The Plan (Psalm 33:11)

God has a plan and nothing will change it.  His plan was from eternity past and will continue to remain throughout all the generations.

The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. (Psalms 33:11)

I am living in the midst of God's plan.  My life is fulfilling his purpose.  Regardless of how I feel or what I think, I am special and significant.  The Holy Spirit's in dwelling and gifts are my abilities and empowerment.  What an exciting opportunity.  What I may think to be casual words or conversations may be instruments to encourage believers or bring people to Christ.  Chance meetings or encounters no longer exist.  Each event is part of God's dynamic and wonderful plan of which I am living on the center.

Praise God for the wonderful opportunity of my life.

To the End That... (Psalm 30:12)

Why did God allow David to face opposition?  Why didn't he, as trouble began to stir against David, stop it in its tracks.  The answer provided may seem simple, but it's understanding is anything but that.  God allowed the difficulty to occur so that he could lift up David and subsequently be praised and glorified.

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. (Psalms 30:12)

God does not selfishly do this, for he is praised by angelic creations.  He does not need our praise, he is already praised continually. However in order for us to understand God and his greatness, we must experience him and his mighty works.  When we do, we "know him and the power of his resurrection" and comprehend the splendor of his greatness.  Without the trial or the dark nights, we cannot come closer to fully knowing God.

Each trial is intended to open our understanding and draw us closer to God.  It will only be in the resurrection when we can know him as we are known.  Until then, trials are essential for our growth, faith and the ability to know God better.

Seeing the Land (Psalm 27:13)

I remember as a kid, there was this street in the neighborhood that had a steep hill on it.  My goal was to ride my bike to the top of the hill without stopping to push it up the rest of the way.  On many occasions, I failed to accomplish the task.  However, there was one time that after I peddled vigorously, it seemed as if I could not go any farther.  It was then that I lifted my eyes to see that I was nearly at the top of the hill.  Suddenly I found resources of strength that I did not know I had.  As I focused on my destination, the peddling became easier and I eventually made it to the top.

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalms 27:13)

There are many times in our lives when we will strive to overcome obstacles and feel as if we cannot go any further.  What we need to is see the finish line.  The finish line is the place that God has prepared for us.  I am not necessarily speaking of Heaven, but the promised land, which is the land of victory.  We must continue on and not faint.  Sometimes, the only thing that can keep you from fainting is your faith in the Lord. Your perspective of what you see he can do will become a strength to you.

As you go through trials, spend time with the Lord.  Submit to his will and allow him to reveal to you his plan and purpose.  With this vision, you will overcome.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: (Proverbs 29:18)