All For His Purpose

God can do all that he will, but he won’t do all that he can—because his power is conformed to his purpose and clothed in his love.  ~Bible Gateway Devotion

Trials will come in life.  We are not protected from the ways of this world.  We cannot live in a bubble and avoid all pain, emotion, circumstances or tough situations.  Being a Christian does not exempt us from suffering.  Deciding to follow God and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior will not guarantee care free living.  It brings so much more. . .

Each step taken down the path laid for your life brings peace, joy, purpose and blessings.  When storms arise, cling to God and He will provide a safety net.  He will not allow you to fall, but will allow you to grow.  Becoming a mature Christian requires growth and growth requires lessons and lessons come from trials and trials may bring suffering.  In times such as these, God holds the power to eliminate the pain and remove the situation; but, the growth, strength and increased faith which results from your endurance is the very thing God needs to use you in times ahead.  You have no idea what lay ahead on the path He created.  He cannot give details to His plan.  The whole picture would overwhelm our minds and may scare us from continuing forward.  He allows little bits at time; just enough that we can handle to bring us where we need to be to fulfill His work. 

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

His power is conformed to His purpose and clothed in love.  His love exceeds any word in our vocabulary.  For example, there are times we must watch our children suffer; be it in a relationship, wrecking a bike while learning, falling at the first attempts to walk or failing a test taken unprepared.  We could take over any time and remove the pain and take them out of the situation; do not allow them to date or build relationships, hold onto the back of the bike, hold their hand as they step or do their schoolwork for them.  What would be learned?  Would we really be helping our child?  I think you know the answers and can see where I am going with this.  God does not want us to suffer and could eliminate it completely, but He doesn't because suffering produces perseverance.  Perseverance produces character and character produces hope.  Hope brings purpose to our lives.  We must continue to hope in our God and turn our eyes to Him in all times.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34)

Eliminate worrying about tomorrow; for tomorrow has enough worries of its own.  Stand firm on His Word and know He will take care of any situation which arises.  Whether the situation brings suffering, joy, grief or sorrow; every emotion and situation is part of a bigger plan.  God is so much bigger than anything you may face.  And the cool part is that all of this is temporary.  God is just preparing us to live with Him eternally.  With each step in faith, we become mature in Christ.  Walk confidently knowing God will provide exactly what you need to complete this day lying ahead of you.  Be a vessel at all times for Him to shine through.  Prove your faith to others as you cling to God closer every day.  Others will follow your example and reach to Him for protection, love, hope, strength and endurance.  Be the light!

God, thank you for another day to shine Your light to the world.  Use me in every way to spread the Good News to all I encounter.  Lead me down the path and bring peace to my mind.  Give me strength to endure hard times, painful situations and overwhelming seasons.  I keep my eyes on You and the promises in Your Word.  I know these are Truth and my hope is in You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig