Tuesday, March 22, 2011

I Might Have Missed It.

Monday, I attended my women's Bible study group with my church friends.  We are doing the Beth Moore study A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place.  I have so enjoyed this journey thus far, especially since I had just read all about the tabernacle in my 90 days through the Bible. (Which I am still doing, just dragging behind a little.)

Anyway... in our study yesterday we listened to week seek of the video presentations by Beth.  This entire week of lessons spoke to me so deeply, because in my heart of hearts... I am a worshipper.  That is what God created me to be.  From the heart He gave me, to the talents He enabled me with, etc... I love to worship!

There was a part of the lesson that spoke to loudly to me, that I had to share it.  I admit, I have been known to be "one of those" who see's everything as "why me".  Why do we not have the money we need to live "comfortable"?  Why can't we have new cars like "so and so"?  Why is keeping a daily devotion life so hard for me, when "so and so" it is so easy?  Why have we had so many crisis in our family to endure, when it seems "so and so" has such an easy life?  Well... do you see where I'm going with this?

Well Beth shared something that has transformed my thoughts... and it is a HUGE "ah ha" moment for me.  Basically she said:  Blessed is the person when God invades what comes naturally for everyone else, with the Supernatural.  Ok... do you GET this!!!

Perhaps God is saying to me.... you have been chosen to have a "tougher" road... where things are not as "easy" as it may be for everyone else.... because I have chosen you to see how I work in the Supernatural! If it were easy for you "Vanessa"... if everything came simply.... you would never see ME in how I work miracles!

So Blessed am I... that God has so chosen me... to be able to see things He is doing in the supernatural!

Wow... that was just a huge thing for me.  What a way to view trials and hardships....  And truly, knowing me.... He got it right.... because when everything is "easy going"... I am far less likely to be watching and praying and seeking....

Well.. I hope someone out there can get an "ah ha" out of this... because it was just amazing for me...

So just remember:  There is a reason everything doesn't come "naturally".  Maybe that reason is that I (you) have been CHOSEN to see God do the supernatural!  How amazing is that!!!

Monday, March 7, 2011

God is able....

Daily Nugget:

If we are thrown in to the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  Daniel 3: 17


I am sorry that I have not posted more as of late.  So many things have taken my attention from the blog... but not from God's word and presence.  I love that technology affords me the scripture at the touch of a button and so grateful that His presence is with me everywhere!
I have always loved the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  It was a childhood favorite of mine, and still is!  The faith these men had in God still humbles me!  

Can you imagine the thoughts that went through the minds of these three?  The astrologers and the King were full of threats... threats to end their lives in a horrible way.  But nothing was enough to convince these three to compromise the integrity of their faith or their convictions!  (Would we be so strong?)

Instead of changing their minds and giving into the fear... they gave bold and unhesitating witness to their trust and faith in the ONE TRUE GOD!  They had no doubt that God would save them.  We serve the ONLY GOD, who is able to save His people from every situation.  Our hope is in THE GOD who is our salvation, refuge and strength.

But there is another part of the story... the next verse..  "But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (v18)  Wow...amazing!  These men knew without a doubt that God was able... but they also knew God had a choice and in that choice there would be a greater reason... if God did not save them.  They did however, want to make it crystal clear, that the king understood... whether God saved them or not... they would only worship THE GOD.  God who said... I Am, that I Am.  There is no God but Me!

They had unconditional faith and trust in God... totally loyalty.  They possessed a faith and trust in God REGARDLESS of what God actually did for them, and REGARDLESS of the consequences.  Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we are tested.  Sometimes we are tested beyond what we can even fathom to withstand.  However, we must realize that we have a God who saves.  

As I continue on this journey, I have confidence in MY GOD who will save me.  It may not be my "way" or my "plan".. but I have learned that I can only see the small picture... and I have learned to trust God to know the "BIG" picture.  I am thankful (although not so much at the time) of the hardships and trials that God has allowed me to go through.  I am stronger in my faith.  I am deeper in my commitment to following Him.  I have a greater testimony.  I can witness His greatness and ability to see me through.  These things, however hard and horrible at the time, continue to shape me and the person God wants me to be.  

So to the "king".....  I say.... the God we serve is able to save me... BUT if He doesn't... make no mistake... I will never bow down to worship any but HIM.