Understanding Better By and By....

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
- Daniel 3:17-18

Lately, luck hasn't been a main word in my vocabulary. I lost my job, struggle with money, deal with frustrating gigs and all too often have to watch people who don't work as hard as I do seem to prosper. Having to deal with my pop passing away the other day was the hardest thing to deal with on top of going through all these other trials. I'm tempted most of the time to look to God and ask why me, why us (my family), WHY WHY WHY????

But I remind myself constantly that God has a greater plan for my life and my family's lives that's well beyond my understanding. He gives us the things we ask for according to HIS will, not our own. Many things we ask for, though we may not have selfish intentions, aren't what's best for us at that moment. I know I never wanted my dad to die, and for a while it seemed like he couldn't because he came through every operation, complication, and hurdle with flying colors. But at the same time, though he never complained, I know he had to be tired. He was a fighter, a joyful and inspirational figure and a great friend, but he did all God has set him here to do. Sure we'd be happy to have him here to joke with us and everything, but he was going through a LOT and it wouldn't be fair to have him continue through his trials for our own benefit and happiness.

Its tough, of course, because the tunnel can seem dark and long and lonely at times. But God is there through it all, and as long as you keep the faith and remember He's got it, things will work out in the end. When you look back at situations, you'll see and be very thankful for how He works it all out for us in the end.

later chaps,
r s.g.

p.s. - here's a few more to keep in mind:

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 4:19

"Oh, the depth of the riches of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things। To him be the glory forever!"
- Romans 11:33-36

"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your wyas and my thoughts than your thoughts.'"
- Isaiah 55:8-9

"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain."
- Psalm 139:9