Well, its been several weeks at home now, and I LOVE it. I have been enjoying the time with my family, and I hadnt realized exactly how much I missed them. Its sad to think that nearly half of my stay is over. :(
But amid all of the fun there still is the whole "relationships with younger siblings" thing. haha. I remember my mom telling me after this last year (Christmas break), that I seemed to "easily be irritated" with the younger ones. But the thing is, I didnt notice that, I didnt feel like I was irritated at all. I do know that it was much harder to get along with them at times...
When she told me that I was really surprised. And in the weeks leading up to this year's Christmas break, I really wondered how it'd be for me...if I would be able to be a good example to them...I had been praying that He would allow me to be. In the last few weeks here at home, I have noticed that the times when a sibling tries to annoy me (like little siblings enjoy doing ;) I have been able to respond kindly. Its weird, because I seemed to have little control over that last year...but this time, its been almost natural to be kind for the most part.
Then God showed me what it is: It is because I truly have been in His Word. He reminded me that the He truly does honor His Word and His promises. He just pointed out that I cant love anyone, in the slightest degree, as He loved them unless I am in the Word. Like meditating on it. It never ceases to amaze me the difference from "walking in the Light, as He is in the Light" and "walking in darkness". It effects every area of life.
And on top of that, I have been really thinking about JN 12:24, Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground, and dies, it abides alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. Learning the importance of surrender when HE asks of it. Learning how to die...apparently there are many ways to die.
Stay in the Word yall! Lord bless you all!! Happy Holidays!! :)
Josh
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
My worst nightmare, His perfect plan...
The month of November was a long one, but a good one. Then came December, even busier than the previous month. I was looking forward to a time at home. Was gonna be awesome! Then I got news one morning that my mom was being admitted to the hospital for lack of blood. (Okeeyyy....last time that had happened, she was told that had she come in any later, she would have died) So, I prayed, my awesome friends were praying, etc. It was pretty frightening because I heard nothing all day...nothing at all. My siblings at home heard nothing. I know this sounds terrible, but near the end of the day, I was wondering if she was even alive. At around 9pm, i got a text from my mom!!! Nothing can describe the release that was. :)
I talked to her yesterday and she was telling me just how serious it had been. Her body had been running off of 1/4 the oxygen that it needed. Oh my, she nearly had a heart attack at one point, her heart nearly collapsed at another point. Good grief...it was all God. It was all God. It was all God. He did indeed do all things well. I had a friend ask me, "If God decides to take your mom, will you thank Him anyway?" That was eye opening...I didnt want to think about that. I didnt think it would happen, but what if my worst nightmare was His perfect plan? Would i still thank Him? Thankfully, He never called on me to do that...not yet. I am at home with my family now. I have missed them so much. :) Thank you all for all your prayers!! God heard you!!
So let me ask you all, what if your worst nightmare is His perfect plan? Will you thank Him anyway?
Do you trust Him that much?
Lord bless you all,
I talked to her yesterday and she was telling me just how serious it had been. Her body had been running off of 1/4 the oxygen that it needed. Oh my, she nearly had a heart attack at one point, her heart nearly collapsed at another point. Good grief...it was all God. It was all God. It was all God. He did indeed do all things well. I had a friend ask me, "If God decides to take your mom, will you thank Him anyway?" That was eye opening...I didnt want to think about that. I didnt think it would happen, but what if my worst nightmare was His perfect plan? Would i still thank Him? Thankfully, He never called on me to do that...not yet. I am at home with my family now. I have missed them so much. :) Thank you all for all your prayers!! God heard you!!
So let me ask you all, what if your worst nightmare is His perfect plan? Will you thank Him anyway?
Do you trust Him that much?
Lord bless you all,
Josh
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
"What is Your Last Name?"
Just was thinking about all of the messages that we have seen about prayer recently, and I've been thinking about all of the times that God has shown himself true through prayer. I just wanted to share a really awesome story that I have recenly been reminded of.
I had been at various rallies for Sen. Santorum all day, I was worn out. The HQ van wouldnt be heading back till later that evening. So when I heard Johanna Feehan say that she was taking her car back early, I quickly accepted the invitation to go back. It was an interesting trip...about a 4 hour drive. I hadnt ever even really talked to Johanna at all, much less told her anything about my past. We got to talking about our siblings, and our parents, etc...it was neat to learn about where God had brought her from. Then she asked about my story. I really didnt want to tell this stranger who I had been. Haha. But I did...I am so glad for that decision. She listened as she drove, asking an occassional question. Just nodding. When I was done, she said, "Wow, God really has brought you a long way! I am so glad to hear that!" We talked some more and then she just randomly asked, "So, what is your last name?" "Hall." "Wait...do you have a sister named Bethany that went on a journey 2 years ago?"
"Uhm, yes, do you know her?" She just started crying! I was like...okeyyyy...this is...weird...maybe she thought I said something that I didnt. Strange. A minute later, she said, "You know, I was your sister's journey leader. She told the team about you...about the bondage in your life, and how it was hurting your family. We prayed, and we cried out for your salvation. We begged God's intervention. I NEVER thought I'd ever hear the result much less meet you. And here you are, a growing believer, serving in a ministry. Wow...He hadnt forgotten. He heard us."
It blew my mind!! I thought that I was all alone in that. But the truth is, I had people praying for me. It was the prayers of that team, the prayers of my amazing, wonderful mother, my sister, and the listening ear of our merciful God that brought me home. Thank yall so much!! I'll never be able to repay you!
I am a good example of God hearing prayer. Pray for your loved ones, yall. He DOES hear you. Prayer brought me to my knees before I even knew Him.
Lord Bless yall, Its getting late,
Josh
I had been at various rallies for Sen. Santorum all day, I was worn out. The HQ van wouldnt be heading back till later that evening. So when I heard Johanna Feehan say that she was taking her car back early, I quickly accepted the invitation to go back. It was an interesting trip...about a 4 hour drive. I hadnt ever even really talked to Johanna at all, much less told her anything about my past. We got to talking about our siblings, and our parents, etc...it was neat to learn about where God had brought her from. Then she asked about my story. I really didnt want to tell this stranger who I had been. Haha. But I did...I am so glad for that decision. She listened as she drove, asking an occassional question. Just nodding. When I was done, she said, "Wow, God really has brought you a long way! I am so glad to hear that!" We talked some more and then she just randomly asked, "So, what is your last name?" "Hall." "Wait...do you have a sister named Bethany that went on a journey 2 years ago?"
"Uhm, yes, do you know her?" She just started crying! I was like...okeyyyy...this is...weird...maybe she thought I said something that I didnt. Strange. A minute later, she said, "You know, I was your sister's journey leader. She told the team about you...about the bondage in your life, and how it was hurting your family. We prayed, and we cried out for your salvation. We begged God's intervention. I NEVER thought I'd ever hear the result much less meet you. And here you are, a growing believer, serving in a ministry. Wow...He hadnt forgotten. He heard us."
It blew my mind!! I thought that I was all alone in that. But the truth is, I had people praying for me. It was the prayers of that team, the prayers of my amazing, wonderful mother, my sister, and the listening ear of our merciful God that brought me home. Thank yall so much!! I'll never be able to repay you!
I am a good example of God hearing prayer. Pray for your loved ones, yall. He DOES hear you. Prayer brought me to my knees before I even knew Him.
Lord Bless yall, Its getting late,
Josh
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Good ol' time...
It has been a crazy last couple of weeks here at HQ, but its been a good past few weeks. There is lots going through the graphic arts department these days as the year is coming to a close. I have found myself working pretty late sometimes on personal projects, which has been a good experience as well. I have also begun learning web design in the last couple months. And its been great working with my good friend, Josh Clark, in learning as much as I can in auto mechanics. Just trying to learn as much as I can while I am still here, seeing that I will surely use it in life later down the road. The Lord has really blessed me in that, yea, I dont necessarily like everything, but he is teaching me in both the things that I enjoy, and the things that I dont really enjoy at all. Ya just keep smiling and push on through it! :)
A few days ago, I was just talking with some of my buds here, and we were laughing and just joking around. I have no problem with laughing, and having a good time...I love to laugh! :D I easily become the one laughed at because I laugh at my mistakes and enjoy watching others get a laugh out of it too. Just ask anybody here at HQ, "So, according to Josh, should I go to 'arrivals' or 'departures' to drop my kid off at the airport?" Or you could ask them, "What kinda ID does Josh need to get on a plane...being a Texan?" Lol! So yes, I love a laugh. But God just seemed to guide my gaze across the room to someone who I could really tell was hurting. They werent laughing. On the face of that person written across it, "Dont these people have anything worth saying? I dont want to listen to a bunch of young people laugh about nothing: I need for someone to care..." I looked away like really fast. I felt very ashamed at all of the things said. Nothing wrong was said! But nothing right was said, no encouragement was given to any of the guys to seek Him more. It was all a big joke. There that person stood...just watching us...wishing we would "take life seriously". I got up and walked away. The Lord just asked me, "Where are you going? Why are you disappointed in how you acted?" That must be how Adam felt when God called him in the garden: "Adam...where are you?" Its like He knew the answer already, and He knew that I finally understood...but He asked me anyway. He just put a picture in my mind of me standing there on Judgement Day:
God: "Josh, do you remember that day when you were having a good ol' time with those guys?"
Josh: "Yes Lord, I do."
God: "Tell me one thing that it did to push them toward Me...did it push them toward Me? Or did it take their eyes off of Me? Its time for you to give an account..."
Josh: "Lord, now that I think about it, it took any thoughts of you out of their mind, and put in its place something worthless...I said nothing worth saying."
God: "Josh, what you didnt know was, there were several people that walked by that really just needed encouragement, and a friend. And they would have let you help them had they not seen the way you acted. You damaged My name. As a professing believer, you gave Me a bad name. And you made your testimony useless to them. I was no longer able to use you as a tool in their lives like I could have."
Its weird, cause all of that ran through my mind in several seconds. I had not only given Him a bad name, but I had damaged my reputation (Gods reputation) in the eyes of those people. Man...
I am really coming to know the power of the tongue. He is teaching me that the tongue is indeed mightier than the sword. I realize now that I wasted 15 minutes of my life saying things that had NO value whatsoever. And on top of that, damaged His name. Wow....I am so thankful that He has reminded me that I will indeed give an account for what I say.
Like I said, I love to laugh, God made all people to love to laugh. Thats right. But "There is a time and a place for everything under heaven."
For God's sake, and for sake of those around you...be careful with what you say, people. You will give an account.God bless you all...
Saved by Grace_Josh
A few days ago, I was just talking with some of my buds here, and we were laughing and just joking around. I have no problem with laughing, and having a good time...I love to laugh! :D I easily become the one laughed at because I laugh at my mistakes and enjoy watching others get a laugh out of it too. Just ask anybody here at HQ, "So, according to Josh, should I go to 'arrivals' or 'departures' to drop my kid off at the airport?" Or you could ask them, "What kinda ID does Josh need to get on a plane...being a Texan?" Lol! So yes, I love a laugh. But God just seemed to guide my gaze across the room to someone who I could really tell was hurting. They werent laughing. On the face of that person written across it, "Dont these people have anything worth saying? I dont want to listen to a bunch of young people laugh about nothing: I need for someone to care..." I looked away like really fast. I felt very ashamed at all of the things said. Nothing wrong was said! But nothing right was said, no encouragement was given to any of the guys to seek Him more. It was all a big joke. There that person stood...just watching us...wishing we would "take life seriously". I got up and walked away. The Lord just asked me, "Where are you going? Why are you disappointed in how you acted?" That must be how Adam felt when God called him in the garden: "Adam...where are you?" Its like He knew the answer already, and He knew that I finally understood...but He asked me anyway. He just put a picture in my mind of me standing there on Judgement Day:
God: "Josh, do you remember that day when you were having a good ol' time with those guys?"
Josh: "Yes Lord, I do."
God: "Tell me one thing that it did to push them toward Me...did it push them toward Me? Or did it take their eyes off of Me? Its time for you to give an account..."
Josh: "Lord, now that I think about it, it took any thoughts of you out of their mind, and put in its place something worthless...I said nothing worth saying."
God: "Josh, what you didnt know was, there were several people that walked by that really just needed encouragement, and a friend. And they would have let you help them had they not seen the way you acted. You damaged My name. As a professing believer, you gave Me a bad name. And you made your testimony useless to them. I was no longer able to use you as a tool in their lives like I could have."
Its weird, cause all of that ran through my mind in several seconds. I had not only given Him a bad name, but I had damaged my reputation (Gods reputation) in the eyes of those people. Man...
I am really coming to know the power of the tongue. He is teaching me that the tongue is indeed mightier than the sword. I realize now that I wasted 15 minutes of my life saying things that had NO value whatsoever. And on top of that, damaged His name. Wow....I am so thankful that He has reminded me that I will indeed give an account for what I say.
Like I said, I love to laugh, God made all people to love to laugh. Thats right. But "There is a time and a place for everything under heaven."
For God's sake, and for sake of those around you...be careful with what you say, people. You will give an account.God bless you all...
Saved by Grace_Josh
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
To Whom it is Due...
As the election draws closer, I cant help but remember how many Evangelical Christians that I knew, didnt vote in the last election. Their reason was based on the side of, "Well, I dont like either one of the candidates so I am just not going to vote! That kinda is voting in a way, right?" Wrong...
The statistics show that 41% of the US population claims to be part of the evangelical church...the statistics also showed that only 26% of the votes cast in the 2008 elections, were by evangelical Christians. There is a problem...this means that nearly 40% of Christians did not vote in 2008.
What does God say about that? Is it wrong NOT to vote? I believe that it is wrong.
Look at Matthew 22:21b. Jesus said, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." There is a principle here that He wants us to see. So obviously we dont live in the Roman Empire, so the question is, who is Caesar? Who do I owe something to in this society? And what do I owe? If you understand the Declaration of Independence, you will remember that the opening line is, "We the people..." It wasnt "I George Washington..." nor "I Ben Franklin..." or even "We the Congress...". It was "We the people...". The people were established as the authority. Basically, when King George of England heard of the "revolution" in the Colonies had begun, he asked who was responsible...the reply? "We the people, in order to form a more perfect union...".
The people in America were established as the authority from the very beginning...the people are the Caesar. We vote, and by that, we decide who is put into office (put simply). So, we know who Caesar is in America. It is me and you...the citizens..."the people".
As it is the king's duty to protect his people, to govern wisely, to lead them, so is it our duty to each other. It is your duty to me, to vote. Likewise, it is my duty to you to vote. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's..." If you as a Christian (or as a citizen) do not vote, and an evil man gets into office, then you have allowed it by default. Your silence has condemned you and your fellow citizens (God forbid), to alot of suffering possibly. What I am talking about was displayed openly in 2008. Had that 40% of Christians voted, the outcome would have been different. We would have been spared alot of headache. Maybe spared as a nation. Nobody knows. That 40% of votes in this years election may well prove the difference between hell on earth for the next four years, or a gradual turn toward the right. Vote people...it is your duty to your fellow citizens, your children, your children' children...etc.
What is God's? What are we commanded to give to God? A clear concience in all of this. Do not vote for those who want to destroy Godly principles. I know that I am probably going to get some serious hammering from the covenanter group who calls Romney an "evil man." But I do not care, I have prayed about it. My conscience is clear before God here. I wont be moved. I already voted.
God bless you all, do your duty, Christians.
Josh
The statistics show that 41% of the US population claims to be part of the evangelical church...the statistics also showed that only 26% of the votes cast in the 2008 elections, were by evangelical Christians. There is a problem...this means that nearly 40% of Christians did not vote in 2008.
What does God say about that? Is it wrong NOT to vote? I believe that it is wrong.
Look at Matthew 22:21b. Jesus said, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." There is a principle here that He wants us to see. So obviously we dont live in the Roman Empire, so the question is, who is Caesar? Who do I owe something to in this society? And what do I owe? If you understand the Declaration of Independence, you will remember that the opening line is, "We the people..." It wasnt "I George Washington..." nor "I Ben Franklin..." or even "We the Congress...". It was "We the people...". The people were established as the authority. Basically, when King George of England heard of the "revolution" in the Colonies had begun, he asked who was responsible...the reply? "We the people, in order to form a more perfect union...".
The people in America were established as the authority from the very beginning...the people are the Caesar. We vote, and by that, we decide who is put into office (put simply). So, we know who Caesar is in America. It is me and you...the citizens..."the people".
As it is the king's duty to protect his people, to govern wisely, to lead them, so is it our duty to each other. It is your duty to me, to vote. Likewise, it is my duty to you to vote. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's..." If you as a Christian (or as a citizen) do not vote, and an evil man gets into office, then you have allowed it by default. Your silence has condemned you and your fellow citizens (God forbid), to alot of suffering possibly. What I am talking about was displayed openly in 2008. Had that 40% of Christians voted, the outcome would have been different. We would have been spared alot of headache. Maybe spared as a nation. Nobody knows. That 40% of votes in this years election may well prove the difference between hell on earth for the next four years, or a gradual turn toward the right. Vote people...it is your duty to your fellow citizens, your children, your children' children...etc.
What is God's? What are we commanded to give to God? A clear concience in all of this. Do not vote for those who want to destroy Godly principles. I know that I am probably going to get some serious hammering from the covenanter group who calls Romney an "evil man." But I do not care, I have prayed about it. My conscience is clear before God here. I wont be moved. I already voted.
God bless you all, do your duty, Christians.
Josh
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Give Us the Power...
Today was Starved Rock Day here at IBLP HQ. It really was a great time with my amazing friends that I have come to get to know over my time here at HQ. They are so much fun. We drank energy drinks on the way down, had a sorta staff meeting there, ate a huge Southern meal of fried chicken, played football (not the best idea in the world right after lunch), then had plenty of time to think on the drive back. Was a fun day.
But during the day, Dr. Fredrickson prayed a prayer that I have been thinking about all this evening. He said, "...Lord, give us the power to be more effective for Your glory." Wow...Something in me said, "Yes Lord, thats what I need!" I know that I am nothing, that I am so small, that nothing about me is good...I am reminded that the only true smile that I can wear, and the only time I have the ability to love others is when He gives me the power to do so. Without Him, I can do nothing. I want only Him to shine through me. I want the world to know the truth. The truth of the matter is, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him," in the words of John Piper. Very true.
So I prayed that He would show His power in me however He saw fit. Then walking to my house, I met a friend along the way. I stopped, and we talked for awhile...seeing that it might be the last time I ever see him again. He has been really down due to some circumstances and the Lord just put the words in my mouth to encourage him. God so showed His power to me. I was really humbled that God even answers my prayers (sometimes quickly) much less hears them! So many take that for granted...
I was encouraged to see the work that God has been doing in his life. But what really shocked me was, as we parted he told me, "You know, I was actually praying that i would get to see you one last time, then I ran into you! I needed to talk to you." That was humbling again, God cares about such seemingly small things even like letting two friends meet...wow. So here i am thanking Him for the answered prayer. Then he said, "Thank you for your friendship. You are one of three people in this world that I have opened up to...thanks for letting God use you." Something in me like melted as God just said to me, "Before you ask of it, I know your needs...I am before all things and by me, all things consist." Folks, GOD IS BEFORE ALL THINGS!!! HE IS THE 'I AM THAT I AM'!!! Praise Him!
I am honestly speechless right now...amazed. He is so good to me. He knows how to make my day! :)
Thought I'd share that!
May the Lord give you the power to be more effective for His glory,
Josh
But during the day, Dr. Fredrickson prayed a prayer that I have been thinking about all this evening. He said, "...Lord, give us the power to be more effective for Your glory." Wow...Something in me said, "Yes Lord, thats what I need!" I know that I am nothing, that I am so small, that nothing about me is good...I am reminded that the only true smile that I can wear, and the only time I have the ability to love others is when He gives me the power to do so. Without Him, I can do nothing. I want only Him to shine through me. I want the world to know the truth. The truth of the matter is, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him," in the words of John Piper. Very true.
So I prayed that He would show His power in me however He saw fit. Then walking to my house, I met a friend along the way. I stopped, and we talked for awhile...seeing that it might be the last time I ever see him again. He has been really down due to some circumstances and the Lord just put the words in my mouth to encourage him. God so showed His power to me. I was really humbled that God even answers my prayers (sometimes quickly) much less hears them! So many take that for granted...
I was encouraged to see the work that God has been doing in his life. But what really shocked me was, as we parted he told me, "You know, I was actually praying that i would get to see you one last time, then I ran into you! I needed to talk to you." That was humbling again, God cares about such seemingly small things even like letting two friends meet...wow. So here i am thanking Him for the answered prayer. Then he said, "Thank you for your friendship. You are one of three people in this world that I have opened up to...thanks for letting God use you." Something in me like melted as God just said to me, "Before you ask of it, I know your needs...I am before all things and by me, all things consist." Folks, GOD IS BEFORE ALL THINGS!!! HE IS THE 'I AM THAT I AM'!!! Praise Him!
I am honestly speechless right now...amazed. He is so good to me. He knows how to make my day! :)
Thought I'd share that!
May the Lord give you the power to be more effective for His glory,
Josh
Monday, August 20, 2012
Finishing well...
Ever since I gave my life to Christ back in March of 2011, I have always struggled, in one way or another, with believing (truly believing) that His forgiveness had completely covered ALL wrong. I knew, but in my heart I struggled with the concept of spiritual purity, as that purity seemed gone forever. After having given so much ground up to the enemy, I always told everyone after my conversion, "I will always have wounds from that past, I will never be 'normal' again." Brothers and sisters, that was such a lie I believed. I was basically telling Jesus, "Your blood was not enough for me." How wrong...
During a week in the Northwoods recently, I just really began to pray that He would release me from that restricting lie; that He would show me the truth; that He would 'help my unbelief'. The Lord my Righteousness heard, as He promised that He would, and has shown me the truth in that. He has just made it so real to me of how much He loves each one of us, and how He came so that the 'Truth could set us free'.
I am so thankful that He does restore, that He does give beauty for ashes.
Praise the Lord, this previous two weeks has brought an end to a stronghold that I didnt realize was even there. It has been, without a doubt, the biggest area in me that the Lord has been working on this year.
Thank the Lord, it is over. The devil is defeated. And He has proven...it is more than enough.
"I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."
1 John 2:14b
I know there are some of you, I'm not sure who, that just feel so trashed because of who you used to be. But I tell you, I have finally decided to let go of my own view of me, and see God's view, through the blood of Jesus. Im sorry that you are so torn up inside that you just cant seem to heal. Ive been there, but I can say that His Word has been true all along...you are wanted, you are precious, you're the love of His heart, and the old rugged cross was for you, dear person...for you.
God sees one who is beautiful and pure, because His Son has paid IN FULL all you could ever owe. His Son knew every sin you would ever commit when He said, "Father...forgive them! For they know not what they do."
His grace is enough...I am COMPLETELY free of that lie! Praise the Lord. And thanks to those who talked to me through the whole thing. Haha.
God bless you all, may you KNOW that He loves you, will be praying,
~Josh
IS. 61:1
During a week in the Northwoods recently, I just really began to pray that He would release me from that restricting lie; that He would show me the truth; that He would 'help my unbelief'. The Lord my Righteousness heard, as He promised that He would, and has shown me the truth in that. He has just made it so real to me of how much He loves each one of us, and how He came so that the 'Truth could set us free'.
I am so thankful that He does restore, that He does give beauty for ashes.
Praise the Lord, this previous two weeks has brought an end to a stronghold that I didnt realize was even there. It has been, without a doubt, the biggest area in me that the Lord has been working on this year.
Thank the Lord, it is over. The devil is defeated. And He has proven...it is more than enough.
"I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."
1 John 2:14b
I know there are some of you, I'm not sure who, that just feel so trashed because of who you used to be. But I tell you, I have finally decided to let go of my own view of me, and see God's view, through the blood of Jesus. Im sorry that you are so torn up inside that you just cant seem to heal. Ive been there, but I can say that His Word has been true all along...you are wanted, you are precious, you're the love of His heart, and the old rugged cross was for you, dear person...for you.
God sees one who is beautiful and pure, because His Son has paid IN FULL all you could ever owe. His Son knew every sin you would ever commit when He said, "Father...forgive them! For they know not what they do."
His grace is enough...I am COMPLETELY free of that lie! Praise the Lord. And thanks to those who talked to me through the whole thing. Haha.
God bless you all, may you KNOW that He loves you, will be praying,
~Josh
IS. 61:1
Thursday, May 31, 2012
He does ALL things well
I have looked back on several happenings in my life with aching, and with the questioning of His perfect plan.
I always thought that it wasnt fair, and wondered how could there possibly be ANY good in this. So many have gone through so much: parents divorce, loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, etc. 'WHY?' will always be their question. Is there validation in this suffering?
The question is: Do you really believe that He does ALL things well, and that His grace will be sufficient for you? If you dont believe this truth with your whole being, then the hurt cannot be healed. It becomes something terrible...something almost, in a way, evil. You begin to view it as Satan's work. It is not the devil's work (he does not have dominion over you), but it is God counting you worthy to suffer-before the eyes of the world-that He might be proven faithful. That He might get the glory. John Piper says, "He is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him."
My friends, the only end to the cross that you carry is death. The only release to the to the trial, is when you OFFER your hands to be pierced. You will carry that cross on and on until you decide to die to your will which says, "God, why did you do that. Its not fair. Why me? Why couldnt you have done it to someone who deserves it more than me. This is the worst thing you could have done. Why? etc." In order to see the blessing, and the true reason for His works, you must be willing to face the truth that you cant see the whole picture...but the One who created the universe, and the One who knit you together in your mother's womb can see it all.
These things have been going around in my mind for several weeks now, and I have come to realize 3 major reasons for these things happening:
1. A heart for others was developed in midst of that.
I would never have been able to point people to the Lord in some areas, had I not gone through it myself.
Is it worth it to me? Would I go back and redo it so it never would have happened? NO! Now that I see
those storms from the other side, I could not ask for a better testimony of His goodness. He does ALL
things well.
2. An understanding the preciousness of life.
I have learned through what I seen that life can be gone in a split second. I may not ever see any of you
again! I dont know. Treat that one that you have a hard time loving as if it were your last time to ever see
them again...it just might be. A fatal car accident usually comes with only a millisecond of notice. :/ Use the
time wisely that you have.
3. A complete trust in Him.
You would think that after a painful incident, you may become very skeptical of the one who allowed you
to go through it. However, when you understand that He allows it so you can know Him better, and thus be
more like Christ, then it is a sweet thing to you: It is no longer a bitter memory. "If not for the storm, I could
not say that you are my shelter. If not for the storm, I never would have known you like I know you now."
I have been so blessed with the friends that God has placed in my life that encourage me forward and have helped me understand these things. Thank yall so much!
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are my ways your ways," says the Lord.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future an a hope." Jer. 29:11
I always thought that it wasnt fair, and wondered how could there possibly be ANY good in this. So many have gone through so much: parents divorce, loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, etc. 'WHY?' will always be their question. Is there validation in this suffering?
The question is: Do you really believe that He does ALL things well, and that His grace will be sufficient for you? If you dont believe this truth with your whole being, then the hurt cannot be healed. It becomes something terrible...something almost, in a way, evil. You begin to view it as Satan's work. It is not the devil's work (he does not have dominion over you), but it is God counting you worthy to suffer-before the eyes of the world-that He might be proven faithful. That He might get the glory. John Piper says, "He is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him."
My friends, the only end to the cross that you carry is death. The only release to the to the trial, is when you OFFER your hands to be pierced. You will carry that cross on and on until you decide to die to your will which says, "God, why did you do that. Its not fair. Why me? Why couldnt you have done it to someone who deserves it more than me. This is the worst thing you could have done. Why? etc." In order to see the blessing, and the true reason for His works, you must be willing to face the truth that you cant see the whole picture...but the One who created the universe, and the One who knit you together in your mother's womb can see it all.
These things have been going around in my mind for several weeks now, and I have come to realize 3 major reasons for these things happening:
1. A heart for others was developed in midst of that.
I would never have been able to point people to the Lord in some areas, had I not gone through it myself.
Is it worth it to me? Would I go back and redo it so it never would have happened? NO! Now that I see
those storms from the other side, I could not ask for a better testimony of His goodness. He does ALL
things well.
2. An understanding the preciousness of life.
I have learned through what I seen that life can be gone in a split second. I may not ever see any of you
again! I dont know. Treat that one that you have a hard time loving as if it were your last time to ever see
them again...it just might be. A fatal car accident usually comes with only a millisecond of notice. :/ Use the
time wisely that you have.
3. A complete trust in Him.
You would think that after a painful incident, you may become very skeptical of the one who allowed you
to go through it. However, when you understand that He allows it so you can know Him better, and thus be
more like Christ, then it is a sweet thing to you: It is no longer a bitter memory. "If not for the storm, I could
not say that you are my shelter. If not for the storm, I never would have known you like I know you now."
I have been so blessed with the friends that God has placed in my life that encourage me forward and have helped me understand these things. Thank yall so much!
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are my ways your ways," says the Lord.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future an a hope." Jer. 29:11
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