When GOD’s plan doesn’t seem to be working

1 Samuel 19: ⁹ But an evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the lyre, ¹⁰ Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.

¹¹ Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.” ¹² So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped. 

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“Another ticket” I thought to myself furiously! The No Parking zone had gotten to me again by a couple of feet as my car edged over the line. I snatched it off the windshield, jumped in my car and desired to speed away only to the dismay of my car not starting. “Oh no, If I’m late for work, I will be fired!” “Why is this happening to me?” I exclaimed!

• In the middle of trial it’s hard for me to see GOD.
• In the middle of the problem it’s hard for me to sing praises.
• In the middle of the situation it’s hard for me to be excited.

David was chased and had very few places to run. With men on every corner he fled for his life. This doesn’t seem like a plan for someone who was destined to be the king.

• GOD has a plan for me that includes’ trials and peace.
• GOD has a plan for me that includes’ obstacles and blessings.
• GOD has a plan for me that includes’ poverty and wealth.

Like David, many times I wondered, “Where is GOD?” I mean can’t HE see I’m in trouble right now, would be my thought. Looking back I can see GOD strengthened me through these trials. Each obstacle I have faced has made me stronger than before. GOD has blessed me with faith to face the next trial. HE is my fortress.

• Are you facing a trial?
• Does the trial seem like it will never end?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you and has a great plan for you?
• Can you stop being angry at GOD and others and praise HIM at least once today?

My prayer for you today

3 John 1: ² Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

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DEAR LORD HEAVENLY FATHER

I am so glad YOU are my FATHER and the FATHER to all who believe in YOUR SON. YOU know my heart and YOU know my ways.

Search me O LORD and eradicate any desires that blind me from seeing YOU.

Heal my ears so they may hear what YOU are saying to me. Guide my hands to bless others.

There are many who hurt, please give them peace.

There are many who are physically battling ailments, please heal them.

There are many who can’t make ends meet, please provide for them.

There are many who can’t forgive, please provide mercy.

There are many who are empty, please fill them up with YOUR love.

Please change all hearts toward “that” person, removing contempt for compassion.

Bless this reader today. amen

Why am I surprised?

1 Peter 4: ¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

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Ever had one of those mornings? I mean this day was important because it would determine my future.  I had overslept because my alarm clock took a day off and buzzed softly that day, but I could still make it. I jumped in the car and it wouldn’t start. There was no way I was going to make it to the interview because it was clear across campus. “Why is this happening to me” I thought to myself!

• When difficult situations arise I throw a pity party and ask why me.
• When I feel a slightly discomforted I look around to change the environment and when I can’t I ask why me.
• When I am not getting my way and it seems like things are breaking I throw up my hands and ask why me.

“Why me” is my question to GOD when I don’t like what’s going on.  I mean “Aren’t I serving YOU well” is my question to HIM.  Then my bargaining comparisons appear by saying “Look at those other people who don’t serve you…they seem to be getting away with everything” as if to say “GOD YOU don’t know what YOU are doing.”

• GOD’s plan for me includes the difficulty that I go through.
• GOD’s plan for me includes a season of pain that I must endure.
• GOD’s plan for me includes some turbulent times that I have to persevere.

I don’t like tough circumstances, but every time I have gone through them I actually feel stronger and a bit wiser. I really shouldn’t be surprised when a situation arises. I actually should know by now that what I’m facing will grow me in ways I never would have grown had I now gone through the situation. GOD’s plan is a great one for me and I should always know that.

• Are you going through some difficult situation?
• Are you facing tough circumstances?
• Can you face your situation as a growth opportunity?
• Will you seek GOD in the middle of this storm and feel HIS comfort?