This blog is designed to create community for believers and provide support for seekers. I encourage all readers to share their faith in an effort to lift and encourage one another.
.”Nothing is a surprise to God; nothing is a setback to His plans; nothing can thwart His purposes; and nothing is beyond His control. His sovereignty is absolute. Everything that happens is uniquely ordained by God.” -Joni Eareckson Tada
A great quote to remember when we encounter those “detours” in life.
Teach me, Lord, to serve others.
It happens when we least expect it. We’re traveling down the highway, making great time, knowing we’ll reach our destination on time. And then, out of nowhere, we see it: the bright orange sign. It has two simple words printed on it, “Detour ahead.” Before we know it, we’re off the highway, traveling some winding two lane road. Our speed slows dramatically, and the traffic resembles a caravan of snails inching toward their destination.
Our typical reaction to the detour? We whine, we gripe, we bemoan our fate.
Jesus experienced a detour too. One minute He was in the fast lane. People crowded around Him, begging to see Him and hear Him speak. They call Him “Savior” and wanted to make Him king. They threw palm branches and their robes at His feet, praising Him as He entered Jerusalem. Surely, He was traveling quickly toward fame, riches, and royalty.
But a detour caused an abrupt about face to that trip. Jesus was arrested, beaten, humiliated, and nailed, nearly naked, to a rugged wooden cross. How did He react to this detour? He uttered two sentences that show His attitude to the detour. “Father…not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42) and “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Because He traveled the detour, which of course was the plan all along, believers receive eternal life.
On our highway of life, we will encounter unexpected detours. How will we react? Will we whine and complain? Or will we submit to the One who knows the final destination?
“Did you ever stop to think that God is going to be as pleased to have you with Him in Heaven as you are to be there?”
― A.W. Tozer, The Attributes of God
This quote really made me think. How about you?
When I was a child, I never worried about bullies picking on me. With three brothers, I always had someone nearby who would defend me. Because of them, I felt safe. But today, our family has scattered, and none of my brothers live in the same state as me. Fortunately, I have learned to lean on my all-powerful savior as my defender. Even in times of trouble, he provides me with safety, from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm. Thank you, Lord, for your loving protection.
“If through a broken heart God can bring His purposes to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart.”
― Oswald Chambers
O, Lord, let me trust you enough to thank you for a broken heart. May your purposes come to pass.
Thank you, Lord, for providing spiritual food and for providing the living water that never runs dry. Fill me to overflowing, so others can see you, living in and nourishing me.
We live in troubled, broken times. I allow fear to wrap itself around me, stealing my hope and contentment. Worry takes away my trust in the Almighty Creator God. Hatred reigns supreme, shoving love into the deep recesses of my heart. My God-given peace seems shattered, scattered to every corner of my soul.
But then…I open the Book. I allow His words to wash over me. I bask in praise music. I take long walks outdoors. I reach out a helping hand. I offer up a prayer.
And then the miracle happens. The shards of peace knit themselves back together. They grow and bloom deep in my soul. Soon, the others return: hope, contentment, trust, and love flourish and blossom alongside the peace God has provided. Once again, they bloom, even in these troubled time. What steps are you taking to allow peace to flourish in your soul, even in troubled times?
• “But God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.”
— Francis Chan
Now this quote is worthy of contemplation, don’t you think?
Growing Our Faith Together 