I was reminded this morning in my devotions about God's providence, and I was just so encouraged I had to share!
Jeremiah 10:23 says, "O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." ~ God directs our steps!
John Calvin says:
"Gratitude of mind for the favorable outcome of things, patience in adversity, and also incredible freedom from worry about the future all necessarily follow upon this knowledge. Therefore, whatever shall happen prosperously and according to the desire of his heart, God’s servant will attribute wholly to God, whether he feels God’s beneficence through the ministry of men, or has been helped by inanimate creatures. For thus he will reason in his mind: surely it is the Lord who has inclined their hearts to me, who has so bound them to me that they should become the instruments of his kindness."
So, all that in mind, I sat down and filled up half a page with the things I'm thankful for and that God has provided me with - which I seldom take time to acknowledge.
What are ways God provides for me?
-Medicine when I'm sick
-Food and drink (in excess!)
-My OWN Bible to study freely from
-Sight - to read books and music, for example
-Hearing - to hear music and make music, for example
-Legs that work to walk, run, and do sports (volleyball:])
-Money to go to a Christian school, to be taught by dedicated Christians, and the freedom to pray, learn, and share about god at school
-Friends who are strong, encouraging believers
-Parents that love me exceedingly and are strong in their faith
-Clothes suitable for cold New England weather
-A warm, clean, comfortable house
-A washer and dryer to have clean clothes
-A car to get places
-And above all: His Son, who died for my sins in my place. I deserve to go to hell but I've been spared God's wrath. Jesus took it for me.
Those are only a few ways that God provides in my life. I encourage you to take time out of your busy lifestyle to think about everything God has given you to make that lifestyle as complete as it is.
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1 comment:
Thanks Kari!
Here's a list of the biggest things I'm grateful for:
- God's forgiveness: for I need it every day!
- Trails: so I can be strengthened and mature in my walk with Christ, and better appreciate His blessings.
- My family: Parents who love the Lord and me more then I can imagine. Ashlee and Lyle, who I not only consider my siblings but also my friends.
- Friends, who I love and love me, they are a blessing.
- A job, and pleasant people to work with
- My iPod and iTunes: Because I LOVE music!
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