As we come to the end of Summer holidays and the nights start to draw in, let us reflect on what God has done in our lives. It is not always what we were planning for and instead we accept God’s perfect timing for those things He does have planned for us.
If you’re anything like me, you hope for a map to show the way ahead! A friend reminded me that God says ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path’ – Psalm 119:105. This verse spoke powerfully to me of living in the here and now and to take each day in God’s hands as His presence is sufficient for me. Also this verse from The Message speaks of God’s never ending presence in all our lives.
‘God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I’m an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I’m never out of your sight.
You know everything I’m going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you’re there,
then up ahead and you’re there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can’t take it all in!’
Psalm 139:1-6 The Message
Below is a poem (author unknown) but gives an insight into God working on us, in us and through us.
‘When God wants to drill a man
And thrill a man, and skill a man,
When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part;
When He yearns with all His heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed
Watch His methods, watch His ways!
How He ruthlessly perfects
Whom He royally elects!
How He hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows converts him
Into trial shapes of clay – which,
Only God can understand,
While his tortured heart is crying,
And he lifts beseeching hands;
How he bends but never breaks
When his good He undertakes
How He uses whom He chooses
And with every purpose fuses him,
By every act induces him
To try His Splendor out –
God knows what He’s about.!’
Unknown Author
Wherever you find yourself today, God knows the plans he has for you. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ – Jeremiah 29:11
Really appreciate this. I am so pleased God knows the plans he has for me, I just wish he would let me in on them sometimes! I guess the way forward is to trust in him and strenghen my patience muscles!