Be Ready to Receive

This past weekend, we were entertained by the winter storm known as Jonas. In our immediate area, we had -on average- about 18 inches of snow. It was somewhat of an interruption to our normal routine but when we compare this to what could have been, we have cause to be thankful. The weather that we have is governed by God and what he gives us he knows and approves of.

The snow falling was beautiful in so many ways and watching it fall led me to think of a passage in Isaiah 55:8-11. In that passage we read, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

God’s thoughts and ways are different from ours. I am thankful for that. I would hate to think that we are an equal to God but many look at God in that light and some people place God in a secondary position or just plain ignore him. God controls the weather just as he does everything else in his creation. I am often amused at the ways of man explaining the weather, climate or anything that comes to mind. God has been, is, and always will be in control. Understanding his ways or thoughts is not a subject to debate but to accept and appreciate. Just as the falling snow will be ultimately used for our good so does the word of God go out to never return as useless or of no effect. There is purpose in everything that comes into our lives but we may not see that while we complain or bemoan our circumstance just as we may complain or bemoan an inconvenience as the weather.

As you looked out the window at the snow or as you headed out to shovel, did you think to thank God for sending it? Do you read and study the Bible knowing that “it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” God’s word was sent for you and I. His words will accomplish what he pleases and that may be in conflict with our wishes but after all…he is God. God’s word will accomplish his goals and prosper those in a position to receive. Don’t just stand there looking; be ready to receive what God sends your way. Enjoy your coffee.

Love you all,
Pastor Gary