The hardest thing for us to imagine is that we’re not the main event. The most difficult thing in life for us is to let go of our wills and let God rule. There is a script to our life whether we realize it or not. It was written before we were even born. The very day of our birth and the last hour of our life were created in the mind of God before the foundation of the world. The Psalmist said, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15). In other words, our dates from beginning to end are within the governing power of our God.
This means avoiding the blame game. “Whose fault is this? Why did God (or someone else) allow this to happen to me?” This is one of the most worthless, energy-draining, self-deluding exercises we can engage in. Don’t do it. Resentment toward our neighbor or our God will not help us in the slightest degree. The one and only one result of this sort of bitterness is destructive-mostly to the one who gives in to it. In a very real sense, it really doesn’t matter who or what got us into the jam we’re in. It may be someone else’s fault, or it may be our own, or it simply may be due to the weather.
Whoever is directly responsible for our plight, we can say at the very minimum that it was God who oversaw it. What happens to us can never be the product of “just accident” or pure “chance.” If we believe in the God of the Bible, such things are not even a possibility. God is the God of order and purpose and whatever occurs in this life must first pass his inspection. It may be good or evil, but it doesn’t happen while he’s looking the other way. Whatever you do, don’t fall for any of the popular views of God that make him anything less than totally sovereign and in complete control of the entire course of history.
In truth, God blesses us by means of his will–he chooses to bless us with his ultimate good. He wills our highest good in the form of his perfect will for us. The best that we can envision for ourselves is paltry and pathetic in comparison to what our Father in heaven can envision for us. The most exciting, most fulfilling, most spectacular career or success we can secure for ourselves is nothing in comparison to what God can bring to us in the center of his will. That’s why we’re taught by Jesus to pray for the perfect will of God. God blesses us through his will because his will is the very best thing available to us anywhere at any time.
Dear John,
Heard this type of message from you before but each time I hear it, there is more power and understanding in it for me. Following through is very important and often difficult to do. This was a special 61st birthday message for me ..sent to me by God through you. (that’s what I feel). You are a carrier of the Good News!!! Thanks and love to you and your family. Your Fox News interview was good. I ordered 5 more books for friends who are in need. It’s a simple and wonderful way to pray and help people who are in trouble and needing immediate help and support. You have always had a gift of helping the needy to feel loved, comforted and hopeful. God has put these wonderful gifts in your body and heart and you share them with all of us with simplicity and most of all hope and love. Thank you dear friend.
Kathie, it is always great to hear from you. I really appreciate your words of encouragement — they mean a lot to our family. We love and miss you all too and can’t wait to see you all. We’re praying that God will open the door for us to cross paths soon.
Hello!
This is one of the best article and sermon I ever read. Thank you for the encouragement. I really in need of those words. Sometimes or many times I really blame other person but upon reading this, it enlightened me and hopefully I could share it to the other young people here in our country. Thank you for a life changing message. God bless!
Thanks so much. Very happy it helped you. Blessings on you on your faith journey.