{"id":35015,"date":"2023-02-15T03:30:09","date_gmt":"2023-02-15T11:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=35015"},"modified":"2023-02-09T15:01:36","modified_gmt":"2023-02-09T23:01:36","slug":"february-15-2023-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2023\/02\/15\/february-15-2023-2\/","title":{"rendered":"February 15, 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

All Things<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cAnd we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.\u201d <\/em>Romans 8:28<\/p>\n

I have to ask myself, \u201cDo I really believe this: that ALL things work together for good to those of us who love God? Do I believe I am called according to HIS purpose and not my own?\u201d<\/p>\n

Many times, I have caught myself complaining about a condition or circumstance in my life that I find uncomfortable, inconvenient, frustrating, or even downright painful. But even if these things occur because of sin on my part, God can use them for my ultimate good and His glory.<\/p>\n

Lately I have been experiencing a season of insomnia. My first reaction was frustration, praying for God to relieve it so that I can get the sleep I need. Like Paul, I prayed for Him to take away the \u201cthorn in my flesh.\u201d After all, His\u00a0grace is sufficient for me\u00a0<\/em>(2 Corinthians 12:9).<\/p>\n

But it finally hit me that if I believe that ALL THINGS work together for good in my life, then this, too, must be one of those \u201cALL THINGS.\u201d<\/p>\n

With this revelation in mind, I can be fruitful even in my \u201cawake time.\u201d Perhaps He is using it for my good and His purpose. I can just relax, be still, draw close and commune with Him. I can pray for others and for His will to be done \u201con earth as it is in heaven.\u201d I can count my many blessings and thank Him for His goodness, mercy, and grace. I can gratefully remember the many ways He has shown me His faithfulness and lovingkindness.<\/p>\n

I have come to the realization that this is actually a gift of extra quiet time, which I often let slip away from me during my days of busyness. So instead of tossing and turning and grumping about it, I can choose to bask in the warmth and comfort of His presence. Maybe this is just one of the ways He is answering my prayers to know Him more, and to have a more intimate relationship with Him.<\/p>\n

David Jeremiah said, \u201cOne of the secrets of joy is learning to smile and trust God, even when we\u2019re not where we want to be.\u201d I have found this to be so true!<\/p>\n

Are there some unpleasant things (or people) in your life that you are frustrated about? Could it be one of those \u201cALL THINGS\u201d that God is using for good? Keep in mind, what the enemy means for evil, God means for good! (Genesis 50:20)<\/p>\n

Father, thank You for Your patience, and for showing me that You are continually working, using the \u201cALL THINGS\u201d in my life for good to accomplish YOUR purpose. Help me to be patient and trust in You when I can\u2019t make sense of these THINGS!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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