He Knew All Along

Have you ever wanted to see a movie and then your friend starts to tell you about it, and before you know it they've told you how it ends. I know for me it changes the movie, I spend the entire movie trying to figure out how everything play into the end, and I miss all the surprises and the plot twists become so predictable. It's never quit the same when you know the end ahead of time.
In light of that, I was just thinking about all the turns life takes. All the changes and decisions that we go through from the time we're born. If you stop and think, you come along way since you were born, you can eat different food, you wear different clothes, you have different friends, etc. I started to think about this as I was reading and typing an old writing journal from high school. I noticed how different my writing was then and how my attitudes had changed so much. What seemed so strong and profound then, seemed so hard and unwise to me now. You know always amazes me most though... He knew all along, God knew it all the whole time, everything that was going to happen, and He didn't rush the change.
God knew when I'd trust Him for salvation, and what it would take to get me to that place; He knew when I would surrender certain parts o f myself and let Him change me in that area. He knew when I'd and I grow out of some habits and what would change the way I see something. Knowing all this, He didn't rush me to any of those spots in life, but gently sovereignly guided me through and let change happen in it's own time.
Think of all the decisions we stress over in life ( things many times we can't change immediately anyway), did you know He knows the final outcome of them all. He knows how everything fits together, and how everything will turn out. But the great thing is (as some of you are no doubt thinking " I wish God would tell") God doesn't spoil the end for us He lets go through and grow through the process.
Well there is a lot that could be said on this one subject, but let me leave with this thought: how quick are you to rush someone by the process? Would you dare to take the risk of letting someone come through the learning process, rather than being quick to answer all their problems with solutions that rush them ahead in life? People need advice and counsel it's biblical, but just remember their story might not end like yours so don't be quick to give away the end.

God Is Mighty to Save

Sometimes I feel surrounded, like a giant stands on every side with a club in hand. I fight not be pummeled but my efforts only seem to bring them closer. It's easy to get so caught in the battle with these foes that I forget why I am traveling this road to begin with. I know there was a goal, a great driving purpose that once compelled me, if only I wasn't so busy fighting. Wait up ahead... is that a lamb I see...no not a lamb a lion! He's running this way, the great warrior king Himself , "Jesus rescue me" I can't help but shout. It seems with just a thought He drives back the giants and then we are left alone.

Alright dear reader, the point of that bit of metaphorical fun. Well I'm glad you asked! It's easy to get bogged down under any of the many pressures of life, so much so it can feel like every where we turn no matter what we do something is going on wrong or applying pressure to your life. These are the giants, and our attempts to handle these situations ourselves often only magnify the problem.
In the middle of all this fighting and struggling and surviving it's easy to loose sight of the real goal your pursue the real reason your living. In my life I want one thing above all else and one thing only: that is deeper relationship with Jesus. If your not a Christian that may not make sense to you and thats okay, as someone who has come away from depression, suicidal wishes, purposeless living, sickness, and a host of other things, I will gladly do my best to answer your questions. Just like life can hinder a relationship we have with another person, if we allow them these things can hinder our time and relationship with the Lord. But there is good news; my God is mighty to save!
He is a mighty warrior, The Lion of Judah. As well He is also a gentle and meek lamb, He doesn't wish to force Himself. Let me just leave you with this, if it's Him your pursuing be sure He wants you to catch Him. God will allow the things that press you to create an desire for Him in side of you; but when you sincerely come seeking Him with a whole heart He is able to deliver you, able to save you. My God is greater than the problems of life or the questions and cares of your heart, He is mighty to save, just trust Him.

In memory of the Lamb
J. Blakney