God
has a perfect plan for every creature He creates (Matthew 6:28, Ephesians
2:10). He wants only what is best for us; yet,
so many of us buy into Satan's lie that He wants to restrict us and thwart our
individuality and our freedom.
Freedom
in Christ is the only true freedom (John 8:36). We no longer have the struggle
of making something of our life, providing for all of our own needs, finding a
mate or job or raising our children successfully.
Christ
in us, by His Holy Spirit, guides each moment of our life, if we totally
surrender all to Him. He may not provide exactly what we want, but His
provision will be better than we ever dreamed possible (Philippians 4:19).
He
provides the job He wants us to have. It may not supply the salary we want, or
the perfect work, which we think we are suited for; but He will use us there
for His glory and for His exact purpose for our life, as we walk in His Spirit
(Galatians 5:15-25).
Our
children may grow up and get so busy that they have little time for us. They
may walk away from the Godly values, which we shared with them, and they may
make life choices which grieve the Holy Spirit. As long as we did our best as
parents, they are in God's hands now, and we continue to pray for them.
We
may live in a home, which is less than a worldly status symbol; but as long as
we have a place to lay our head, we have more than Jesus had during His life on
this earth (Matthew 8:20). Our clothes may come from a thrift store, but they
are as beautiful as anything sold in the mall.
As
we trust God with our life, we gain our identity from Christ in us. We no
longer wonder why we are alive on this earth, but we see Him use us for His
glory as we share a smile, a kind word or a helping hand as He directs our
life.
Prayer:
Father
God, give our heart Your peace as we walk in Your will each day of our life (Philippians
4:7). Fill us with Your Spirit and use us to bring as many people to heaven
with us as are willing to humble their life before You (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).
Remind
us not to pass up an opportunity to give someone a helping hand in Your name (Matthew
10:42). You faithfully provide for all of our needs according to Your plan for
our day (Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 2:10) and You comfort us in all of our
afflictions (2 Corinthians 1:4). As we trust in You, You reveal to us Your
heart and calm us by Your promises and faithful nature (2 Peter 1:4).
Thought
for the Day:
As
we rest in the palm of God's hand, He shelters us from the storms and fearful
places of life (John 10:28; Psalm 27:5); He stills the raging circumstances and
quiets the waves of turmoil in our surroundings (Psalm 107:29).
