Sometimes we don't have to understand, we just have to believe

I like to understand things. If I don't "get" something, I like to learn about it. That is just my nature. I am curious! But sometimes that desire for understanding everything can come from a need to control situations. (Boy, that subject could fill a few blogs, eh?) But God reminded me of a couple of things last night and this morning that I'd like to share.

• PRAY FOR THE U.S.A. - We need to be praying for the USA especially during this time. It seems like the shadow of Socialism is taking over our nation. I sometimes get so overwhelmed at the thought, because, like you (hopefully), I love this country of freedom under God. But as Jaime so kindly reminded me, we cannot always see the big picture (or airplane view, as Mama Jill says!); so we have to trust in Him that He has a plan for each of us - and our nation.

• DON'T WORRY! - We don't need to waste time worrying, or giving any credence to the media, which now only exists to make money by means of fear-mongering. (Right?) So instead, let's turn to the Lord and His Word, which is always timely, no matter what generation reads it. Let's hold on tightly to His promises, and trust that He will work this whole situation out - even with the corrupt and evil people who are being appointed into positions of power. Just as God used Moses and Pharoh, he still can sway the hearts of kings and leaders.

• IT WILL ALL WORK OUT - He promises that He will work everything out for our good, because we belong to Him! See? -->
  

28 "And we know that in all things

God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose."

38For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future,

nor any powers,

39neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8 (NIV)

• SEEK GOD, NOT PUNDITS - We really need to call out to God, and seek Him. God was never about the business of politics. He is love, and love personified. He wants our hearts to turn and cry out to Him! We need to humble ourselves before Him, and remember that He is the God of creation, the God of the universe. He knows and created every good thing, including the deep mysteries of science and every dimension still undiscovered by man. It is that same God who desires a relationship with you and me.

11 "For 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.

12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

13 You will seek me and find me

when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29 (NIV)

6 "Therefore humble yourselves

[demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation]

under the mighty hand of God,

that in due time He may exalt you,
7Casting the whole of your care

[all your anxieties, all your worries,

all your concerns, once and for all]

on Him, for He cares for you affectionately

and cares about you watchfully.
8Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind),

be vigilant and cautious at all times;

for that enemy of yours, the devil,

roams around like a lion

roaring [in fierce hunger],

seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
9Withstand him; be firm in faith

[against his onset--rooted, established, strong,

immovable, and determined],

knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are

appointed to your brotherhood

(the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.
10And after you have suffered a little while,

the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor],

Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory

in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete

and make you what you ought to be,

establish and ground you securely,

and strengthen, and settle you.
11To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule)

forever and ever. Amen (so be it)."

I Peter 5 (Amplified)

**********

So God, I want to cast every little care I have on You.

I know that You are big enough to carry my burdens

and the burdens of the world,

because you already did.

I pray right now that the the peoples' hearts will turn to You;

not to religion, or some mechanical ritual, but to You,

the beautiful, dangerous, loving,

never-changing Lord of heaven and earth.

I don't understand all that You're doing right now,

but I thank You that You care for me,

and have made a way for me

to have a direct relationship with You through Jesus, your Son.

I pray that You will draw near to us,

as we draw near to You.

I thank You that others will come into agreement with me in this prayer,

and that You listen to the prayer of our hearts,

and let us hear your heart too.

May we stand up for justice, liberty,

life and righteousness - all that You are.

I don't understand what's happening

behind the scenes of these trying times,

but I believe that you have the lives of your children

and the nations in the palm of Your scarred hand.

I believe that You are stirring the hearts of Your people.

If you can use anyone, here I am.

Amen.