Today's Devotion

Verse-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

Thoughts-Have you ever wondered how a loving God could allow people to suffer and die? Has the thought ever crossed your mind that if you were God you would prevent all the evil and suffering in the world? God permits some things to happen because they serve His purpose. His ways are not our ways. Our vision is so limited, but God sees and understands all. That is why He asks us to walk by faith and not by what we see. 2 Corinthians 5:7 He comforts us and lets us know that all things work together for good to those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus and when he became ill his sisters sent a message to Jesus; they were sure that he loved them and their brother as much as they knew He had the power to heal him. They had witnessed first hand many times the miracles He performed. I can imagine how they felt as they waited and watched Lazarus die, wondering where Jesus was, thinking surely he will come. They most likely felt forgotten and disappointed. Jesus knew what was happening yet when He received the message He knowingly stayed behind for the purpose of glorifying God. If we could begin to understand who Jesus really is and what our lives are really about, we will see that He is the resurrection and the life and no matter what we face He can be trusted, and that our faith is secure in Him. We all want a story with a happy ending. We want to be victorious and not defeated. We love to hear those who testify how they overcame. But it does not always appear that way, because we are not looking through the eyes of faith. Faith is the reality of who Jesus is. Lazarus was permitted to die so that others would witness the miracle and believe. The purpose was of great importance. It is the same with whatever situation we face today. It is for His purpose and His glory. Praise God for the happy endings, but also praise God when the situation seems hopeless. Remember there is none greater than our God and our lives are in His control; we have willingly surrendered them into His hands. Jesus did not fear death or ridicule He always trusted in the will of the Father. He could not have been crucified had it not been God's will and God's time and for a purpose. A purpose I am sure many could not understand at the time; but I thank God that He accomplished His purpose. He will accomplish what He has purposed in all the situations in our life; if our faith will look past what we understand and see with our eyes; we will witness the glory and the purpose.