"Do with me whatever you think is fair and right. But be sure of this: if you kill me, you and the people of this city will be guilty of killing an innocent man, because it is the LORD who sent me."
~ Jeremiah 26:14-15 (GNB)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it ... But even if he does not ... we will not serve your gods."
~ Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.
~ Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)
The Lord is Lord, and whatever He says is good to do. Submission to Him isn't difficult (in theory), if one acknowledges the perfection of His love, His wisdom, and His desire to bless via everything.
The next level of surrender stretches faith beyond human reason. Can faith allow that whatever another, definitely not perfect person does is also within God's control and part of His will? Does faith believe that the Lord will accomplish His purposes when others fail me, use me, hurt me, hate me, betray me, reject me, abandon me?
Jeremiah and the three youths in Babylon were unconcerned by the death threats of murderous kings. God's servants readily surrendered themselves to whatever these evil leaders might do to them. Their faith was great enough to know that the Lord yet controlled their destiny.
Is present era leadership evil? However the Lord leads our specific response, behind it must be the attitude which says God is still earth's sovereign ruler, and we can face whatever.
Most High King, under the shadow of Your wings is complete refuge. Our lives are in Your hands, to do with them whatever You desire. Please give us peace and faith in Your love. Please strengthen our hearts to accept whatever You allow in our lives, even through evil men.
Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Yes, strengthen us Lord, and do whatever You choose.
ReplyDeleteI pray daily for the strength to face whatever comes.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all today.
Delighted to meet you! Just found your blog via a friend. I'm splashin' around about and will be back to get drenched in all God has for me over here.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from Costa Rica,
Sarah Dawn
God is in control but we still "reap what we sew"...Christians should not just stand back and not stand up for truth.
ReplyDeletesandy toe
Denise, I continue to pray for your shalom strength.
ReplyDeleteGwen, ONLY in Him do I find that strength. I feel my weakness immediately if I'm not right at His side.
Sarah Dawn, it's a delight to meet you too! Your blog is beautiful. I'm pleased to be added to your reader.
Sandy Toes, I couldn't agree more. This is the balance we must never, EVER lose sight of: God's sovereignty is exercised through our obedience to Him. The whole point of "Whatever" He allows in my life is Him asking me for the right response and me relying on His strength to do it.
Nice to meet you. (Does your blog always have so many calories?)