Proverbs 20:24 NLT, “The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?”
When we pray and ask God for wisdom, He will guide us and tell us what He knows we need to know. However, humility and trust help us to surrender to God and find rest knowing that we don’t have to understand every detail of every situation. And since He is directing our steps, we can trust Him with what we do not know. We do know that His plans are flawless and He will work everything out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Photo by: H&Co of Taiwan 🇹🇼
It can be difficult at times to choose to trust God with the unknowns we face. But as we choose to trust Him, we will see His love at work in our hearts and lives. There is no detail that slips past Him. He faithfully cares for us and will provide our every need.
Proverbs 13:3 NLT, “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.“
There is so much good that comes from choosing to guard our tongues. This can be easier or harder depending on personality and temperament. But regardless of, it is wise to control your tongue. It often takes wisdom to know when to speak and when not to. And when we do speak, it takes wisdom to know what and what not to say. The good news is that we can ask God for help.
Photo by: Brett Jordan of England 🏴
The average person, probably does not set out to ruin everything. However, this verse warns us that ruining everything is possible when the tongue is not under control. The tongue is a powerful weapon. The words we speak can hurt or bring healing; they can bring death or life (Proverbs 18:21).
As I mentioned, God is willing to help us discipline our tongues. The Holy Spirit will guide us and impart the wisdom we need to use our tongues for good. And it’s a blessing that doing so can lead to a longer life.
1 Peter 1:3-4 NLT, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.”
Praise God for the living hope we have through our risen Savior, Jesus Christ! I pray the power of His resurrection would give you strength to live each day and that your heart would be filled with abundant joy and great expectation.
Luke 6:27-28 NIV, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
I think most people can agree that showing love to difficult people is one of the hardest things to do. But nevertheless, God commands us to do good to, bless, and pray for those who have hurt us.
God doesn’t always remove difficult people, sometimes He allows us to walk through the difficult circumstances and learn to trust Him as we grow in love. He never promised us that sharing His love and light would be easy, but He did promise to counsel us, direct us, protect us and love us. So with God on our side, we will be victorious.
As you read these verses in Luke, someone in particular probably came to your mind. These verses have given us a reminder to say a prayer for whoever has mistreated us and trust God to work things out as we obey His commands.
Never under estimate the power of God’s love or the ways He is working to bring about good in your life or needed changes in the lives of others through your prayers. Remember, His plans are best, even when we can’t yet see the end result, so continue to trust God.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
Have you ever noticed that God’s idea of growth in your walk with him, is often different from what you expected? He has ways of stretching us that we most likely would not choose for ourselves. As we are changed into His image, there will be days where we feel closer to Him than others. We may battle doubt or wonder why God has allowed certain things into our lives.
The upward path in Christ Jesus will not be without challenge but it will also not be without His grace. His grace will be sufficient for our daily needs; in weakness, His strength and power are made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Photo by: Lukas Hartmann of Germany 🇩🇪
God understands our situations and the difficulties we face as we learn to trust Him. He forgives us when we stumble and is always willing to bring comfort to our souls. In His love, He applies the right amount of discipline we may need to get back on track (Hebrews 12:6). And He perfectly balances everything with patience and kindness.
God’s upward path leads us to spiritual maturity. It helps us to grow in love, character, courage and wisdom. When we choose to surrender to God’s way, we reflect His glory.
Maybe today you have been met with obstacles you did not foresee. Maybe God’s upward path has brought some unexpected circumstances your way.
Hold on to the hope we have in Jesus Christ…
Psalm 25:3, “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame…”
As you continue to faithfully obey God, you are reflecting the glory of God, and changing into His glorious image. Take time out to remember His past faithfulness, and stay anchored in His enduring love.
May God’s joy fill your heart and His peace guide you, as you continue to pursue His best for your life.
Drawing Closer to Christ 