..and if not, He is still good

is it just me... or has your prayer list seemingly doubled in the last month?

in times of uncertainty and trial - seek [and find] Him.

i am overwhelmed by the testing of saints going on around me. and then i am reminded [ever so gently] of just the beginning verse of God's response to job's questioning of his trials in chapter 38.

"who is this that obscures my plans    with words without knowledge?" job 38:2

and it brings me to the stark realization that the overwhelming anxiety, frustration, guilt, sadness, helplessness and fear that i have for these friends of mine comes not from God but from the hordes of hell. and they will not prevail - you can quote me on this.

i don't know if it's because i have this sense of peace and comfort when i think about God and the omniscient knowledge He has of what is good for us that keeps me sane or if it's my 'spiritual gift' of faith that is bursting through the seems of my self.. but all i know is that i can utilize this truth and be an encouragement to my dear friends.

i wish, oh i wish, the trials that i am watching my friends/former friends walk through were those of seasonal peaks and valleys [a car that got totaled, a job that was lost...]  - but that the diagnosis of cancer, lyme's disease (while pregnant), multiple sclerosis, drug addiction, gang rape and death weren't the reality of these friends.

may i be reminded, lest i worry - that most of these trials are in the lives of believers. and this encourages me.

"...by testing you may discern what is the will of God..." romans 12:2

but for those few who's fruit does not suggest a life entrusted to Christ - pray. pray that these trials are ways that God is unveiling their eyes to the truth of His love, His sovereignty and His peace.