March 23, 2009
Around the Corner
Last week the temperatures were in the 70 degree range. Everywhere I went people were talking about spring being just around the corner. In Albuquerque, know that just because it becomes spring on the calendar doesn't mean we won't have more cold weather, but we know that the bulk of it is behind us.
I've been hearing the countdown, only two weeks left, only ten days, only five days until spring. Now finally here we are into spring.
In the days of Jesus before the crucifixion, the people of the Holy Land were filled with a sense of expectancy. Was He the Messiah? Would He conquer the Romans? Many were disappointed when He didn't turn out to be the kind of Messiah they were expecting. Yet He was still the Messiah.
After the resurrection, the early church expected His immediate return. Many were disappointed when that didn't happen. Yet He will still come.
It's always a time to be filled with great expectancy when it comes to God. He has been, is doing and will do incredible things. He is transforming lives and nations. He is moving in wonderful ways.
We need to be careful to remember that the way He does things is not always the way we would do them. What we are expecting might not be what He plans yet He is still God and He knows what is best. What He delivers will be the right thing at exactly the right time, because He is God and He sees the whole picture and not just the little bit that we see.
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and
understanding are his." Job 12:13 NIV
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so
are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. " Isaiah
55:9 NIV
God has big changes for each of us just around the corner. For some it will be a time of trial, for others it will be a time of release. For some it will be a time of prophetic word and for others it will be a time of silence. He knows what we need in our circumstances.
Just because the result isn't what we expect, or what we think will be best doesn't mean it is any less under God's control. I'm sure Peter didn't expect God to let Satan come against him.
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as
wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when
you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32 NIV
Yet God did allow just that and the result was one of the strongest Christians ever produced.
King Nebuchadnezzar praised after losing his kingdom and his mind. Those events were not what the king had in mind and were traumatic, but on the other side, he realized that everything God does or allows has a purpose and God is always worthy of praise.
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and
glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways
are just. Daniel 4:37 NIV
Great things come to those who expect much and God is about to do something big in your lives. Praise God for the hope, the dreams and the life that only he can bring.
Until next time, remember whatever happens, God is in control and we can rejoice in that.
I’m hoping, expecting, believing
and praying for great things for you!
Darrel Mason