We spent some time recently “dog-sitting” for Lacey and Bobby, our daughter and son-in-law. It was really more of a fill in the gap for when our grandson Anthony couldn’t do what was needed while they were away. Between work and school, he had things to take care of that would not have worked well with the schedule for the dogs. So as I am sitting here one morning, it occurs to me how different we all are. It is actually an observation as I was thinking about Anthony. He had left early this morning to go play golf with his friends. Last night though, he was helping me look up something online. That is where I saw something that got stuck in my mind and now makes its way to the blog.
He and I are a lot alike. I understand him and how he thinks and especially feels about certain things. Elaine has commented on this many times to me. We are all different and that is understood but how we react and act in the situations of life are unique to us. They are not however so unique that no one else feels or acts that way, it’s just that is who we are.
As we talked and looked at things, last night I was awed by his ability and even desire to consider things I would not even begin to do. They weren’t bad or even wrong just different than I would consider. There are factors that play into that such as age and experience but even more, it is who we are and the way God made us.
He and I may think alike and I may understand him in a special way, but we are still different. He has some attributes I wish I had and that has nothing to do with how far he hits the golf ball, although I am awed. When God made us both it was God’s choice and design. Now because of how we are made, there can be similarities but we are each unique in who we are and that is why people worldwide are different. No two are exactly the same.
There is so much that factors into who we are and what we become in life. If you think about it, it is impossible to say who will or won’t accomplish something. It is certainly our upbringing and opportunities that make us who we are, but it is so much more. Of course, we know that God's Word tells us He has a plan for our lives. That to me is a very interesting prospect to consider. I know for one, I wonder did I meet the plan God had for me? As I consider my life I will, as you might, question what and how I did the life I have had. There were decisions that I made that if I could do it over again I would want to consider another direction. Yet I have to pause and ask "is that what God planned for my life?" It is certainly an interesting topic to consider.
Today I read these words from the Book of Joshua 1:8-9 NLT
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””
Some of you know that I have said before that the 9th verse is Elaine’s favorite verse. As I read these verses again today, I was reminded by the Holy Spirit as to how important they are for me today and for you. Being in His Word daily, meditating on it and obeying Him carries the promise to prosper and succeed. Yes, this is a very specific word to Joshua from the Lord. It is for a very particular time and circumstance. Yet, words like these throughout the Bible are for us to understand how God works and what He considers important for us to know and to do.
I know I am no Joshua and neither are you. However, I am a child of God’s and His desire is for me to prosper and succeed. How that is accomplished is different in every person‘s life. It may mean and be one thing for you and another for me. Ultimately what God has for each of us.
Jeremiah 29 is the letter from Jeremiah to the people exiled in Babylon. It is an important passage of Scripture that says so much about God and how He deals with and sees His children. In the passage, specifically to Israel but today words to you and I. Much will happen during their time in Babylon and in the letter Jeremiah tells them that God says settle down there in Jeremiah 29:5-7
5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.
6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.
7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
A few verses later in verse 11 we read-
11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
This world and all of its challenges are not our home. Yes, while we are here, we are to settle down and live. Just like those who were in Babylon. We are also to remember, as they were, that God has a plan. Again, in these verses we see prospering, hope and a future.
There is nothing wrong with taking care of the day and making plans for the future. His Word even shows us how to do that effectively. We think and plan based on a 24-7-365 time line. God thinks and plans based on infinite time that always has been, is and always will be. I guess then that it is ours to figure out how to do both. I know it may sound odd but I think it can be done, don’t you?
In God’s Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy