Theme: Love Redeems
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Let the Praises Ring - Lincoln Brewster, The Time Has Come - Hillsong, From the Inside Out, Before the Throne of God - arr. Shane & Shane
Read: Exodus 16:11-17
Think: Sometimes, things just don’t go my way. My employer is reorganizing, moving operations to new offices across the country. As I result, I will be laid off soon, along with about a dozen colleagues who are unwilling to relocate. We’re not too happy. I must admit to a little grumbling as we discussed the situation.
It’s interesting to contrast our complaints with these quotes:
“I’m aliiivveeeeee!!!! …. I feel so lucky to be alive.”
“I count my blessings that my home is still standing and that my family is safe and sound.”
These, of course, are from survivors of the recent earthquake in Japan. While I’m feeling self-pity about having to find a new job, they’re feeling gratitude as they struggle to find food and water.
Pastor Dave, in his sermon this weekend, reminded us that we often become blind to God’s blessings when things don’t go our way. Focusing on what we don’t have, we miss out on all that we have been given. Bad things happen in life – both lay-offs and earthquakes can be devastating. But even in the midst of great difficulty, it is important to recognize God’s provision.
There is a hymn that expresses the right attitude:
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
If things aren’t going your way in some area of your life, don’t pretend that everything is fine. Hardship is real, and a part of the Christian life. But as you face that difficulty, remember that God loves you, and provides all that you need.
Do: Identify a blessing in your life that you have overlooked recently, and tell someone about it.
Pray: I have to admit, Lord, that I want what I want. And when life doesn’t go the way I want it to, I’m quick to overlook all of the great things that you done for me. Change my heart, God. Help me see all that you have provided for me, even when times are tough. Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.