December 20

“But the subtle forms of self-life that would ruin us, if left undiscovered and unchecked are often most vigorous in those whose outward life is all that could be desired; and it needs sometimes a very sharp discipline to uproot them.  In this fact lies hidden the secret of much that is mysterious in the dealings of the Lord with the souls of his servants.  He loves us too much to permit any evil to linger undiscovered and uncured in our natures.  This is not severity, but mercy.  For the great object of all the discipline of life here is character-building.”  Hannah Whitall Smith, Daily Secrets, 12/9

If we think we are so good that we should never be troubled in this life, we’ve revealed a character flaw right there.  If we do not claim to be so good, but feel we do not deserve our troubles, we’ve also revealed our character flaw.  I’ve heard people claim they’ve done everything they know to do to rectify their situation, yet find no peace.  This tells me they have not yet reached the point of accepting God’s will for them.  Instead of focusing on the situation I think it is time for them (and me) to focus on what the Lord may be doing to build our character and leaving the solving of the situation to God.  When we get caught up in trying to help God do the work that only He can do we neglect what is within our power.  God has given us free will so that we can make choices for ourselves.  He does not dictate the details of our lives, but He does expect us to leave the outcome to Him.  It comes down to whether or not you believe there is a reason for everything that happens.  For me, this is God--the reason behind everything.

“But Jesus, aware of this, said, ‘O men of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves the fact that you have no bread?  Do you not yet perceive?”  Matthew 16:8, 9a (KJV)