The Right Time

1 Peter 5:5-6

"But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—

God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.

So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time."

I am daily working on contentment. I must continue to work towards the goal, but not push too hard. I must not rush God's timing. He will promote me in his time.

Heart of a Loving Father

10/31/2010 13:30

Background:

Our good friends sacrificially gave us a mana car 6 months ago, and it has been a blessing to our family. In spite of all the work that they had done on the car, the engine had a catastrophic failure last month. We have refused to borrow money, and we have been borrowing cars to get us around town for the past month.

Key Point from Pastor Jon's Sermon:

Will my request draw me closer to Jesus or drive a wedge between us?

Today has been an emotional day as I had an encounter with Jesus this afternoon. God demonstrated His love for us in a miraculous way.

Between services a couple from our church let us test drive their 2001 Mustang. My father has a 1964 1/2 Mustang, and I have always wanted one so that we could go to car shows together. It was a wonderful car, but seemed impracticable for our family.

We had an appointment to test drive a 1996 Honda Accord in Tacoma at noon. On the way there, I felt Jesus prompt me to believe for both vehicles.

I broke down crying while driving on I-5. We have been in this deep trial for so long, and I have seen my dreams die so many times that I have become afraid to believe for anything wonderful. I would have been very happy to get our car running again.

Both vehicle owners are Christians, and they have been looking for good homes for their vehicles. The entire process has been divinely orchestrated, and we good feel God's presence on the test drives.

A mechanic in our church found an engine for our mana car, and we plan to bless another family in the church with this vehicle.

We still have to work out the details, but God has gone beyond meeting a need and is demonstrating the generous heart of a loving father.

Forged Faith

Journal Entry 10/31/2010 5:30am

Mark 8:17
Why are you still talking about having no bread?

They were so focused on their need that they missed the miracle in front of them.

Do I ever miss the miracles that Jesus has sent? Am I so focused on my finances or transportation problems that I miss the miracle? God stretched the little money that we did have over 10 months of unemployment, and He provided cars for us to drive for free. He even allowed us to remain in our house rent free for over a year.

While my encounter did not happen the way that I expected or wanted, Jesus was faithful, and His promise was fulfilled either way. My pride kept me from being set free from financial bondage sooner. Over the course of our trial, my faith was increased, and my relationship with Him was forged through the testing.

Fresh Start

Psalm 145:14
God gives a hand to those down on their luck,
gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

Jesus, Thank you for the job and the fresh start!

Hope for the future

Jeremiah 29:11-14
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed."

These times of trial can cause me to question God, or they can cement my relationship with Him. When I struggle, I must dig deeper to hear His voice. He has not abandoned me. In my desperation, I have become totally dependent on Him. Is there any better place to be?

God gets the Glory

Psalm 118:17-18
I didn't die. I lived!
And now I'm telling the world what God did.
God tested me, he pushed me hard,
but he didn't hand me over to Death.

God uses our times of trial and testing to build our testimony. I must tell others about my experience and God's amazing love. How sad it would be to endure trials and never share His love with those in need around me.

The purpose driven life is not about me, it is all about service. At the end of the day, I have surrendered my life to serve Christ. Whether I finish life as a success or failure, it makes no difference as long as God gets the glory.

Life is Getting Hard

Jeremiah 45:3-5
You say, 'These are bad times for me! It's one thing after another. God is piling on the pain. I'm worn out and there's no end in sight.'

"But God says, 'Look around. What I've built I'm about to wreck, and what I've planted I'm about to rip up. And I'm doing it everywhere—all over the whole earth! So forget about making any big plans for yourself. Things are going to get worse before they get better. But don't worry. I'll keep you alive through the whole business.'"

Many of us have stepped out in faith to build upon a dream that God placed in our hearts, only to struggle with the pain of watching it flounder. I have learned more through my failures than my successes. Thank you Jesus for daily dependence and provision.