HAND OF GOD // JUNE 1, 2023
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 NLT
Whether it's good, bad, ugly, painful or deadly, everything we face in life is either God sent or God used. Not everything that happens to us is good, BUT God can work it together for our good ... if we're walking according to how he's called us to walk.
Even blessings in our lives come with a cost. When unexpected doors open and life is coming together -- we get the house, the job comes through, the sickness is healed, the enemy has fled -- how do we act? Just before the Israelites went to the Promised Land, God warned them they'd think it happened because of
their power and strength (
Deuteronomy 8:18). We get blessed, and God's grace and favor fall on us, and suddenly ... we're no longer at church because the very house that became a blessing now needs the yard fixed and things to repair and suddenly the blessing takes us from the bless
or.
Are you more in love with the gift or the giver? When God's favor is on you, it draws favor and attention. What did favor do for Joseph? It created problems that started with his own family. Answered prayers put eyes on you, so when you receive the blessing, it's important you recognize God's hand in every aspect of your life. Don't stop attending church, praying and helping others. Appreciate all he's done for you -- but appreciate his presence even more than his gifts.