Series: Be Inspired
Romans 8:28 ESV
Revelation 22:1-5 MSG
As we wrap this series of thoughts on being inspired we are reminded we are often inspired in unexpected myriad of ways.
I happen to think that’s because we serve a God who does unexpected miraculous things we cannot even dream of…
While as humans we like to think we have some idea about what we need and what would be good for us we do not know what tomorrow will bring.
Even those who calculate and plan well cannot plan for everything.
No amount of planning can meet every scenario.
No amount of money can plan for everything.
We are all in need of God’s help and grace every day because we are not God.
Romans 8:28 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Every day when I sit down to write I begin with prayer. I don’t do that or say that to sound holy. I do that and say that because I am unholy.
I do that and say that because my need for God is so very great.
I do that and say that because I know I can do nothing without God.
I’ve been told that that kind of humility is not needed or necessary. Hummm…it may not be for them, but it is for me. I know how I can make a mess of everything in very unexpected ways.
I do not do it on purpose. I’m just talented at making messes. So, here’s the “thing”. When I mess up God is always and has been always right there helping me to recover from my mess.
While God has plans for me I still mess up.
While God plans good for me, there is evil in this world.
The plans are to give everyone who turns to God a future and a hope.
The key is to turn to God.
When we turn we are received and we are given love and hope.
We are promised a future.
It’s not only a future on earth…it’s a future in eternity for all time.
It’s a future that does not end ever. THAT is the fact and concept we have trouble
understanding. That’s because we are human and we do not really have my concept of being eternally joyous, loved, and whole.
Ultimately, Revelation 22:1-5 tells us, “Then the Angel showed me Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. Never again will anything be cursed. The Throne of God and of the Lamb is at the center. His servants will offer God service—worshiping, they’ll look on his face, their foreheads mirroring God. Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age.”
The truth is that we can dream but we cannot imagine the glory that awaits us!
Spiritual Practice: New
Close your eyes and ask God to let you feel for an instant what it will be like.
In God, Deborah
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