Reflections4Life: "We Don't Always Understand"

Reflections July 14^th, 2013

“We Don't Always Understand”

“Who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God? Who can understand his decisions or explain what he does?” Romans 11:33 (CEV)

Scripture Contemplation: Deuteronomy 28; Joshua 22:5; Micah 4; Romans 11...

There are things that occur in this world that we just don't understand. There are things that happen that make you ask: Why God? Why does God allow such things to occur? Why does He allow such atrocities to continue to take place? Why?

We don't always understand why things happen the way they do, but we can believe that God is still God on the throne, and that He has the final word in all that happens upon this earth. It's hard to sometimes see that, or to even believe that when you are the one constantly in the line of fire.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind, and soul. Hold on to the hands of God and never let them go. Though it may seem like evil continually wins; know that God is not sleep, and neither is He winking. For those of us that believe, we must continue to believe and walk in faith, and follow the instructions of our God. Listen; God is speaking.

Heart heavy. Mind filled with confusion. Thoughts unable to wrap around the continued miscarriage of justice. Where does one begin to understand what is going on? How can we say God cares and understands when we obviously keep getting the short end of the stick? We say God cares and understands because He does. Regardless to circumstances or situations, God certainly cares and understands, and has made away for each and everyone of us.

We may not always understand the way in which God does things; but a closer, intimate relationship with the Father will bring understanding of His nature and how He does things. Make no mistake: God is not sitting back and blinking at the evil that men do. Or, the injustices that are occurring each and every day around the world. However, for those of us that say we love the Lord, and are in a relationship, should know and recognize that these are the times that we must be upon our knees and turning down our plates. We must also remember that we are not fighting against flesh and blood.

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Sometimes it is truly hard to wrap our mind around the fact that we are up against such evil, and spirits, because we contend with the flesh each and every day. It makes it difficult for us to understand the battles that we face and why. It sometimes makes no sense at all. And this is why we, as children of God, must be continually prayerful. We must be fully dressed always in the armor of God. We must constantly be before the Lord, seeking Him, and following His directions.

There are times when we forget that God has given each person the freedom to choose. The Father does not force anything upon us. We all have the right to choose the path we walk, who we believe; if we accept God or reject Him. With these choices are consequences. And sometimes the choices of others bare evil and hurtful consequences for us.

Yet, in knowing all of this, we mustn’t grow weary or give up on God or His promises. Yes. Many a thing are easier said than done. But God is our strong tower, even in the midst of heartaches, disappointments, and the evil that men sometimes do. We won't always understand the reasoning behind why certain things happen; why God allows certain things. But we can rest assure that God gets the final word on each and every matter, and He will indeed strengthen us to endure.

Isaiah 40: 28-31 28 Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; 31 but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.

No, we will not always understand. But God is still God, and He will have His way. Let us remember to pray, to stand firm in the word of God, and to fast and believe. Though the enemy seem to be winning, we can rest assure that God is not slack, and that He shall recompense to each person what is due them. Don't lose hope or faith. Instead, put it all in the hands of God and follow whatever the instructions the Father gives. It will lead you to a place of victory...always.

I decree that the spirit of peace and prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Allow the hand of God to rest on you; giving you comfort and strength in times of uncertainty. Remember that we are not up against flesh and blood, but the wicked spirits that inhabit lost souls. Pray continually. And Believe God for His understanding. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Has It Really Been That Long?

Wow! I really have neglected this blog, haven't I? I've been so busy writing, praying, and a whole lot of other things that I have seriously neglected this blog.

Well, I have been thinking about making some changes. My life is going in another direction than when I first began this blog. Nevertheless, I do not wish to abandoned this idea. Why? Because truly, there are many people hurting and needing a word of encouragement. So, once I figure out what to do (after much prayer), I will revamp this blog, and give links to some of my favorite sites, and perhaps share a bit more information.

Well, so much has happened in the world, hasn't it? School has began. Autumn is upon us. There's unrest in Louisiana (JENA 6), that is causing race discussions across the nation. The president of Iran spoke at a University in NY, as well as the UN. Let me just say this, I listened to his speech at the UN, and I must say, that if you don't know God, please get to know him. I say that because, as Ahmadinejad was speaking, I clearly was seeing the book of Revelations.

Now, don't get me wrong, I do not support him; however much of what he was saying was true concerning the state of things, and how the lives of people are here in America and the Middle east. If you don't know by now; God will use your enemy to speak the truth. And, if you are listening, you will begin to see the sign of the times. All I saw was the very acts of Revelations beginning to be played out for real! I heard God saying, this is the beginning of His return, and we must be ready.

All the unrest that is going on amongst our own Nation, is in direct correlation with the unrest that is found in all Nations. The unrest between America and other nations is alarmingly similar to the unrest between the races in America. First, things seem to advance well and all is okay on the home front. Then, the evil truth is revealed. God allows the truth to be made known to the world, that things are not equal all over the place. That, we still need to fight for civil rights and equality. That we still need to uphold the statues of, God. That, we still remain responsible to teach the next generation about what it means to stand on sound principles and doctrine.

There are so many places that I can take this conversation, because truly this is where I am hurting today. I am hurting in my heart for a nation that claims to promote equality and fairness. A nation that claims to protect the individuals rights, but has so far dropped the ball, and the World as a whole, is watching and judging.

It bothers me to see that, I am living in a nation where much hasn't changed as far as race relations. It bothers me to see, that I live in a nation, where the president of Iran can come and speak in a US university, and a man of color still cannot get a fair trial because of the color of his skin. Yes, judgement is upon us, and it hurts me to know that many that believe they are okay, sadly are not. It hurts me to see, that as a believer in Jesus Christ, that the body of Christ on a whole, are fighting one another, talking against one another, and tearing one another apart. We are not praying for one another, and we are not teaching what God wants us to teach. And, while all this is going on, the world (unbelievers) is watching us, shaking their heads, and running from God even faster, because of our poor behavior, and the inability to remain disciplined and steadfast in the ways of God. This truly hurts me. What kind of ambassadors for Christ have we become? God is not pleased.

Well, I have rambled on more than I wanted to, but I can do that, it's my blog! Anyway, take from this what you will. You don't have to agree with anything I have stated here. That's your right. These are my opinions. But please allow me the right, and afford me the respect to voice them [opinions], as long as I am not encroaching upon you, by bringing harm or physical danger to your person.

Be blessed today, and receive what God has for you; especially the TRUTH.

Rue