

 “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is…  Be filled with the Spirit,  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:3-14,17-21

“Be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:15

Night falls gradually, slowly deepening the spreading dark shroud over the remainder of the gloaming, opening the curtains of heaven. Ah, the stars, dots poking the black, over long moments popping more and more to reveal the milky galaxy. Horizon to horizon the smatter of heavenly lights twinkle, overcoming all that would be bleak and black.

How dark is the world when all we look at is the dark. Callousness, prurient affections unchecked, flagrant immorality, and vicious hatred make for a stew of despair if that is all we see. Slogging through days with such focus weighs us down with circumstance and complaint, and causes us to criticize and grouch.

But with Christ in us, the sure hope of glory, the longer we gaze at the dark the more light we can see. We expect dots of the Lord’s mercy and promise. We are humbled before His handiwork, and love. We spot evidence of His redeeming presence and more and more light appears, a galaxy now of glory. (Psalm 8:3-4; Colossians 1:27)

In our dark culture, do we surrender to discouragement, or determine to spread light? How can the Spirit in us add sparkle to otherwise dismal scenes in our communities and workplaces? How can we punctuate darkness with words and works that elevate conversation, encourage goodness, and uplift the soul?

Father, may Your light so shine through me that others behold Your goodness and glory, and praise You. (Matthew 5:14-16)

“Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, ‘Arise, and depart with your household, and sojourn wherever you can, for the Lord has called for a famine, and it will come upon the land for seven years.’  So the woman arose and did according to the word of the man of God. She went with her household and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.  At the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to appeal to the king for her house and her land.  Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, ‘Tell me all the great things that Elisha has done.’  And while he was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, behold, the woman whose son he had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and her land. And Gehazi said, ‘My lord, O king, here is the woman, and here is her son whom Elisha restored to life.’  And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed an official for her, saying, ‘Restore all that was hers, together with all the produce of the fields from the day that she left the land until now.'” 2 Kings 8:1-6

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8

The passing of time accounted for little in this story, though we know the dozens of months of famine were full of events, emotions, and meaning. Perhaps the woman’s old husband had died and she led her family alone. Though she sojourned in a strange land, hopeful expectation seems not to have waned but actually to have sustained her with the passage of miles and time. She knew firsthand what God could do. (2 Kings 4:8-37)

What is seen is the watchful eye of the supernatural God over His own and all that belonged to her. Time has no boundaries or hesitancies with Him. He is intent and able, with a flourish of generosity and grace, to return to His children what is seemingly lost forever. That’s what a Redeemer does.

Arise, and depart are jarring words that test obedience and resolve. There is no guarantee of Now return, thus the challenge to faith to take the first step on a journey of unknown passage. Yet, the space between leaving and the end of seven years is as nothing to the Redeemer who’s accomplishing His intent. The sovereign One orders dates and moments, and orchestrates who’s in office and every ‘chance’ conversation. All culminated in a flourish of amazing grace toward the one who had so generously supplied for His prophet. He knew her heart, her gift, and now her need, and met her in an encounter memorializing His Lordship of all.

Have we been commanded to leave something familiar to do something new, without timetable or promise of provision? Can we go forth believing God’s character, ability, and faithfulness? Will we trust His redemptive control of purpose and years? (Malachi 3:10; Ephesians 3:20-21)

Lord, may I expect Your grace and glorify You in every test.