Manna for Your Morning

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. — Romans 8:28 (AMP) Have no doubt. The LORD is deeply concerned about you! His care is not just on the surface or superficial. His concern for us is deep and thorough, for all areas of our lives now and into eternity. While unexpected life events may take us by surprise, they don’t ever catch God off guard. He is fully aware and He has already made a way for you through each and every difficult situation. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16). Your current circumstances will work together for good as you love God with all your heart, mind and soul and continue to pursue the plan and purpose He has given to you.

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. — Jeremiah 18:4 (NKJV)  It’s not so much about being perfect as it is about being teachable and remaining on God’s wheel so He can mold us into the person He created us to be. When life events cause our vessels to be cracked and broken, our story is not over. God is not finished with us yet. Not only will He will make us new, He is also able to use us in whatever condition we are in. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”  — Ruth 1:20-21 (NKJV) First, Naomi lost her husband, then her two sons died. In Ruth 1:13, she said, “the hand of the LORD has gone out against me!” Sometimes, our pain has a way of distorting our perspective of God. Despite the bitter life events you may face, remember that God is for you and He is with you. His Holy Spirit who dwells within us, is our comforter and helper. Naomi’s story is one of perseverance. Even though she returned to her home town empty, she had more than she realized. God was with her and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, stood by her side and listened to her instruction. As a result, Ruth married Boaz and bore a son, and Naomi was able to care for her grandchild. Then the women said to N...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. — Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) Do not rely on your own insight or understanding. We have a limited vision, we know in part. And sometimes we get carried away by our emotions or led astray by listening to the wrong voices. Instead, rely on God, who wrote the Book and sees the whole picture. Let us trust in the LORD, He has a lasting legacy of fulfilling all His promises. As you seek His will, He will show you which path to take, where to turn and when to keep straight. He will see you through each and every one of life events and circumstances.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. — Hebrews 12:1-2a (NLT) If we are going to run our race with endurance, it is absolutely necessary to keep our eyes on Jesus. Look away from the sideshows that serve as distractions and stay focused on Him. As we look unto Jesus, our thoughts are elevated above the adverse life events, that try to pull us down and beat us up. Don't be consumed by darkness. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12). He is the source of our hope and our healer, the One who makes us whole. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:16).