Comforting Resolve!

When David had sinned in taking a census of the people -- apparently thinking of numbers rather than focusing on a dependence on God -- after acknowledging his sin he was given three choices of punishment. God sent Gad to have David choose between three years of famine, three months of fleeing from his enemies, or three days of pestilence in the land. Where did he see best to place himself? We read. . .

"(14) Then David said to Gad, 'I am in great distress. LET US FALL INTO THE HAND OF THE LORD, FOR HIS MERCY IS GREAT; but let me not fall into the hand of man.'" ( 2 Samuel 24:14 ESV)

Then God sent pestilence.

When Paul was going to Jerusalem and was warned what awaited him (i.e. Acts 20:22-23; 21:10-11), where did he rest his focus? We read. . .

"(24) But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I MAY FINISH MY COURSE AND THE MINISTRY THAT I RECEIVED FROM THE LORD JESUS, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." ( Acts 20:24 ESV)

And

"(13) Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I AM READY not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem FOR THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.'" ( Acts 21:13 ESV)

In view of Paul's resolve, where did the focus of his traveling companions and others then turn? We read. . .

"(14) And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, 'LET THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE.'" ( Acts 21:14 ESV)

How comfortable are we with all of that? Do we feel a sense of CALMING PEACE to have our life placed IN THE HANDS OF THE LORD? Do we find COMFORT AT THE HAND OF THE LORD'S DISCIPLINE, knowing He is more just and merciful than mankind often is in handing out punishment? Are we ACCEPTING OF WHATEVER MAY COME just as long as we can be involved in doing God's Will? Are we exhibiting in our life such a resolve that others could also be drawn into accepting THE WILL OF THE LORD TO BE DONE in our life? Can we say with a sense of a GREAT WEIGHT BEING LIFTED from our life, "Lord, I'M READY FOR WHATEVER YOU DECIDE."? If this is beginning to be more and more the resolve of our life then we have begun to develop the kind of trusting relationship both David and Paul had with God.

Remember James' exhortation. . .
"(15) Instead you ought to say, 'IF THE LORD WILLS, we will live and do this or that.'" ( James 4:15 ESV)

In the God of WHOSE HANDS we cannot be snatched ( John 10:29), may we find COMFORT and PEACE as we LET HIM WORK OUT HIS WILL in our life! There is truly no safer place to be!

Have a great day KNOWING WITH WHOM OUR LIFE IS TRULY SAFE!
Carl

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