Tuesday; September 15

Jesus’ ministry had an interesting beginning.  Set against the good news of His mission was the bad news of John the Baptist’s arrest (and eventual martyrdom).  An early historian noted, “Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:14-15).  Isn’t it bad luck that John’s trials began as Jesus went public.  Now, if you go back and reread that statement, you might see a bit of irony (if not satire) in it.  You see, nothing about Jesus happened by luck.  In fact, Jesus was well aware that His mission was ordained and guided by God.  The timing was as right as the message was righteous! 

It is easy to look at life and feel a perceived victimization; but what if we believed that things happen for a purpose.  I am not saying that God preordains everything from parking tickets to a case of the sniffles, but when we look at the big picture, it is easy to see God working in us and our world.  When we realize this, it shouldn’t make us feel powerless or view our role as mere bystanders, it should give us the confidence to keep going because we know that we are living in God’s world.  He is in control and we are His people!

Not everything is going to go the way we hope or even expect.  However, by trusting that God will fulfill our time with His plan we can approach each opportunity and challenge with faith.

Think About It!

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