S) "4 However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel."
Judges 14:4 (NASB)
O) This is one of the most alarming verses I've read in quite some time. It is a stark reminder that the will of God is sometimes both, beyond my awareness, and dangerous. In a world obsessed with coexistence and tolerance, this is another reminder that the character of our LORD is confrontational. That challenges the culture in which I live, and is very uncomfortable to envision in my life today.
A) In general, I don't mind confrontation. In fact, in some ways, I actually seek it out. However, those ways are typically on my terms, still. The thought of God using me, let alone my kids, to confront something so large, is just plain scary. I pray that my life, my own marriage, the lives of my progeny, their marriages - all of my family and decendents - I pray that there is as much peace throughout them as possible. But, I must concede that it is not my will to be done, but the LORD's will be done. In light of the truth, that God may choose something so tribulating for me or my family, I pray that He would make me aware. I know that my awareness will have everything to do with two main issues, though. First, I need to accept His will over mine, regardless of revelation. Second, I need to actively seek His will to be revealed.
P) Father, as Isaiah 55 reminds me, Your ways are not my ways, and Your thoughts are not my thoughts. I cannot pretend to understand why You want things done a certain way. I do, however, attest that Your will is better than my will. Your plans are better than my plans. These two things, Your will, and my will, could not be further apart in their nature. I accept that Your will for me, for my marriage, for my family and future, is beyond my natural comprehension. I choose, however, to accept it because I choose to acknowledge it is perfect and good. I pray, LORD, that You please reveal to me the plans You have for me and my family. Show me what I need to do to prepare and participate in Your will. Show me, according to Your will, though, because I want what You want, LORD. If it is at all possible, let my family be relieved of this type of drama, God. I do not want my children, or their children, or any of my offspring, to have this sort of difficulty in their lives. However, if that's what it takes for Your will to be done; if it requires risk, and trials, and conflict or war, even death; let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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