Victorious Living - 08 June

Have you testified to God’s goodness? I’m sure He has done something that is worth talking about. Please don’t be afraid to share, especially with those who don’t know Christ.

As a reminder, nothing happens without God’s approval. Nothing. His plan can’t be frustrated, and as Christ’s suffering enhanced God’s kingdom, so will ours.

The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.” Isaiah 14:24 (ESV)

Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.’  Isaiah 46:8-11 (ESV)

God’s claims are true.  There is none like Him. If you are a Christian, no matter what is in front of you, know that it’s a part of His plan. He has spoken. He will bring it to pass. He will do it! So trust in Him and hang on for the ride.

How intimately does God know you? Are you just a celestial chess piece? Does He know “about” you? Can you hide anything from Him? Can you hide yourself from Him? Please don’t let your eyes glaze over this long passage. It is very comforting.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.  Psalms 139:1-18 (ESV)

Do you believe the words of this Psalm? God knows you at the sub-atomic level. He created you as an individual. He created your “flaws” and your “faults”. You can’t hide from Him! We simply can’t understand the depth of His love this side of heaven.

Take some time to read this Psalm a few times. Meditate on God’s love for you. Think about how God placed each molecule together to create YOU. If He loves you enough to keep track of you 100% of the time, and if He knows your inner thoughts and desires, doesn’t it make sense that He would be available to help you in your times of trouble? Can you spend the weekend praising Him for Who He is? Thanking Him for the good things that have happened to you as well as the bad? Standing amazed that He loves you even though you do things to disappoint? Asking Him to show you what lessons you are to learn in your current trial?

Think on His marvelous works, friend. See you Monday.