For the struggling
Posted by chuck maxwell on May 11th, 2009 filed in Chuck's blogGod Moves in a Mysterious Way
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face
His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower
William Cowper
May 13th, 2009 at 6:18 am
Amen, and it reminded me of a word from the writer of the book to the Hebrews . . . . “And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly, or faint when you are reproved by Him; for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and punishes every son whom He receives.
Endure it as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline–which all receive–then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but He does it for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Amen and amen!
May 13th, 2009 at 8:12 am
“feeble sense”
It seems that we often look at God through our own eyes and understanding. One of the definitions of “feeble” is deficient in quality or resources. Sin has clouded our ability to see clearly and we must be cautious to not look at God through our cirmustances but rather look at circumstances through God. Referring to his Word to determine his character not judging his character based on our faulty and deficient resources of self.
May 13th, 2009 at 8:44 am
I agree whole heartedly. Unfortunate that our culture encourages knowing the “god of your own understanding.” And without an objective and absolute truth, we are left with an evolutionary philosophy of understanding truth. God is not at the mercy of our circumstance. We are at the mercy of God in any circumstance. So it is our “feebility” (God has none) that is dependent on God’s ability to accomplish His work in us. I love to coin words!