Friday, June 13, 2014

By: Gwen Hitt

Pretty Please God

John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

My three-year old grandson is doing a great job with remembering to say please, thank you, and you're welcome at the appropriate times. However, as much as I love him, I would not allow him to have M&M's (his favorite candy) in the midst of eating his dinner EVEN IF he tried to persuade me with his best manners. Instead, I would make sure that he finished his dinner before having his candy.

Although I may not be giving him what he wants at the particular moment of his trouble (yes, not getting M&M's at three years old is definitely troubling to him), I do recognize what he is going through. I understand that this little trial is something that he needs to experience in order for him to mature. If I would just give in to his every whim, we would all have to deal with a very demanding adult who would expect to have his way in all situations. In addition, I could put his health in jeopardy.

I believe that God faces similar situations but at a much larger scale and at a much greater level of importance. Today's scripture reveals that we WILL face trials and sorrows, but it also offers the encouragement that our God who overcame the world is there for us.

God wants us to know that we ARE able to endure whatever we are going through because He is always watching over us and IS ABLE to deliver us right on time. The important thing is for us to never give up. Rather, we need to thank God beforehand for the deliverance that He will provide for us to victoriously overcome our current situation.

When God does NOT give us each and every bag of M&M's that we request, hold on to the truth that He knows what is BEST for us and IS walking right alongside us as we go through our tough times.  My challenge to you and to me today is to always trust Him and seek His will to provide what we actually need.   

Dear Lord, Although I may want my every request answered, I am grateful to You for knowing what is best for me. I will place my trust in You because I know that You are always faithful to deliver me right on time!

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection:  How are you responding to God's NO?  Are you accepting that He truly knows what is best for you ... that He desires to see you mature in your troubles?