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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #878 August 7, 2003 Been Thinking About...Why My thanks to all of you who wrote with prayers and words of comfort about my grandmother and father-in-law being close to death. Many of you wrote wondering why these things happen. Some suggested that it might be an attack from Satan because our ministry is impacting lives. Others thought it might be God's hand intervening so that our ministry trip to South Africa next summer won't be hampered. Still others had other ideas. I spent some time thinking about the "why's" of the situation. I realized that we often don't know why things happen the way they do. I know death is the inevitable consequence of life in a fallen world. I don't know why some people live to old age and others die very young. I don't know why God heals some and not others. I don't know many of the answers to the question why. Then I realized I don't need to know. God knows and I know that He is infinitely wiser than I'll ever be and He is infinitely good and loving. His timing is always perfect. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV I also believe with all my heart the last words of Paul's epistle to the church in Rome. 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. Romans 8:28 NIV God didn't tell Job why so many disasters fell into his life. Instead God reminded Job who He is. There is nothing wrong with asking God why. Sometimes He tells us or shows us. Sometimes He chooses not to, and since He is God and we're not, that's probably for the best. I don't know why God is choosing this time for these family members to be drawing close to the ends of their lives. I know I'll miss them when they've passed. I also know that in the midst of the pain, He will be there and there will still be joy in His presence. I choose obedience and will give thanks to God. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV We're not called to be thankful FOR all circumstances, some are far more pleasant than others. We're called to give thanks IN all circumstances and that's what I'll do. Until next time, whatever you are facing, even if you don't understand the why, you can give praise and thanks to the Lord. Be blessed Hallelu Yah (Praise God)! Kevin YOU ARE Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you are loved by a God who uses all things for your good. 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. Romans 8:28 NIV Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that heaven will not be complete without you.
I don't know the "why" of what you are facing. I do know that there is a God who loves you and desires to walk with you through the pain bringing you peace and comfort. All He's waiting for is an invitation into your life. You can simply begin the relationship by honestly and completely opening your heart, admitting you need God's help, and saying a prayer along the lines of: Jesus: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I have sinned. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord. Amen If you pray this prayer for the first time let me know so I can rejoice with you. Did you know that at Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential? Your comments, your questions and your joys are shared with the prayer team, to keep me accountable as the head of the ministry and to encourage them as they see God at work in your life. As with prayer all these things are kept confidential within the Gleanings team. To share your questions, comments, thoughts, prayer concerns and praise reports email us If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page . You can write to us at Gleanings From The Word Ministries International 114 Oak St Sherwood Park, AB Canada T8A 0V8 © 2003 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin Gleanings From The Word Minististries International - All Rights Reserved
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