Are you able to see God using your circumstances to take you from “good” to “greater”? Recently, while in the foyer of a courtroom after a hearing, my clients and I were talking about the miraculous way God was navigating us through some pretty significant hardships. First, let me say a word about this couple—Jerrod and Nicole—whom I’m blessed to also call friends. They are a remarkable example of true Christianity. They run their own construction company, pastor a church, are raising their children, have fostered and adopted, and—based upon the many folks who were comfortably interacting with them as we talked—their life-ministry transcends economic and social barriers.
What a blessing and encouragement it was to be in the presence of this humble, wise, loving, and strong couple!
So as we were talking about our struggles, Nichole said, “I think God is taking us from ‘good’ to ‘great’.” I stopped talking (a small miracle indeed) 😜 and thought about that statement in the context of the uncertain waters we were both navigating.
What a great perspective!
When we’re in the valley, it’s so easy to lose our perspective about the goodness of God. All we can think about is what is going WRONG. Why would we focus on what’s going wrong? Then and there, God showed me I needed to discipline myself to stop focusing on my problems and instead, begin reminding myself of all the things that are going right. It’s really not that difficult. For example, right now, by simply streaming my consciousness, I can dictate a long list of the “good” things in my life onto this iPad screen in less than 30 seconds: I can breathe. I can see. I can think. I have a home. I have a job. I am born again and my eternity is secure. I have friends. I have family. All of the cells in my body are working together in amazing precision enabling me to write this devotional. I didn’t hit a deer coming home. I don’t have cancer again. You get the picture?
WHAT is actually going WRONG in my life—right now?
Exactly! Oh yeah, THAT problem. But if God is making so much go RIGHT in my life—my life is ALREADY good, right?!? So, in the balance, what is going WRONG does not have to be the focus of my life; rather, it should be viewed as simply another opportunity for God to take me from “GOOD” to “GREATER.”
When I allow God to flip this switch in my brain, it transforms my problem—into a great opportunity!
Then, my problems don’t make me depressed and afraid; rather I become thankful and peaceful because of all the great goodness of God, His glorious presence, and another opportunity to watch Him work miracles! I am redeemed and in any circumstances I can praise my Redeemer for the great life He has given me!
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy…“
Psalms 107:1-2 NKJV
After we are born again, or “redeemed,” and our inner man is made alive in Christ, we are able to have abundant communication with Him. If we allow Him, He will change everything about us—the way we think, what we say, and what we do. The Bible becomes His love letter of wisdom personally written for our benefit. His Spirit enables us to have supernatural faith, real love, and be protected by His impenetrable armor. We gain the enlightenment of His spiritual perspective about our life and are no longer limited by the perceptions of our physical senses.
Christ enables us to live with a glorious purpose because we know HE is in control!
When we live in daily surrender to God, He lights our path. He doesn’t hide the game plan. Nearly 100% of what we’re supposed to do every day is already written out for us in His Word. Jesus said it all comes down to two commandments: Love Him (heart-obedience to His Word); and, love those around us like we love ourselves. God’s Spirit guides us so that we know what this looks like in our own life. Dwelling in obedience to God fills us with the fruits of His Spirit. His Word enlightens us with His supernatural wisdom.
God’s presence should be the fire in our soul because HE alone makes our life great!
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!“
Psalms 84:11-12 NKJV
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalms 23:6 NKJV
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:26-28 NKJV
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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2 Responses
Nothing with God is ever wasted. We must learn to trust him at all times .
Amen!