December 23
Background to today’s prayer
Has to do with when the Lord’s plans are not clean and neat
We often think that if something is from God it will go smoothly right?
Think again!
Remember Job, the difficulties came at God’s insistence!
And so, because He’s sovereign,
Because the Holy Spirit does not make mistakes,
Because nothing is a surprise to God,
We can trust Him!
Psalm 103:19 tells us that, “His throne is above the heavens and He is sovereign over all.”
TODAY’S PRAYER
As I reread the account of the Magi’s visit (Matthew 2:1-12) and the flight into Egypt by Jesus’ family, including King Herod’s butchery (Matthew 2:13-18), I am reminded Lord that Your plans are not always clean and neat. We often find ourselves in a deep valley that You have brought us to. Father, thank You for Your many promises, of which Romans 8:28 is only one. It tells us that ALL THINGS work together for good, for those who are in Christ Jesus, Your son, the One who’s advent, who’s coming, we celebrate this Christmas season.
Follow-up to today’s prayer
People like to say that Job brought his issues upon himself, which doesn’t bear out in the text, (note Job chapters 1 and 2)
And look in the NT, Paul talked about it, Peter talked about it (1 Peter 4:13) rejoicing in and EXPECTING to suffer, with Christ
We make a grave error in the West by thinking that when difficulties come our way God wants us to wriggle out of them.
He has allowed them!!
God has allowed them for a reason!!
Comments
Dear God, help us to accept what You want us to accept, and to reject what You want us to reject and the discernment and wisdom we need for doing so. Please help us to persevere and to trust You in all things. Remember that we are dust. Thank You, Lord Jesus, You suffered more for our sake than we shall ever be able to fathom.
James 1:2-4 BSB
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.