“God’s Eternal Principles – Part 1” by Sheryl Gehrls
God’s Eternal Principles – Part 1
Asking the “Why?” question seems to come as naturally to us as breathing. I may be wrong in this assumption, but I don’t really think so! Is it possible that no widow has ever asked this question of God? I’m quite sure I have, and I’m fairly certain that you have too.
Have you ever really listened to a small child who is just beginning to talk enough to ask questions! As they explore the big new world around them, the questions begin to flow one on top of the other. My children were two, three, and four so you can imagine the number of questions I answered daily! If we’re listening carefully, most of those questions begin with the word “Why?” For instance, “Why do fish swim?” “Why do they breathe water instead of air?” “Why does the tree drop its leaves?” “Why does the car need gas?” And on and on it goes! In our humanity we may be tempted to find ways to avoid answering all those questions. Or we may simply respond with frustration, saying “Can you please just stop asking so many questions?” Hmmm….did I just answer with a question of my own!
What a great comfort it is to know that our Heavenly Father never tires of all the questions we ask of Him. Because His ways are often beyond our understanding, it’s natural for us to question Him. We can’t really help ourselves when it comes to asking Him “Why?” It has been my experience that when we ask Him “Why?” from an honest and humble heart, He gives us answers that bring us peace.
So, why does God allow all kinds of experiences to enter our lives? Some are wonderful and joyful; others are devastating and painfully debilitating. The answer lies in the fact that God is creating kings and priests who will reign with Him in an eternal, ever-increasing Kingdom. The most familiar Scripture that teaches us this truth is found in Isaiah 9:6-7. “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of his government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.”
Daniel 7:27 tells us the eventual end of all the visions that were given to him. “Then the sovereignty, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest one; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.”
What this means is that God is taking every single thing that comes into your life, and He is shaping your character through it. He is making you into a ruler, and an advocate. He is collaborating with you to see that you are the best you can ever be. It has been said that without darkness, we would not recognize the light. The same could be said of sorrow and sadness – they are needed so that we can experience joy and abundance. If you are following Christ, this life is about so much more than just the everyday events that shape your days, weeks, months, and years. It’s about God shaping your character and preparing you to rule and reign with Him forever. Now THAT’S a project!
The biggest questions a widow has circle around the “Why?” “Why did you take him so young?” “Why did you take him instead of me?” “Why couldn’t we have had more time together?” We can choose whether or not to let these questions torment our minds and hearts. We can choose to look higher at the greater destiny God has for us.
Are you learning patience through prayers that seem to go unanswered? Are you learning persistence, or tenacity when things seem to be going against your plan? What about the situations that are hard to give thanks for? Are you growing a heart of gratitude?
You were made to be part of a royal family! When life seems difficult, keep your eyes on the goal. I’m reminded of Peter when he was in the fishing boat, and the storm was raising waves all around them. Jesus came walking on the water, and asked Peter to step out of the boat to meet Him. What made that possible was the fact that Peter fixed his eyes on Jesus and didn’t look at the waves around him. When you feel surrounded by waves and storm, fix your eyes on Jesus. You were destined for something much greater than this life.
Your thoughts and comments are welcome here, or you may email me at sheryl@freshhope.us
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