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Whenever it is suggested that God can receive glory from the life of a mere human, it just amazes me. But I am no fool, I understand that it involves a process. Early in my faith walk I learned this principle the hard way. I’m sure that I’ve stated before how practical of a person that I am (or was!). Things in life tend to just be “black and white” for me and I pretty much look for every round peg to fit into its respective hole. But during the first several months of my self-employment God taught me one of the most valuable lessons in life. But as with most valuable life lessons they are best understood in reflection. I can only illustrate this by showing a biblical example that came through a conversation God had with Joshua. After Moses had died, Joshua was put in charge of the Israelite’s trek to the Promised Land. Moses’ reputation left Joshua with very large shoes to fill (in the figurative sense). And although Joshua had spent years as an aide to Moses the thought of leading so many people as well as Moses did had to be intimidating. I’m sure he faced all his inadequacies each morning with shame and fear. However, in chapter 1 of Joshua God reminds him that, “…I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” Wow! Could you imagine the God of Heaven speaking directly to you in your time of need to tell you, “I hear your S.O.S. and I am taking care of it!” Although in those comforting words are things we don’t immediately realize. Specifically, the process, pain, and patience to be taught through relationship with the Father. In reading that passage, I believe God’s intent in saying to Joshua that “I will be with you” meant that you will get the same care and instruction that Moses received, but that is a process my son. Afterwards, God reassured Joshua four more times (Joshua 1:6,7,9,18) to be “strong and courageous”. But then he was led into battle against the inhabitants of Canaan. What? Battle you say? I thought God was going to be with him and not abandon or forsake him? So then you ask, why am I being led into trials and tribulations? As I had to learn, the only way for me to truly put my confidence in God was to have confidence in myself removed through a process of trials and battles in my life. Experiencing the pain of being stripped of self-reliance, self-confidence, self-preservation, and self- _____ (you fill in the blank) was the only way to allow room for the healing power of God to come into my life. The only way to develop patience during my trials was to endure through the trials I was put through. But, without a doubt God’s loving hand was there the whole time to encourage me when I wanted to give up and to heal my hurting heart. He always spoke through his Word to comfort me whether it was in my secret closet or from a fellow believer. He remained true to his promise that he would never leave or forsake me just as he did for Joshua. You see, this is the only way that He is able to receive glory when I proclaim to others my process, my pain and my patience. And this is how it is possible to endure life’s storms as long as God is holding my umbrella!

Lord I pray today that you show me how you are with me no matter what I go through. Although it seems at times life is giving me much more than I can handle, I can trust that this is all a part of the purpose and plan you have set out for me to give you glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

Suggested readings: Joshua 1:1-18; Romans 8:18;28-39

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 30, 2010)