John 11: 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, "This
illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of
God may be glorified through it."
The
weather in the springtime is just plain unpredictable. Looking back on this
past weekend we seem to have experienced at least two out of four seasons.
Spring made a furtive appearance only to be quickly runoff by a hearty blast of
winter snow. Unsettled describes it. But what is the purpose of this turmoil?
Being
in a contemplative mood of late, something to do with Lent, has caused me to
frequently ask why about many things? There are some aspects of life that seem
to defy explanation, at least to the casual observer. If we rush through our
lives, seldom pausing to consider that which surrounds us, we miss the
opportunity to explore the great mystery that is the will of God. As children
we often asked our parents "why"? As a parent my answer was
frequently one word, because! Because is used when the answer is not easily
grasped by a child. And more often than not that simple answer fostered many
follow up "because why?" questions. Again, often the answer is not a
simple answer. Often the answer is complex or detailed. Similarly when we come
before the Lord in prayer asking why, our answer maybe also be simple. It is
the will of God. We may not like that answer, but it is what we are given. And
it can cause frustration and even anger. We seek a measure of control or some
say in how things go in our lives. And we are foolish enough to think we can be
in control. When I look back on my own life I can say I would not have set out
a plan, as God did for me, to arrive at this point. Writing devotionals was not
even on the radar. Yet here I am. And what about your life and your
experiences? Do you have a similar story? Are you where you thought you would
be five, ten, fifteen, or twenty years ago? Are you surprised at where you are
and how you arrived where you are? Here is the deal. In all we do and all we are
there is a plan that God the Father has set out for us. Our purpose is not to
glorify ourselves. It is to glorify God in all that we do. And when we finally
put ourselves second, and God first, things make sense. We can find the purpose
in our lives. We look back and have an understanding of the what, and the why.
Or, at least, we realize it is not important because God is in charge and leading
the way. He is the driver. We are along for the ride.
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