Streams in the Desert - Aug 14
by L. B. E. Cowman and Jim Reimann
You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. (John 19: 11)
Nothing that is not part of God’s will is allowed to come into the life of someone who trusts and obeys Him. This truth should be enough to make our life one of ceaseless thanksgiving and joy, because God’s will is the most hopeful, pleasant, and glorious thing in the world. It is the continuous working of His omnipotent power for our benefit, with nothing to prevent it, if we remain surrendered and believing.
Someone who was passing through the deep water of affliction wrote a friend: Isn’t it glorious to know that no matter how unjust something may be, even when it seems to have come from Satan himself, by the time it reaches us it is God’s will for us and will ultimately work to our good?
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8: 28). Think of what Christ said even as He was betrayed: “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18: 11).
We live fascinating lives if we are living in the center of God’s will. All the attacks that Satan hurls at us through the sins of others are not only powerless to harm us but are transformed into blessings along the way.
~Hannah Whitall Smith
In the center of the circle
Of the will of God I stand:
There can come no second causes,
All must come from His dear hand.
All is well! for it’s my Father
Who my life has planned.
Shall I pass through waves of sorrow?
Then I know it will be best;
Though I cannot tell the reason, I can trust, and so am blest.
God is Love, and God is faithful.
So in perfect Peace I rest.
With the shade and with the sunshine,
With the joy and with the pain,
Lord, I trust You! both are needed,
Each Your wayward child to train,
Earthly loss, if we will know it,
Often means our heavenly gain.
~I. G. W.
Reference
Cowman, L. B. E.; Cowman, L. B. E.; Reimann, Jim; Reimann, Jim (2008-09-09). Streams in the Desert: 366 Daily Devotional Readings (p. 311). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Categories: spiritual