Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you will answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations? Tell me, if you understand...- God to Job in chapter 38
I have another confession. I found myself "complaining" about the apparent "slow down" in our support raising. Although WE have been busy with many church visits this past year, it seemed that "nothing" was happening lately. I was wondering what GOD was doing. Doesn't He know that we really need to raise our last 30% in support to get to Kenya by September? Why wasn't He "answering" our prayers to bring in the final third?
This morning, during my quiet time, the Lord "spoke" to me about this attitude. I was sitting on the sixth floor terrace of my brother-in-law's condo. The terrace has a spectacular view of downtown Seattle. It is on the waterfront, overlooking Elliot's Bay. The skies were clear, the morning air comfortable. To the west I took in the view of the distant Olympic mountains. To the south, I saw the impressive snow capped Mt. Ranier. Sitting on the ledge of the balcony was a gorgeous sea-gull. As I opened my Bible, I read those words above. "Where you there when I laid the earth's foundations?"
Interesting that God tells Job to "brace himself like a man." The NKJV says "gird up your loins". God is speaking to Job (and now me) and says, "I am going to rebuke you - take it like a man!" God then goes on in chapters 38-39 to describe His unspeakable, uncomparable work of creation. Nothing happens that He does not cause to happen. He is in control of every aspect of life - from the smallest atomic particle to the largest mountain top. He is in control! This is good news!
I stand corrected before my Lord. Of course He knows what we need in regards to support. Of course He knows how it will be raised. Of course He has all the plans in mind. If He can sculpt the beautiful, glorious, splendorous views that I took in this moring, then of course He can raise the small amount of support we need to get to Kenya.
Out of curiousity, how much more do you need?
Posted by: Sarah | May 06, 2004 at 03:56 PM
Sounds a lot like where I'm at at work right now. Thanks for providing God's perspective. Through teaching you, He teaches so many others.
Posted by: Bill | May 17, 2004 at 11:41 PM