I have been a Christ follower for almost 30 years. I grew up in the church, surrounded by
believers. I have experienced growth in
my faith, stagnancy, and have had some falls.
I hate to admit I have been in “maintenance
mode” more than not. The one thing I
have always seen…God is faithful. Even when I struggle through situations or
feel overcome with worry or anxiousness, I know ultimately He is still in control.
Recently I have been overwhelmed with fellow believers being
stricken…cancer, loss of a child, illness, loss of a spouse, etc. It seems as if in my mind a contagion is
spreading and I sit and await a tragedy to befall me. I get it stuck in my mind that for God to get
a hold of me or show His glory through me our family must be in line for a life
changing terrible occurrence. If I am
truly a Christian, I must be suffering to show the strength of my faith, for
Satan attacks those who pose a threat, right?
Though we don’ t know the mind of
the Lord and what He has in store for us, I was convicted recently that I
indeed had a warped
view of God.
Whether I acknowledge it or not, God is good, He will not change and He will always love me and want the
best for me. So, this came as no
surprise after struggling with the issue of worry lately that He finally
presented some lessons and study to get me straight.
We had just started reading “God as He longs for you to see
Him” by Chip Ingram, and after really trying to come to grips with my fear of
impending doom or expecting suffering for the cause of Christ. I came across this quote from A.W. Tozer
“The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial,
benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tenderhearted
and of quick sympathy, and His unfailing attitude toward all moral
beings is open, frank, and friendly.
By His nature He is inclined to
bestow blessedness and He takes total pleasure in the
happiness of His people. “
We don’t have to suffer to be near Him, to prove we are his
people. We are certainly not immune to
tragedy, but He delights in our delight.
For ultimately He delights in us! He knew
us, created us, gave us life and loves us.
He doesn’t enjoy seeing us suffer. When we draw near to Him, He doesn’t turn on
us and afflict. He comforts, He
blesses…whether we face days of happiness, or days or sorrow.
“He who did not spare His own Son
but gave Him up for us all,
how will He not
also with Him
graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8:32
What timing God has when I need His Word most! He knows my heart, my worries, and struggles.
He sacrificed His own son so that I may live…and
live
abundantly. He will not
guarantee we will not suffer, but His plan is divine and perfect. He does promise to be near and take care of
His children. What do I have to fear? I know who is in control and whatever lies
around the corner; I know He will carry me.
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
Civilla D.
Martin
Why should I feel discouraged, why
should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and
long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My
constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I
know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I
know He watches me
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing
because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I
know He watches me.
"Let not your heart be troubled,"
His tender word I hear
And resting on His goodness, I lose
my doubts and fears
Though by the path He leadeth, but
one step I may see
His eye is on the sparrow, and I
know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow, and I
know He watches me
Whenever I am tempted, whenever
clouds arise
When songs give place to sighing,
when hope within me dies
I draw the closer to Him, from care
He sets me free
His eye is on the sparrow, and I
know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow, and I
know He watches me
