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Romans 11:33-36 – Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (ESV)
Recently, Caroline called me on her drive to the shops, to say that the car was making a scraping sound. We have breakdown insurance, but because it was local, I wanted to make sure that I could remedy the situation before invoking their help. It would be quicker for me to help, and I could reassure Caroline.
On the way over, I prayed for peace of mind for Caroline and myself, and also for wisdom. As I prayed, I soon felt more peaceful, and yet, I was still buzzing in anticipation when a thought seeped into mind: it was probably a stone stuck in the brake discs.
Rather than work on the car at the side of the road, I guessed that my thought was true, and since it was only a few miles to home, it was probably safer to get home at a slow speed. I found the cause of the scraping noise: a stone stuck up against the disc pad, which fell onto the floor as I jiggled the disc. It seemed that the car was now okay.
As is common with me, I find that I can be too quick to congratulate myself before giving praise to Jesus. In this case, experience led me to diagnose and remedy what was wrong with the car. I was relieved and thought Brownie points for me, having saved us from the time, money, and trauma.
On the test drive, a thought bubbled up: did I not ask for wisdom from God? Did I not get a word in my consciousness to let me know where to look for the problem? Yes, true, I have a lifetime of experience with mending cars and driving them. However, I should not be so quick to take the credit for what I now recognize was an answer to prayer, regardless of how it came into being.
Many times during the day, we ask God to help us in various ways — at least, I do anyway. When God has granted our petition, in the relief and busyness, we carry on self-assured in our own strength.
In the Old Testament, we find that the Israelites were just the same: feckless and fickle. Without leadership, they soon fell into bad ways, all too willing to ignore God's input into their lives.
All our gifts, skills, and abilities come from God. All good things come from Him. That does not mean that we should take them for granted without due praise and thanks.
So, with me today, give thanks for answers to prayers, small and large.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your influence in our lives, in our consciousness, where we can hear from You and share in the everyday, whether sometimes we recognize it or not. Lord, forgive us for our weakness of thinking that we know best, for without Your input, we are lost. You care about our situations, and we ask You, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to influence us for the good. Jesus, we rejoice that You set us free from sin, and we humbly ask You to go with us into the day ahead. Amen.
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Thanks, Rod. Wise advice!
Thanks for the good word, Rod.
Amen, brother. A blessed Thanksgiving to you also!
Rod,
Great reminder, thanks.
Thanks for share, Happy Thanksgiving in Jesus’ truth in families.
Thank you, Rod, for sharing this inspiring devotional with us. Blessings.
Amen Rod. All we are and have is from God. Praise His Holy name.
Blessings Lynne.
Praise be to Him for all He has been doing in our lives in Jesus name.
Thanks for Sharing Roderick. Blessings.
Thank you for the reminder of Romans 11:36 again and that we should be more thankful for answered prayers that we so easily miss. Blessings.
Thank you Rod. A Good one on this Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada! No truer words were spoken, or written, into a devotional.
Keep up your good work – in all areas.
And may you and your family stay Healthy.
‘Tis funny, Rod, but I recognize your writing before I get to the end of the devotional. It has been my great good fortune to have known you so well.
Yes, God is good. He supplies our every need. Praise His Holy Name. Thank you for your faithfulness to Him. Keep on keeping on.
Your writing reminded me of the joke of the woman who asked God to help her get a parking spot near the entrance to a store. As she came around the corner, there was the perfect spot. She said, “oh forget it God. I found one “. I will try to be more deliberate in my thanks today.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, I include the daily reading crew in praise.
Thank you.
Greetings Rod,
Thank you for another very good devotional. Yes, we need be very mindful to give gracious thanks to our Lord who is ever there, ready to help and guide us with every situation we encounter. So often, when we figure out what to do in a situation, we automatically give ourselves credit for knowing the solution, but if we stop and reconsider for a moment, it is our Saviour, the one who is ever watching over us, that deserves the credit.
Blessings for the writings you contribute.
(B.C.)
Hi Rod,
This was a great devotional and an important reminder to keep asking God for help and not forgetting to thank Him afterwards, nor forget that everything comes from and belongs to Him, even our gifts.
Blessings.
Right on!
Tokay I heard an electronic sound from the computer which usually means it is having difficulty with some function. I prayed we would have no trouble as I am on a deadline. And anything I should do?
Suddenly I thought, “Push the paper that is in the printer tray” Huh? Why? I did.
The paper was not all the way in. I don’t know how it got that way. Usually the printer won’t work if paper is even slightly off.
Thanks, God.
Thank you Rod. So very true.
My Dad was a mechanic and I never had an interest in repairing cars. But for the grace of God’s wisdom, I would have spent a lot of time feeling sorry for myself on the side of the road.
We come across these types of events daily. Like yourself, sometimes I think “Wow, I am better than I thought” but shortly thereafter I give thanks to the Lord, for I know his wisdom was at work in me.
Blessings,
(QC CANADA)
Hi, soooo thankful for your availability to write as Holy Spirit helps you humbly share, helping and encouraging others.
“Lord, Your ripples of love and wisdom are flowing out through PresbyCan Prayerline and more, We thankfully cling to You to stay alive and keep growing. Please help us receive Your living waters! Then use me now to also be a channel. All Glory to You”
My family is so messed up/broken like so many others, I guess. just what Satan wants. So, I’m Isolated, praying, wanting to be the glue of repairing love in our family.
Waiting on our God of Love as the Battle is His we know!
Thanks, Rod, for your reminder this morning of Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
I enjoy your devotionals and always get a fresh perspective.
Today I read or re-read your message from away back in October.
Thank you for a lesson in “doing it the Lord’s Way.”
I need to remember that.
Keep writing for Jesus’ sake.