It was just after sunset and all the fireflies were out. We only have them for about three wondrous weeks in Tennessee, and the show from our hilltop is breathtaking. Walks to see the fireflies are special.
My youngest son, Leo, and I were starting a trek up the hill in the fading light. Rowan ran out of the house to join us. I really like him too—just as much as I like Leo. But this was a walk for two. I sent the older fella back and we kept walking up the hill. On his way back to the house, I know he didn’t think it was quite fair.
It’s definitely not fair. But I often wonder if we really want fair, or if we just want things to go our way. When my own heart cries “no fair!” I have to check myself against the Word. And anytime a child tries to plead fairness with me, I try to lead them right down the Roman Road: we are all guilty, we all have earned death, Jesus died to pay our debt, and in Him we have glorious salvation.
The gospel isn’t fair. It’s gracious. It seems so unfair that Moses didn’t get to see the promised land. He was a man of the law. But he was forbidden from entering because of a single offense. God brought the Israelites, who spent years complaining in the wilderness, “into the land [He] swore to them” (Deuteronomy 31:23). The faithfulness of God has never been dependent on the faithfulness of men. It isn’t rooted in our sense of fairness, our timing, or our preferences. Every good gift is from God’s own hand. Every gift is full of grace.
And boy, do we need that grace because we just don’t have the full picture here on earth. Our hearts clamor for temporal fairness, but God offers us eternal grace. Moses didn’t set foot in Canaan, yet he inherited eternal fellowship with God. Like all of us Israelites at heart, he received grace upon grace, to inherit a promise that he did not deserve.
From our earthly perspective, it’s pretty hard to parse out what we do or don’t deserve. Did Rowan deserve to walk with us to the top of the hill to see fireflies? I could have taken him along, but he also needed the blessing of a good night’s rest, and Leo needed some extra time with his mama. I’m an imperfect caretaker. But God is perfect, and He invites us to join Him on some walks and to see some wonders in His good providence. We can fix our hope on the God who replaces “fair” with “beauty, goodness, and truth.” Thanks be to God.
Beauty, goodness, and truth. I loved this morning‘s devotion. And this is who our God is. He wants the best for us. And though I don’t understand why I am where I am today it does not stop me from loving my God. And I’ve had to humble myself and let “others“ help me. One thing that I’ve always said to both my kids. Life is full of disappointments. We live in a fallen world, with fallen people. And we are those people. But as long as Christ is on our side, we can conquer anything.
Father, we pray and come against PTSD in the name of Jesus. That is not our portion. “The path of the righteous shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” Psalm 4:18
Our portion is for things to get brighter and brighter, not darker and darker.
Maybe try some essential oils for depression. I know they worked on my skin, so wonderfully!
Horrible itching, along “leathery feeling” upper back, all dissolved into smooth, peaceful soft skin. In 3 applications, and has not returned!
Will continue to pray for your brighter and brighter portion… In Jesus name.
Angie—I would encourage you not to violate your niece’s trust. It is a sacred thing, and you are not the Holy Spirit. Only He can convict her of her sin. You don’t wasn’t to lose the opportunity to speak into her life by violating her trust in you as a confidante.
Angie—I would encourage you not to violate your niece’s trust. It is a sacred thing, and you are not the Holy Spirit. Only He can convict her of
her sin
Angie—I would encourage you not to violate your niece’s trust. It is a sacred thing, and you are not the Holy Spirit. Only He can convict her pf her sin
My previous comment was meant for Taylor
I also noted those words of God’s foreknowledge. “For I know what they are inclined to do even today, before I have brought them into the land that I swore to give.” – Deuteronomy 31:21” He was indeed gracious and merciful regardless of their future disobedience. We serve a mighty God!
Gracious, these passages can be hard to read- God can seem so harsh. But I’m continually reminded not to lean on my own understanding, even if I need to wrestle with the Lord a bit in the process. I pray that we would each have eyes to see His tender mercies. If you would, please pray for me as I battle PTSD. I’ve been having a particularly tough week and could use your support! Thank you, SRT ladies!