“But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases” (Psalm 115:3).
Lately I have been thinking about the awesome and holy ways of God. God is great and He is mysterious, yet He is totally loving.
There are so many things about God and His ways we will never understand. To naively say that we know Him completely would be foolish. He gives us glimpses and insights into certain aspects of His character. He has also given us the written and living Word and His Holy Spirit to teach more about Him.
This year I have been overwhelmed with His greatness. He engineers events so we can learn more. Often it is through painful circumstances we come face to face with Him, and when we meet Him, we are changed. He is so awesome and mysterious and yet He desires and delights in our company.
Recently I was reflecting about my experiences during the past few years. I recognized that God took a painful time of life and turned it into something wonderful and satisfying. When I was in the middle of it, I could not see happiness ahead – but God knew what was best for me. He always has the big picture.
CS Lewis said, “We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”
– but in the way that is not only best for us – but also the best for the people involved in our world. He has a long-range plan; we see as though we are looking through a tiny, foggy window.
As you know, sometimes He answers our prayers that instant, other times He waits days, months and years before He answers. In fact we may never see some answers in our lifetime.
An example. Throughout their lives on earth, my parents prayed for the salvation of one of my siblings. But not until they were in heaven did their son give his life to Jesus Christ and follow Him. Yet other times God answers seemingly inconsequential prayers immediately-for parking places or finding a lost item.
The awesomeness of His nature is reflected in the majestic mountains, humming birds and colorful butterflies. We feast our eyes on their beauty – and are amazed. We look at the fragile snowflakes and know that even though they are fragile alone, they are very amazing in their power when bonded together.
At times, when we seem to be treated unfairly, we wonder about His power. Is it real? Yet He never changes – our feelings do. We never fully know Him, yet He is always waiting for us to know Him more.
It is good to reflect on God and His ways. Like the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:10,
“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.”
I don’t want a shallow belief in Jesus. I want my roots to grow down deep into Him. How about you?
Father God, when I think about how great You are, I become tongue-tied. I am so inadequate. Perhaps, if it pleases You, take a thought from this devotional to inspire people to want to know You more. Thank you! Amen.
by Katherine Kehler
used by permission
When I was in my thirties, I believed in God—was a Christian, was a churchgoer, but I did not know that I was created to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. I learned that to experience a full and meaningful life, I needed to yield the control of my life to God (I had never done that), then I could experience His love and power moment by moment. This is the prayer I prayed. You can too!
“Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit.”
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.
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