“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.” Is. 41:10
Question: Where are you “confining God”?
· Perhaps you’re keeping God’s influence out of one of your current business decisions?
· Or boxing Him out of your current marital struggle?
· Or baring Him from the mental anguish you’re STILL struggling with after all these years?
· Or keeping Him at arms length in the complex issues surrounding a recent death of a loved one?
· Or not allowing Him near the shame you feel in a particular area of your life, an area that you believe you can never forgive yourself for much less believe that God would forgive you for… or free you from the grips of its bondage?
We’ve been asking ourselves this very question lately especially in light of last week’s personal news regarding findings of a tumor in Betsy’s brain. Thankfully we Cleary’s continue to bask in a constant pool of peace knowing that no part of our lives goes unnoticed or is outside the providence and work of our amazing Savior. (Where we’ve really needed His strength and wisdom most is handling the fear this news invokes in others…even with it being benign!)
He cares. God really cares about what concerns us. The coolest thing is that if we truly believe this and draw close to Him in intimate relationship, when the storm hits, He glorifies Himself through us despite ourselves (vibrant relationship is the key).
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Pet. 5:6-11
Let’s choose to walk in His power this week, freely divulging all areas of our lives to His hand regardless how we “feel”. ~~Remember, each one of us is an appointed instrument for God’s work as our awesome Lord weaves our sometimes seemingly insignificant life story into His divine and majestic tapestry of the ages. One day we will see it all clearly…
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, they mean so much to us!
Much love,
Shaun and Betsy
