I hate being wrong, but sometimes I am. I am even opinionated about how something should turn out when the Lord has me do something. I was reading an old journal entry from over a decade ago. My journal entry was about Second Chances. In the Journal entry, I was upset with myself because I had been disobedient about giving away a prized necklace to a depressed store clerk. I had a second chance to be obedient when the Lord put it on my heart to give away a prized Daily Devotional to my brother.
Second Thoughts
I had not recorded in my journal which brother I had given my devotional to. At first, when I thought it might have been my youngest brother I was very disappointed and upset thinking how it would have been wasted on him. My youngest brother is an alcoholic and has lied, used, manipulated, mistreated, and abandoned family members over the years. I realized that I was mad, disappointed, and judging God wrongly thinking He would have me give a prized devotional to someone that did not want it and would have wasted it. Someone who within those years had caused much emotional pain to our family members out of his woundedness.
Reality Check
Then I remembered God had me give it to my other brother, the brother that did appreciate it. I remembered how much my brother appreciated the devotional. I was feeling guilty about my thoughts and feelings toward my younger brother and how he might have needed it more. My disappointed feelings and thoughts towards God convicted me even more. My self-condemning thoughts were interrupted by thoughts that God is God and He gives His special gifts to those who will appreciate them. He does have us give good gifts to those in need and sometimes to sow good seeds. However, special gifts go to special people. I should not judge others or God. I need to trust God knows what He is doing. I do not know the future or the heart of another person. Only God is all-knowing.
Trust God
God does have us give our love, time, prayers, money, and efforts to help people poor in Spirit. Everyone has free will and it is each person’s God-given right to reject us and our efforts to help them. There comes a time when we must accept that each person is free to choose their own path in life. We reach a time when we must not enable bad behavior or try to control someone’s free choice. There comes a time when we must let go and trust God to do what we cannot do. Only God can save the Lost Lambs. Remembering that God’s first choice is always to save and bless us; Jesus helps us let go and trust God to do what only He can do.
God Moves Upon Our Prayers
Lord God Almighty, sanctify me in Your holiness and truth. I need to always remember that You are God and Your ways are higher than my understanding. Help me walk with You in obedience and love. Help me pray lovingly for my brothers and sisters the way I would want them to pray for me. Create within me a humble and teachable Spirit. I know You grieve with me over the lost lambs that have wandered off and appear to no longer hear You. I know You move upon all of our prayers and I am grateful. You are God and I cannot fully comprehend how You are working in someone’s life. Heal my unbelief and help me hope in Your ability to do the impossible. Create good fertile soil within the hearts, minds, and souls of Your lost lambs. Sow the seeds of Your Holy Spirit in good fertile soil and reap a mighty harvest that glorifies You our God and Savior. Amen.
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