Acts 12:2 Peter is rescued from the horrific hands of Herod but James wasn't. God was right there with both men. The prayers of the church for Peter were answered with a yes on earth. The prayers of the church for James were answered with a yes in heaven. Do we view circumstances as the determining factor of the Goodness of God? If so, we'll live a roller coaster faith. Faith is believing in the darkness, in death, in disturbance, in distress, in dilemma, in disaster, in devastation, that a Good God will take care of us according to His Plan A. I'm looking at a t-shirt that a friend I'm with is wearing: There's Always Plan B. Not in God's economy. Peter causes a magnificent disturbance. He appears at the door of the disciples and his young friend who meets him is so ecstatic that Rhoda leaves Peter locked out. A little laughter here.
Herod's life glorifies himself not his God. And Herod is no longer taken care of by God Who allows Herod to breathe his last breath and is banished from His Presence, forever. Acts 12:24 "The Word of God increased and multiplied." Oh, that we would be a part of His Word increasing and multiplying in 2011.
Such a good word, today, Bev. Not Plan B, and God is good all the time. Even in our darkest hour. I have a friend who prays for "God's best" in situations, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. God always does His Best and it is good and holy and perfect. Am I thinking off track? I think she is referring to the imperfect world in which we live, and sees God's Hands as somewhat limited. Anybody have any thoughts about that? I'd love some fresh perspective.
ReplyDeleteBlessed Fourth and Freedom to each of you!
Semantics. Depends on how that person lives their life, doesn't it? God's Best could be Plan A. But when I hear people espousing God's best, it usually means "spiritual talk" to me. Are they really facing what is going on inside of their hearts? If so, keep on asking for God's best cause He is always going to be good to us. The phrase doesn't sit well with me but I don't know with it out of context.
ReplyDeleteHappy Fourth of July to each of you. I'll be praying for you as I make the drive back to Austin tonight and all day tomorrow. I'll be spending the night in Alabama with friends. It's been real hard getting on the computer here in Santa Rosa Florida cause I was in a condo with 12 computer lovers and one ethernet! Sometimes I had to wake back up to sneak in a word late at night! Love!!!
ReplyDeleteHer heart is genuine and for God, but somehow the phrase doesn't sit well with me. It's like saying "Perfect's Best Effort" or something. Anyway, her heart is sweet and truly does want God's Will, I believe. I think we too often can only imagine God as big as our human minds can conceive, so we place Him in a manageable box.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels as you head home. Long drive to Austin! I'll be thinking of you. Call me if you get sleepy or need a break.