As the rain and snow

“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work….

“Though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong…

“Christ is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.” 2 Corinthians 9:8; 10:3-5; 12:8-10; 13:3-4

From the moment Paul laid down his bent to destroy God’s message and people, the enemy who had to relinquish him attacked his newfound faith. Though formerly driven by misguided self-determination, the rest of his days on earth were on mission to keep and proclaim the Lord’s truth in His strength alone. His sovereign and loving God so orchestrated his circumstances to remind him only God’s power triumphs over weakness and evil and ultimately vanquishes the enemy. (John 10:10)

Since Eden, man has proved his weakness of flesh, and the promise of God given there in response is that He is enough. His power will triumph over this sting and folly and curse. The outworking of this flesh struggle here below succeeds by a constant tethering to heaven. Until we turn in our earthly garb we wrestle, but always with Christ in us, the certain hope of freedom and glory. (Genesis 3:9-19; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:27)

Considering worldwide conflicts, broken cultures, decayed morals, we observe the myriad displays of tension between flesh and the Almighty. When we commit to live for Christ we step in the fray. We might often feel we’re on the losing side because of worldly pressures, caustic attacks, or physical or mental weakness, but we must remember the One on our side is greater than the foe. Jesus stands as defender now and risen victorious Savior forever. (2 Kings 6:17; Romans 8:31-34; 1 John 4:4)

What stubbornness or pride keeps us contending with the flesh on our own? How many failures will it take to realize our self-determination and will power are no match for the prince of the air, and only God can defeat the enemies of our souls? In grace the Lord reveals riddling weakness and allows defeat to prove His sufficiency and care.

We are prone to wander and snipe and fall. The enemy onslaught is piercing and formidable. But God is Lord of lords, our immovable fortress and valiant warrior.

Lord, help me be faithful in the fight while trusting Your power alone for victory. (1 Chronicles 29:11-13)

“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.  For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,  to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16a

“We are  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;  and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-11; 5:14-15

Paul saw the Christian life as much more than verbal profession. His passion was for the gospel, proclaimed and practiced, and his desire the holiness of God’s people. He was willing to do what it took to effectuate these ends. He spoke not with chastisement or criticism, but a genuine desire to see them living uprightly and serving God’s kingdom and purposes vibrantly. Only in dying to themselves were they free to live fully for Christ and spread the fragrance of His life and excellencies abroad.

Days designed to extend the light and truth of Christ are rightly-inspired and not always smooth. Many reject the way He offers, our stench in presenting it one that disturbs and repulses. It is not Christ who has a bad odor, but the concept of admitting and turning from sin, giving up control. When the recipient remains hard-hearted, we will always be a stench that sours their chosen lifestyle and mindset. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

But when the Spirit begins to work, softening stubbornness and wooing the soul, at some point the fragrance turns sweet. As we continue on in triumphal procession, living out Christ not just with words but the aroma of self-forgetfulness, gracious kindness, a listening ear, a tender touch, a burden shared, Jesus becomes irresistible. What was death to death becomes life to life.

What in our living is causing Christ to be a stench among unbelievers? Are we too impatient or rude, too rushed to converse and care, two-faced? What inconsistencies plague our habits, what triggers turn demeanors sour and words ugly? Where are we skimping on love, generosity, grace? Once we recognize where we sully and cause stink in the reputation of Jesus, would we confess, put it to death, and trust Him to put on what magnifies His loveliness, promotes lofty thinking, and draws others in? How can we, and will we, spread the savor of Christ’s name, the sweetness of His love? (Colossians 3:5-17)

“O for a life that’s dead to self,
fragrant with love divine;
patient and kind and pure and good —
a copy, Lord, of thine.” ~Charles Wesley (1742) and PEB

Lord, keep me faithful in spreading wide Your fragrance, a true outpouring of Your character and graces in all their exquisite perfection and glory.

“When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

“Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

“Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.  I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,  for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

“The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.  All the brothers send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss...

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.” 1 Corinthians 16:10-20,23

Paul’s detailed long letter to the Corinthian church began with grace and gratitude, covered many topics facilitating their being unified with each other, and closed gathering every listener for a warm, affectionate bit of fellowship. Welcoming and loving and greeting and refreshing made for a healthy spiritual atmosphere and nurtured openness to important truths. They were a vital priority for the church if they were to grow and have influence together. His conclusion exemplified his teaching throughout. (1 Corinthians 1:2-9)

Support and defend the young and new, be flexible and understanding, act like adults in your interactions- with love, mutually submit and defer with grace, shower one another with appropriate affection. Each admonition involves relationships and genuine ties to individuals with personalities and challenges and needs. All require selflessness and intentional communication and gathering together, all promote a oneness of purpose that’s higher than any personal opinion or preference. Ours is a high and wide calling in Christ, and He is a high and limitless God! In and through Him we can do our part in building up the church. (Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; 1 Timothy 4:12; Hebrews 10:23-24)

How important to us is regular interaction with God’s people? What are we doing to make it happen? When we speak or spend time with them, what benefit or encouragement is derived? How well do we value the individuals God has placed in our circle, and what would they say is the evidence and result? How committed are we to meaningful fellowship within the Body, and to its expansion in maturity and numbers?

Standing and growing strong in the faith both requires and engenders worthwhile gathering among people we know by name and personality. The Lord disdains relational sloth and is honored when we invest in others.

Father, make me willing and ready to welcome and encourage those You’ve placed in my life, for their blessing and Your glory.

“Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. [He] used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say,.. ‘See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you… Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.’ And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him… 

“Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, ‘As soon as you hear the trumpet, say, “Absalom is king at Hebron!..”’ 

“A messenger came to David, saying, ‘The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.’ David said to all his servants.., ‘Arise, and let us flee,.. lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword… Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place.’

“They pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof. And Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel… The Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so [he] might bring harm upon Absalom… They took Absalom and threw him into a great pit and raised over him a very great heap of stones… Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself the pillar that is in the King’s Valley…’to keep my name in remembrance…’

And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, ‘O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!'” 2 Samuel 15:1-5,10,13-14,25; 16:22; 17:14; 18:17-18,33

Two sin-soaked men, father and son, ambitious and errant save for God’s grace. David made poor choices in not disciplining his royal offspring and sadly reaped the consequences. Son Absalom took it upon himself to make things right in every wrong way. David’s heart after God’s quickened at sin, mourned and repented, where Absalom’s bore out revenge, violence, anger, deception, greed, and pride. The Lord corrects ambition by conviction or destruction, and will always ultimately have His way. (2 Samuel 13:22-29,37)

Innate ambition drives either self-constructed, ego-fulfilling endeavors or God’s work and plans. The natural heart is inclined toward promotion and things of the flesh, while the heart for God seeks after His will and glory. God can redirect and redeem every determination. (Isaiah 43:7; Romans 8:5-10)

Are we controlled by self-serving passions, our own ends and way? Or do we trust God’s sovereignty and yield to His methods and timing? What can we do to align our ambition with the Lord’s for us? (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:3-7)

“True ambition is the profound desire to live usefully and walk humbly under the grace of God.” ~Charles Spurgeon

Lord, extricate all errant and selfish ambition and give me a tender heart wholly surrendered to You, Your purposes and glory.

“We want you to know about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.  For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,  begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—  and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.  But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

“I say this… to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.  And… this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.  So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.  For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-12

Grace is an ongoing theme in Paul’s letters to the churches. Woven through his own life and ministry as its subject, object, and power, the very word peppered through his vocabulary, grace compelled the work of Christ in the churches as they were established and grew. One of the specific works for which they’d been saved by grace was to give generously to support the churches. Grace by nature was a lavish gift, so those transformed by it should naturally practice its outflow as Jesus did, giving His all. (Luke 6:38; Romans 12:8; Ephesians 2:8-10)

If we know Jesus and are thoughtful, we will be able to trace the indelible mark of His grace along our journey and understand how it has instructed and formed us going forward. When we consider the cost to our Savior in applying grace to us, we cannot help but be grateful. In what ways am I honoring Christ and paying it forward by specific sacrificial obedience, by extending grace when it’s difficult, by giving generously?

Any kindness- thought or act- is borne of God’s grace acting in us. While certain kindnesses may come easily: patient listening, jumping in to fix a problem or serve in some practical capacity, others require a special dose of grace. To meet financial vacancy, sometimes the Spirit breaks open our greed and sense of needed security to compel us to give. How willing are we to concede? How can the measure of God’s grace to us in Christ, to pay our impossible debt and supply our deepest needs, inform and define our open-handedness to others? He is always more than sufficient. (2 Corinthians 8:15; 9:8-10; 12:9)

Lord, compel me to lavish giving out of undying gratitude for Your extravagant grace.

“Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.’ And all the people shouted, ‘Long live the king!…’ But some worthless fellows said, ‘How can this man save us?’ And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace…” 1 Samuel 10:24,27

“Then the people said to Samuel, ‘Who is it that said, “Shall Saul reign over us?” Bring the men, that we may put them to death.’ But Saul said, ‘Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.’ Then Samuel said to the people, ‘Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.’ So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” 1 Samuel 11:12-15

Soon after his anointing, Saul met a challenge he handled with great aplomb, handily defeating the threatening Ammonites. Those who fell in behind his now-proven leadership wanted to do away with the early naysayers, establishing the power of their sovereign with a show of swagger and brag. King Saul at this point gave all credit to the Lord and turned their focus on rejoicing in Him instead. (1 Samuel 11:1-11)

Insecurity breeds suspicion breeds feisty antagonism and a pompous parade of power. When God’s leaders are called and confirmed by Him, they are secure enough in Him to resist opposition and eschew notoriety without such display. The key to God-fueled, God-honoring leadership and living is knowing the One who placed you in that position and undertakes for you there. He is the One to be trusted, He to be praise.

Are we so enamored with knowing and aligning with the famous and influential that we criticize those who do not follow them? In relation to any position of authority or expertise, where and how is my ego manifested? Do I treat my role as a right, or a trust? And those I serve as underlings, or like image-bearers? Do I direct attention to myself for the people I know, the wise decisions I’ve made, or the victories I’ve enjoyed, or am I quick to spotlight the Lord who gives every favor, triumph, and success? Where am I tempted to touch God’s glory, and how do I handle it when experiencing personal success or prestige? (Isaiah 42:8)

How can my view of opposition change if I’m firm in faith and call? How will I see others and myself differently if I fix my security in Jesus and lift high His name and praise rather than boasting my own?

“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?..

 Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
    yet I will be confident…

For he will hide me in his shelter
    in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
    he will lift me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:1,3,5

Lord, secure me in Your call, cover me with Your light, and clarify my vision to see others as you do, and You as supremely worthy of all notice, honor, and praise.

“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and… he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images… 

“Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had cleansed the land and the house, he sent… to repair the house of the Lord his God… Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read from it before the king.

“And when the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes…

“‘Thus says the Lord,.. Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words.., and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you…’ 

“Then the king gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. [He] went up to the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah… all the people both great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. The king stood and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book… 

“And he died and was buried in the tombs of his fathers. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah; and all the singing men and singing women have spoken of Josiah in their laments to this day.” 2 Chronicles 34:1-3,8,18-19,26-27,29-31; 35:24-25

Josiah exhibited his deep knowledge of and reverence for God by living uprightly. From an early age, his mission was to obey God, his mode self-forgetfulness, his service Spirit-led. He had no need to prove his significance, only to live for the God who had given him the privilege to rule as king. His life was hidden in the character and countenance of his Lord, and therefore deeply mourned when it was over for the light that had been extinguished.

With any new course, we set the direction, gait, and tempo. We decide whom to serve and who gets the credit. As we begin a new day or endeavor, what do seek first? Is our desire to make a name for ourselves, or discover how to make God’s name known? Do we rely on our own smarts and strength, or seek first the Lord and conform our thinking and actions to His? (Proverbs 3:3-6; Micah 6:8; Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-3)

How well hidden are we in Christ? What needs cleaning out, putting off, or setting up in order for His character and ways to be exemplified?

Lord, so hide me in You that others see only Jesus and Your glory in all my words and deeds. (Acts 4:13)

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs…

“Of the Son he says,

‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
    the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
    with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.’

“And,

‘You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment,
like a robe you will roll them up,
    like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
    and your years will have no end.’

“And to which of the angels has he ever said,

‘Sit at my right hand
    until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?” Hebrews 1:1-4,8-13

God spoke the world into being, and from the beginning His voice created, instructed, questioned, and loved. Through the ages His word was captured and recorded so the next would be able to know it. After the last prophet had foretold His coming, Jesus appeared as the Word, God in the flesh, and by His Spirit we have the scriptures as His immutable, inerrant word forever. (Genesis 1:3-30; Psalm 19:7-8; Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 1:21)

Of all the voices in the world, there is one that speaks like no other. It is both in this world and out of this world in existence, authority, power, and glory, and it speaks personally to us. It is available for the asking, the reading, this living Word whose name is above all names. His is not the voice of a prophet or angel or public expert, but the Word who is God. (John 1:1-4; Philippians 2:9; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

Who speaks into our messes, conundrums, and wonderings? Whom have we chosen to tune in to and heed? What are we turning on, tuning in, or opening up for a word of help? If we seek advice from individuals, how carefully do we discern its alignment with God’s truth? When we pay attention to voices through the filter of His excellent word, God inspires and leads.

Who speaks through us? Do we make decisions and advise on the basis of gut feelings, quickly react from emotion, or thoughtfully give voice to God’s Word?

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord, attune me to Your voice so it informs and inspires my every choice for Your glory.

“David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And his brothers and all his father’s house… went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, and in debt, and bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men.”

“David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ And the Lord said, ‘Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah…’

“Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men… Then David said, ‘O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down?.. Please tell your servant.’ And the Lord said, ‘He will come down….’ Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition… And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.

“David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life… in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, ‘Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel… Saul my father also knows this.’ And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord.” 1 Samuel 22:1-2; 23:2,8,10-11,13-18

King Saul was on a jealous rampage to extinguish the man he knew would succeed him, and his subjects were beginning to question his fitness as king. If he would not accept God’s stated word, why would they accept him? His orders were inconsistent with the word of the Lord through Samuel. In the meanwhile, the anointed-yet-not-installed David was running for his life. But he never stopped running to his Lord, seeking His direction and strength at every turn. It was David who attracted loyal followers by exercising integrity and godly leadership as he followed his Lord. (1 Samuel 15:26; 16:7-13; 18:12-16)

David showed continuing deference and honor to Saul, but his true King was the Lord. He knew what he’d been called to do, and while patient to wait God’s time, did all he could to fend for His people. He trained a faithful band of followers who increased in number and stature to become mighty men. Even Jonathan, Saul’s son, recognized God’s hand on David and pledged his support. (2 Samuel 23:8-39)

When deciding allegiances and alliances, it’s important to align ourselves with God’s truth and those who follow it. Are the narrative and the walk in synch and consistent? Do those we follow exemplify and point us to the King?

For ourselves as leaders and influencers, how carefully do we live out the words and beliefs we espouse? Do our decisions, manner, and actions reflect God’s character and commands? In any role God’s assigned, how effectively are we building up others, and leading them to courageous faith and increasing trust in the Lord?

My King, keep me faithfully following You so others see and are attracted to You through me.

“Not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved…  

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:23-4,26-27

“We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling… being burdened… that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-2,4-5

God’s word backed by God Himself gives His people an unshakable promise, a guarantee, a first installment with assurance that He will see it through. We are both saved and being saved, God’s Spirit in us our surety of salvation, His presence and power now, and the promise of our ultimate sanctification and conformity to Christ’s image. For today, this gives hope that fortifies the flagging, lifts the downcast, awakens the drowsy and slothful to vibrant faith. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13; Hebrews 11:1)

At the moment we believe- and that by the germ of faith He implants- the Lord commences the work of firstfruits. Throughout life, Jesus remains our best prayer partner, encompassing us in His divine shaping and keeping. Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. How does this guarantee encourage us? We can absolutely trust Him to fulfill the destiny He begins and executes. (Romans 8:29)

When days meet a myriad of occurrences and troubles that when seen individually may not make sense, God with His magnificent all-encompassing perspective is working. What affliction cannot wean us from self-reliance and train us to rely on His strength? What conviction cannot burn away bad habits or compel communication and reconciliation? Instead of being shaken by what is unsettling in the world, would we be fortified by the Spirit in His ongoing process of making us like Jesus?

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~George Keith (1787)

Increase my faith, O Lord, even as You make me like You.