Michele likes buying those small planter trays for spring starter plants.
She purchased 3 trays at the Walmart. 2 of the trays are growing like weeds.
The third tray, nothing. Zilch. Nada.
So, today the sun was shining and the warm rays were very promising. She couldn't stand it, so the third tray got relocated out to the porch. Her master plan is that perhaps a change of environment and some fresh air will spur the Petunia's into a growth spirt.
She is desperately waiting for any sign of life but it refuses to bloom.
My point is this, all three trays were filled with the same soil, and the same fertilizer, with seeds from the same store and one tray is following a different path.
How often do we not only expect but demand that everyone grow and live in a method that we consider normal and are comfortable with?
Heaven forbid if someone moves our cheese and colors outside the lines that we have established as our comfort zone.
Face it, some people have to make every mistake for themselves and they use our warnings as roadmaps to their next encounter with pain.
This morning I received a phone call from a dear friend that wanted counsel on how best to assist an alcoholic neighbor. This is more common that you would expect. The problem is, we can't wish healthy decisions onto people. They need time for God to change their heart and bring them to a place of life change.
So how exactly does God bring people to the point of life change?
By controlling circumstances, events and people to accomplish His will.
One of the most hope restoring verses in the Bible is Genesis 50:20. I use this on a weekly basis when I counsel people that are struggling with anger and forgiveness issues.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.
He brought me to this position
so I could save the lives of many people."
Genesis 50:20
All this brings you to one question that you must answer:
"Do you trust that God is good, in every situation, to always do what is best?"
God will use circumstances, events and people to bring you to a point of honesty and humility before Him. No excuses. No explaining. No rationalizing. No bargaining.
Your spiritual takeaway for today is, "If you trust God to be good, in every situation, will you thank Him for putting you in the situation you are in right now?"
If you trust God to be good, in every situation, will you thank Him for putting a difficult person in your life?
If you trust God to be good, in every situation, will you thank Him for allowing you to experience what you are going through right now?
If you can thank God for everything in your life, then you are beginning to view your life from God's perspective and you will experience a life of spiritual maturity and health.
"Dear brothers and sisters,
when troubles come your way,
consider it an opportunity for great joy.
For you know that when your faith is tested,
your endurance has a chance to grow.
So let it grow,
for when your endurance is fully developed,
you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
If you need wisdom,
ask our generous God,
and he will give it to you.
He will not rebuke you for asking."
James 1:2-5
