I Ain't All That! Are you?

Have you ever run across that person that thinks they are all that and more? Have you ever wondered if other people say that same thing about you at times? More importantly do you think God ever thinks about you like that? For me there are days when I act as though the world, including other people, the weather, circumstances, and any other animate or inanimate object I can think of, should do exactly as I wish! I mean really, the drive to work, my day, my relationships, etc. would all go much smoother if I was in control. Right!?

Consider this: In Jeremiah chapter 12, Jermiah mounts his complaint to God and after God listens He says "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?" (vs 5). God continues with several other similar statements to simply remind Jeremiah that he ain't all that! Later in Jeremiah 50:44, God, while declaring judgement on the Babylonians, says "Who is like me and who can challenge me?" Again, a simple reminder that we are not as big and bad as we sometimes act. This includes those more subtle times as I roll my eyes when people don't act like I think they should or when I get irritated with God because life doesn't seem to be cooperating with me. Interestingly, verse 45 starts out with "therefore" indicating that since we are not in control and God certainly IS all that and much more, "hear what the Lord has planned...what he has purposed...". Now, this is talking about His plans of judgement for the Babylonians but the principle remains the same for us today. Because God knows best - hear - He has a purpose. Regardless of our ability to see the purpose (remember we get tired quickly), God has an ultimate plan and ultimately the plan is in our best interest if we follow him.

So, remember today that you ain't all that BUT HE IS!

Contemplations on a Hymn (Part 4)

It's interesting to me that the writer took us down the road of both lostness and blindness. Being lost is one thing but it is possilble to be found (no longer lost) but still blind. Unfortunately, I think many new Christians are just this way. Once we're found, God also gives us a new way of looking at our world. See, He works to restore us to the way He originally created us. Many though don't listen as so they never really grow to SEE as God does. We continue in our old ways, don't rely on the Holy Spirit - we live blind. God not only wants us to be found and return to Him, but He also wants us to see the world with His eyes and as a result learn to love ourselves and others as He does.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.

Lord, help me to see as you do. Help me to not be blind anymore!