Reading: Jeremiah 11, 12
My Verse: "Righteous are you , O LORD,
when I complain to you;
yet I would plead my case before you.
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all who are treacherous thrive?" -Jeremiah 12:1
The age old question that even Solomon and David wrote of - why is it that the wicked fare so well, that they flourish and prosper?
Instead of reassuring Jeremiah here You reprimand him for his impatience and caution him that he (Jeremiah) needs to prepare himself for even worse times! In other words You are telling him You are working out Your purposes!
It is good for me to see that even these very great spiritual men - spiritual giants in my eyes! - complained of what they saw as injustice or unfairness. "Why are all they at ease and thriving who deal very treacherously and deceitfully?" (Amplified Bible) In our very limited human view, it seems unfair. Unfortunately, I go there often!
Anyone who denies You should not experience any kind of happiness, especially those who are outright ugly, mean and cause hurt/harm to others should experience any kind of prosperity - at least in my eyes. And yet, many that deny You do prosper.
I love how You ever caution us about this kind of thinking - that the "wicked"do prosper. You tell us in Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD."
I am reminded of my limitations. I cannot see over the hill. I cannot see what tomorrow will bring. But You, LORD God, can. You are omnipresent, omniscient and all-powerful.
Even more important You are the very essence of Love. It is only because of You that we, sinful creatures are able to love and care for one another.
Who am I to question how You work in the lives of others? Even if someone appears to be vile in my eyes, You love that person and want his/her fellowship. You are doing Your work in that person to bring them to You and will be as patient as You choose to be with them. You also use unsaved to allow experiences to happen to us, Your loved ones, for Your purposes - even if they are difficult. I must ever be reminded as You remind Jeremiah that You are working out Your purposes.
"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)
"The counsel of the LORD stands forever.
The plans of His heart from generation to generation." -Psalm 33:11
"The LORD of hosts has sworn saying,
"Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened,
and just as I have planned so it will stand." - Isaiah 14:24
No, I do not and cannot understand Your ways. It is a waste of time for me to fret of such things and yet I often find myself doing just that. Forgive me LORD God. Thank You, for all that You do for me. Thank You for being so steadfast in Your love and purposes. I can trust in that.
Love William Cowper's song God Works in Mysterious Ways His Wonders To Perform.
My Verse: "Righteous are you , O LORD,
when I complain to you;
yet I would plead my case before you.
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all who are treacherous thrive?" -Jeremiah 12:1
The age old question that even Solomon and David wrote of - why is it that the wicked fare so well, that they flourish and prosper?
Instead of reassuring Jeremiah here You reprimand him for his impatience and caution him that he (Jeremiah) needs to prepare himself for even worse times! In other words You are telling him You are working out Your purposes!
It is good for me to see that even these very great spiritual men - spiritual giants in my eyes! - complained of what they saw as injustice or unfairness. "Why are all they at ease and thriving who deal very treacherously and deceitfully?" (Amplified Bible) In our very limited human view, it seems unfair. Unfortunately, I go there often!
Anyone who denies You should not experience any kind of happiness, especially those who are outright ugly, mean and cause hurt/harm to others should experience any kind of prosperity - at least in my eyes. And yet, many that deny You do prosper.
I love how You ever caution us about this kind of thinking - that the "wicked"do prosper. You tell us in Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD."
I am reminded of my limitations. I cannot see over the hill. I cannot see what tomorrow will bring. But You, LORD God, can. You are omnipresent, omniscient and all-powerful.
Even more important You are the very essence of Love. It is only because of You that we, sinful creatures are able to love and care for one another.
Who am I to question how You work in the lives of others? Even if someone appears to be vile in my eyes, You love that person and want his/her fellowship. You are doing Your work in that person to bring them to You and will be as patient as You choose to be with them. You also use unsaved to allow experiences to happen to us, Your loved ones, for Your purposes - even if they are difficult. I must ever be reminded as You remind Jeremiah that You are working out Your purposes.
"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)
"The counsel of the LORD stands forever.
The plans of His heart from generation to generation." -Psalm 33:11
"The LORD of hosts has sworn saying,
"Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened,
and just as I have planned so it will stand." - Isaiah 14:24
No, I do not and cannot understand Your ways. It is a waste of time for me to fret of such things and yet I often find myself doing just that. Forgive me LORD God. Thank You, for all that You do for me. Thank You for being so steadfast in Your love and purposes. I can trust in that.
Love William Cowper's song God Works in Mysterious Ways His Wonders To Perform.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
"You do not understand what I am doing, but later you will understand." -John 13:7
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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