God's Control

Proverb16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
In Psalm 33:8-11, David says, "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.  The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."

I have to remind myself that God is in control even when things don't seem to be going well. It seems like lately everyone in my family is sick or in pain, and I feel helpless.  Then I remind myself that God wants " good for those who are called according to his purpose." One of my grandchildren has been sick and vomiting off and on for 8 days.  Sometimes he seems fine, and then he gets sick again. After 2 doctor's visits  and a trip to the emergency room for IV fluids, they sent him home. They did not know for certain the problem. I kept the 3 month all who was used to breast feeding and had to feed him a bottle. Now that was a battle royal. After the little thing tired out from being mad, he took the bottle like a pro. The little stinker! My mother-in-law  cracked her back and has been in the hospital in a different town.  She has been there for 2 weeks.  It has been very frustrating because it is taking so long for a plan.  We are grateful that her brace is allowing her to get out of bed and walk some. My mother who is in a nursing home is always in pain due to just being 91 and having a deterioration of her bones.  She never complains, and she has a positive attitude.  I pray for the miracle of complete healing for all of them.  Before I ask God again about why my family and others have to suffer, I need to read Job. Job 40:1-2 the Lord said to Job: "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!".  Job 40:8-9 "would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his? Job 40:15 "look at the behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox."

God created us and all other things.  He has power over everything. We should not condemn him for his allowing misfortune.  He has a whole other agenda that makes our problems look measly.  His agenda is to save us all for an eternity, a length of time that will make our time on earth a mere moment. He cares for our problems and wants to listen to our hurts.  If we ask and not condemn, he will give us the mercy of his peace!

Kay Brown

Health

I have not written in awhile because we have sickness in our family. My 83 year old mother-in-law fell and fractured her back in 3 places. She has been incapacitated for more than 3 weeks and is hoping to improve with the help of a brace. I just realized how quickly our life situations can change. She was perfectly fine except for being almost blind. She had gotten used to making adjustments for the vision problem. Her attitude about that was good, but this back problem has really complicated her life.

Proverb: 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news  gives health to the bones.

We need to be cheerful and encouraging to those who are experiencing difficulties like health problems. We need to pray for good news and healing. If healing is not in God's will, we need to be staunch supporters and prayer warriors for that sick one to have a peace about his/her circumstances. We need to all remember that God is in control and only wants the best for us. Christ has already defeated death so we will forever live.