IF THE MOUNTAINS DEPART

 

It's amazing to me how quickly we have moved through the autumn season this year. I blinked my eyes and , poof...like magic, the orange, red and golden leaves had all blown off the trees leaving a stark grey reminder of the cold winter months ahead. It made me realize that like the changing seasons, our lives are in a constant state of transition. However, God's word assures us that no matter what is changing around us we are safe in His care. "The mountains may depart and the hills be removed but God's steadfast love shall never depart from us." (Isaiah 54:10)

This verse in the Bible really spoke to my heart about letting go of the past and fearlessly embracing what lies ahead. As we move from season to season in our lives we will experience good and bad times but God assures us that He is with us through it all. His love is constant and never changes.  "Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8) Our good news take away is God's character is steadfast. His love for fallen humanity is unchanging. Our feelings and thoughts fluctuate but His stay firm.  No matter what we face going forward in life always remember God loves us, and cares about us, like a loving father. His thoughts for us are for good. He remains patient with us, always calling us back to faith. Look to Him for all your needs. His love is the one and only constant in our lives.

YOU ARE SPECIAL

Statistics say there are 7 billion people in the world.  In New York City alone there is a staggering 8 million!  You might think with all those people running around you would be nothing more then a spec and get lost in the mix.
           Think again..
Take a minute and look at your fingertips.  Those little lines and ridges you see there are all uniquely yours.  No one else in the world has the same pattern that you have.  And those tiny lines are exactly the same the day you are born as they will be the day you die. If that is not enough to make you feel special, here is something else to think about.  The Bible teaches us that the creator of the universe knows you by name and has numbered the hairs on your head.  "You" are special to God and just like your fingerprints are uniquely yours he has a personal plan for your life.

It does not matter if you are an atheist or a believer; you were created by God and there is a reason you are on planet earth right now. Think of it this way. The world you live in is God's great house. You are one of his treasures that he displays across the globe for an honorable or dishonorable cause.  Your life is not a question of whether or not he will use you but what will he be able to use you for?

Let me explain. Silver and gold are useless when they are first brought in from the field. The original compounds are full of impurities that make the metal unfit for use.  The silversmith must refine it and remove all the imperfections so it can be softened and shaped.  This process involves fire and very close attention by the smith. The metal goes in and out of the furnace until he can see his own reflection in it.

If you are up to the challenge the same process applies to you.  The problems and difficulties you face each day are part of the refining process God uses to get you ready for the special job he has for you.  Like the silversmith, he never takes his eyes off you because you are his work in progress. When you allow God to work out his amazing plan for you he will help you live up to a higher standard enabling you to become a vessel of honor fit for every good work.


In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.  If anyone cleanses himself of dishonor, he will become a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for God, prepared for every good work.  2 Timothy 20 - 21