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Passed Over AND Encouraged!

May 17, 2011 by Fritz

And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. – Genesis 15:2a

I was passed over for a job I thought I wanted and I am encouraged! Let me tell you why:

1. Recently, I noticed from the Bible that there are times we need to tell our desires to align with God’s ways instead of our own – I even blogged about it (here).

2. Yesterday, I noticed the biblical Sarah wanted a child so much she had her husband sire one from someone else so she could take it as hers! She even admitted it was God restraining her from children – I remember thinking at the time how unwise it is to circumvent God.

3. Today, a blog I frequent posted about feeling abandoned when others get a blessing we want for ourselves (Link) and I remembered being passed over in the past only to find something better later – and being truly grateful I was originally passed over.

4. Then I read the notice I was passed over now – someone else got the job I thought I was best suited for.

What encourages me in this is the tenderness and care God showed to me in preparing my mind and heart ahead of time. He showed me in this that he is aware of my circumstances, wants to comfort me and assure me he has a better place more suited for my skills. That place may be where I am now, but even if not, he is personally directing my career. That’s what is encouraging! That’s something I can tell my heart and know it is true!

So why write about it here? I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not the only one who needs reminding that when things don’t go as planned nor desired God has a better way!

Prayer: Thank you, Father, I am right where I can be of most service to you now and for telling me you are actively at work on my behalf. Amen!

Sound Bite: I know I’ll feel gratitude later; I choose to be grateful now!

– fritz@langgang.com

Posted in Encouragement, Faith | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

Lesson From A Zipline

May 16, 2011 by Fritz

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20)

I became aware of an important fact while riding the ZipLine at Camp Tejas.

Even with the helmet, the harness, the tether, the decision, and the knowledge that everything would be ok that first step was the hardest and though I really wanted to do it, the longer I stood there on the edge the harder it became. It is that way with any big decision – from the initial decision to give my life to Christ, to commit to one woman for life, entering the ministry, going to a job interview, or making a stand for what is right in the face of opposition, the biggest problem is not the decision or the desire but that first step.

Prayer: Father, help me to hear, to decide, AND to take that first step. Amen!
Sound Bite: The biggest problem is that first step, it’s all down hill from there.

– fritz@langgang.com

Posted in Action, Committment | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

God Hardening Hearts

May 15, 2011 by Fritz

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: – Exodus 10:1

Many have pondered what choice a person has if God hardens their heart – as if the person was an innocent bystander unlucky enough to have been chosen.

But in our story none of these were innocent bystanders! They had made their choice, so why fault God for using them and even disposing of them as best suited his purpose?

An additional scripture may shine light here.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. – 2nd Timothy 2:20-21

Think of it this way.

In our homes we have various pots and dishes. Some, like fine China, are used for lovely purposes while others, like beat up bowls, are used for nasty needs.

The Bible says we can, actually, choose the kind of vessel we become! Jesus paid for our sins so we can become valuable for God’s holy purposes! If we choose to be a nasty vessel then we can’t complain if God uses us for a nasty purpose.

Pharoah chose to be a nasty vessel so God used him for a nasty purpose, but what’s your choice?

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus who paid for my sins on the cross so I can be a chosen vessel in your service!

Sound Bite: I choose Christ and Holy Living

– fritz@langgang.com

Posted in Bible Characters, Calling, In Christ | Tagged , | Leave a Comment »

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