Can You See God's Hand In It?

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Broken Urns, originally uploaded by Harpersbizarre.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly
Psalm 37:23

God has children like Jacob who walk with a limp. Maybe you are one. Has something so painful happened that it's left you feeling vulnerable and insecure? Find it difficult to trust people? Become your own worst critic? Think your ministry or career is over? Or worse, it never got off the ground; you've been spiritually crippled! If that's where you are today read these words: 'The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand' (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT).

God loves to use flawed people for when they become successful they aren't arrogant like some who think they deserve it. They're a little warmer, a little more willing to reach out and embrace others. They understand that without God they wouldn't have made it. They have a 'Joseph attitude.' Look how badly he was treated by his brothers. Yet not only did he forgive them, he fed them. How can someone do that? Because he saw the hand of God in every detail of his life. Have you seen His hand in yours yet? Listen to what Joseph told his betrayers: 'Do not be angry with yourselves...it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you' (Genesis 45:5 NIV). God has a way of bringing us through rough situations and reminding us of where we came from. Then when we experience success we realise like Joseph that it was God who opened the door, and God who gave us favour and success. Now it's our turn to bless others!

Copied from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Comments

ChrisJ said…
Needed that today! Punishing myself one of my sons' life choices. I need prayer. He needs prayer.
23 January 2008 at 10:13
Angie said…
What a good and encouraging word.

chrisj ((hug)) Praying for you and your son...
23 January 2008 at 12:33
Amrita said…
I am a cracked pot Mike.Spiritually fractured but trusting God.Those urns are good reminders of who we are, I can look at others with a humble heart because God has forgiven and lifted me up

i wrote about unconditional love on my blog today, just a little bit.
23 January 2008 at 14:37
zakscloset said…
what a lovely story! i can definitely use that idea during my next exams!
23 January 2008 at 16:24
Wanda said…
Oh Mike, how this took me back to 1989 when our youngest daughter was in a terrible car accident that kept her in intensive care for a month, hospital for 9 mo. hanging by a thread of faith from day to day. Thirteen skin graft surgeries, and yes, today at 37 she has a "limp". But, Praise God, her soul and spirit are not limping for it changed her life, and gave her a new vision, compassion, love for the unlovely.
Thanks for your wonderful inspirations to us daily. You are such a dear brother in the Faith!
23 January 2008 at 21:47
A Bit of the Blarney said…
Isn't it grand to know that even with all my flaws, and there are many, I am still loved and under the watchful eye of a compassionate God. I'm sure I have a lot of cracks that have had to be mended many time...Thanks be to God!!! Cathy
24 January 2008 at 00:01
Cheryl said…
I'm flawed, I"m flawed, I'm flawed! God use me!
24 January 2008 at 00:57
Kim S in SC said…
Great encouragement!
24 January 2008 at 03:58
Lissa said…
What a great post for today. Just what I needed!
24 January 2008 at 04:01
TMM said…
Thats an awesome post, Mike! Thank you for sharing. I have been in that place so many times, but I have seen His hand taking pass it and beyond. Blessed be His name!

Sidharth
24 January 2008 at 11:31
Andrea said…
Encouraging words.

Yes, those were Granny Smith apples on my blog.
24 January 2008 at 12:42
SandyCarlson said…
The expression, when the student is ready, the teacher appears seems to apply here, Mike. This is a great post.
24 January 2008 at 16:47
J. Andrew Lockhart said…
Encouraging - thanks :)
24 January 2008 at 16:50
Susan said…
I see my entire, long life in God's hands. Thanks goodness it has been......I wouldn't have made it through some of it without HIM.
Susan
24 January 2008 at 19:06
Anonymous said…
Thanks you Mike for posting these words.
24 January 2008 at 20:41
Lance said…
Thanks for those words. My family and everyone understood those words. Thet went right to the core of us all. I better stop writing before I tear up.
25 January 2008 at 04:07
a woman who is said…
Hey Mike, I finally got on the UCB website. What precious words they are sharing. Is this affiliated with something other than their website. Not being from England, I have never heard of them. I am going to send their site to my family. Great Kingdom stuff!
25 January 2008 at 06:25
Bestemor Aud said…
It's always encouraging to visite your page. I meet Gods love and warmth through it.
I have added a link to your page on my Norwegian blogg on belief: OM TRO. Hope you don't mind!
26 January 2008 at 21:47
Paulie said…
I was born with a birth defect -- a split lip but my twin was perfect. It bothered me as a child and I was very self conscious of it even tho it was repaired before I left the hospital. Today, I don't let it bother me so much -- I know that one day in heaven I will get a new body that is perfect in every way!

Want to see the moving of a 101 year old house? Come see my blog entry for today.
6 June 2008 at 01:54
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