Day 19 – Issue 17

Be Still Know

Psalm 33:11 NLT

‘But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.’

It is well to remember that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Known before our conception by our creator, God plants a magnificent purpose into the core of each one of us. This seed is always intended to germinate and flourish, despite there being so many forces opposed to its development. The issue always lies with you and me; to what extent will we pursue this God-seed?

Life serves up some overwhelming challenges. One person I know grew up in rough circumstances. All their sisters had a criminal record and were pregnant as teenagers. The family struggled with issues of alcohol, drugs and adultery. Yet, this little one stumbled upon Christ and became a Christian aged 14. Grasping desperately to God, while also loved and surrounded by the church, they pursued God and eventually became the first family member to succeed in tertiary education; this, despite being abandoned by a spouse who was a respected church leader.

So we are all dealt a hand to play in life. However, it’s less about our skill as card players as it is about discovering God whose seed lies deep within us. This seed is to enable us to deal with the twisted circumstances that surround us, and rather than remaining victims of such circumstances, develop into a force for good and for change in a sin-sick society.

It is always God’s counsel that his way is the path of life. At times we find ourselves professing something that every circumstance that surrounds us loudly denies. Unless we have discovered the path of prayer that carries us to God, we shall fall foul of circumstance and make decisions based upon our own human wisdom or sourced from the very real wounds we have experienced at life’s hands.

The challenge is to invite my heart to be joined with God’s in refusing to see things as obstructions, but rather as opportunities. Not in some simplistic positive thinking methodology, but in discovering God’s grace, sufficient in every circumstance. In such ways we challenge street wisdom, offering hope where hopelessness will normally flourish.

QUESTION: What challenges do you face in walking God’s way?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are the way, the truth and the life. Help me to follow you.