Purpose Fulfilled

When I set out to do something, many things can keep me from accomplishing my plans. I may not have the tools or abilities to do what I intended to do. An urgent matter may arise, taking me away from the task. Or I may simply become interested in something else.

Job 42:2 says, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” God foresees all circumstances, events, and thoughts so He can do anything to ensure His purposes are accomplished. His power is unlimited, and His wisdom is true.

Lacking Understanding

As I get older, some things are more difficult for me to understand. For one thing, my hearing is bad, so I often don’t hear all the information. For another thing, sometimes I feel like my mind is in a fog and, even though I observe everything, I don’t always understand. Then, having lived outside this country for several years, I haven’t kept up with trends and news to help understand the background of events and conversations. It is like a veil is placed over my ability to understand at times.

II Corinthians 3:15-16 says, “Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” Before we come to Christ, we lack the ability to understand spiritual truths as if a veil covers our minds and hearts. But once we trust in Jesus, the veil is removed and we begin to understand these truths and become transformed by them.

Choosing the Best

Assuming we can afford it, we are always looking for the best solution. We want to purchase the highest quality items that will serve us in the best way. We search for the best advice and counsel that we can receive to answer our questions and guide us in the correct ways. So when we make a choice regarding faith, life, and eternity we should go the best, and really the only sure choice, that is Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1:2-3 says, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Why should we place our faith in Jesus? Because: 1. He is God’s spoken Word to us, 2. He is the heir of all things and God makes us joint heirs with Him, 3. He created the world, 4. He reveals the God’s glory, 5. Jesus exactly presents God’s nature to us, 6. He sustains the world through His word, 7. He made us pure from our sins, and 8. He is seated on heaven’s throne over all things. Why would we choose any religious system or our old nature to follow instead of Jesus Christ?

Beyond All Comparison

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the things that afflict me. Whether it be some health issue, relationship concern, or financial setbacks, I don’t care to deal with them. My focus is on the issue and not on what benefits I can derive from dealing with the issue. Properly addressing health issues makes me healthier in the long run. Dealing with relationships in an understanding and sympathetic manner helps those relationships grow in mutually beneficial ways. Addressing financial setbacks in a constructive way makes the future brighter and more successful. Properly handling of all afflictions will improve our character.

II Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” We should look past the seen things that bother us or afflict us to the unseen rewards we will receive when we pass through these afflictions. These rewards are proven character and glorification with Jesus.

Useful Power

On the television show, Home Improvement, Tim’s favorite phrase was more power. He was constantly modifying tools and kitchen appliances to add power. However, his designs were always flawed and created some kind of new disaster in their use. Sometimes, we feel powerless to do the things that we know we should do. Where can we find the strength or power to do the good that we want to do?

Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” Within ourselves, we do not possess the power to produce good and righteousness. However, God promises to give us this power and strength to do the good and righteousness that we desire and even far beyond our desires and imagination.