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1 Corinthians 13:12 – Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (NIV)
Earl Grey came to me after two other families had failed to collect him. He is a grey tabby, and he loves to get into everything. I have discovered him everywhere from inside my mop pail to inside a cloth bag that had been left on the floor. He is just a kitten that insists on being everywhere all the time.
The Lord's servant, Job, eventually discovered that this is also a trait of God, though amidst his horrendous suffering, he cried out to God, "Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?" (Job 13:24 NIV)
Job is confused by his suffering, wondering what he has done to deserve it. He also feels that God has left him, for he complains, "If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to His dwelling! I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say." (Job 23:3-5 NIV)
Sometimes, I have had the same thoughts and questions as Job when I read the morning headlines and see the suffering of the world. What is going on, God? Why are You allowing these things? Why all this suffering? What kind of God would say that He loves us beyond measure, but then treats us this way?
Yet, God is in everything. We cannot go anywhere that He is not. He knows the beginning from the end, and He is always with us, whether or not we feel or discern His presence.
So, as we read the headlines, let us choose not to dwell upon what we cannot understand, but to remember and know, like Job came to know, that God can do all things. No plan of His can be thwarted. The world is not out of control at all, because God is always in control. Let us also remember that right now, we can see only in part, but one day, we shall see clearly and understand God's whole plan: "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11b NIV)
Such remembrances shall bring us encouragement, hope, and joy, for they speak of an everlasting and eternal love that shall never fail us, even amidst the sufferings of this world that we cannot yet understand.
Prayer: Father God, we come in faith, hope, and love, choosing to remember that You are in control of this world and that You know and understand all its sufferings. Strengthen and encourage us to continue to trust in You and Your Word, that better things are yet to come, eternal things that shall fill us up to overflowing and remove all suffering, tears, mourning, and lack of understanding. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Amen.
Thanks for this renewing Daily Devotional, Lynne. Love the little kitty’s name! Bless you.
Yas, Amen. Thank you so much for loving the kitty, for sending such very good messages to us!!
Yes! God is in control and PTL we are not! Can you imagine the mayhem were the opposite true? Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
A beautiful prayer, Lynne! Earl Grey sounds like a handful but no doubt fun to watch. Thanks, and praying you are settling in to your new place. Blessings to you and your family!
Good Morning
Ongoing thanks for your contributions.
I would like to email this devotion to our church family.
Thank you, Lynne, for such a timely devotion. We do wonder why God allows so many tragedies and wicked governments.
I’m praying for you as wildfires rush around northern Alberta. May you and your new property be kept safe inside His loving hedge of protection.
Thank you, Lynne, for sharing your heart this morning. In the book of Job I find many ways we are to survive suffering. I am grateful for victories we find along the way. Sometimes my heart breaks for the places we have come to as a people as we see on any newscast. But in this season of life I am personally grieved about my daughter who has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. I plead for healing as Job did! Thanks.
Hi Lynne
Kittens do have a way of getting into everything, somewhat like us humans. We have a tendency to get into everything, especially those things we should not be doing.
I hope the fires in Alberta are not affecting where you will be moving to.
Blessings.
Many thanks, Lynne, for another of your very special devotionals. Yes, there sure are some troubling happenings in our world these days but our faith must remain strong as the Lord’s timing works for the best results. He is the one in control and we need be patient knowing the day will come when we will experience joy for His leadership.
Blessings for your encouraging writings.
Once again, I thank you for the gift of sharing insights to help me and the other readers navigate our time here on earth while we search for ways to serve and await an everlasting future.
I hope your trip went well and your new home brings blessings.
With all the things to deal with right now, I appreciate your making time for your writing.
May God richly bless you.
Good morning, Lynne,
I am sure that the Christians in war torn areas wonder too where God is. To us they are only headlines, to them it is death, hunger, and destruction. It is our hope and prayer that they do remember that God is with them.
Right now this very morning we are going through a difficult personal time here at home, but we know that God is with us. Praise be.
Blessings in your new home.
Hello Lynne
Good morning! I have the 7-month-old pup into everything also. Crazy and I took her for a walk before bedtime and that was different. She is not used to it and I really have to take her out more just to get used to walking but I would have to leave M. home, so no distractions. Hope you are all settled in your new home.
So thank you for your devotional today, it gave me a chuckle but your message is so true.
God bless.
Good morning, Lynne. I completely understand your message. Not so sure the people in Ukraine and other war-torn countries would believe that God is in control. All the innocent people who are collateral damage would probably question the veracity of Jeremiah 29:11 (as I do at times when the burdens of life just get too heavy, and I live in a peaceful world with everything I could want or need).
As I grow in my faith, I am always encouraged when I see the pieces of God’s plan come together and make sense. However I am still very much a work in progress.
Blessings dear friend.
Good morning, Lynne,
It is a good message that reminds us that God is always with us and in control. I think we all need reminders of this especially when we see so many disasters and people suffering all over the world. All the beautiful creations that reveal themselves in the spring, remind me of how powerful God is. The tree in my backyard has taken only a few days for the leaves to open up and fill the space. All the spring flowers in bloom and all so different. Just amazing.
Thanks for sharing a little of Earl Grey’s story as he keeps you entertained. May you have a blessed day.
Good morning, Lynne,
I have had you in my thoughts recently as we hear of the wildfires raging in your area of Canada. You have mentioned a move coming up to Northern Alberta for you and your family and hoping you are all okay. I wanted to send you a note but didn’t want to intrude as I only know you through our joy in our Lord and your messages.
So it was a joyful moment this morning when I received your devotional.
Our God does bring us “through” difficulties which is a wonderful promise.
Trust you and your loved ones are good.
God bless,
(Ontario)
In the darkness Jesus is the light.
Dear Lynne,
Better things are yet to come.
I read that you made it to your new home from B.C. escaping the fires. You are all in my prayers for safety, courage, and faith.
(Ontario)