Came across this from an old friend, and it encouraged me to no end. I know that the Lord is going to use him in so many ways. This wisdom was originally given to me at such a needed time in my life, and i was thankful to come across it again, in a time where so many things still seem uncertain.
unfortunately for mediocre people like myself, i had to read through his words multiple times to really grasp it entirely.
—->Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says - “Well, supposing I were in that condition …” We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in. Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, He packs our life with surprises all the time. When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our belief about Him. Jesus said, “Except ye become as little children.” Spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.
“Believe also in Me,” said Jesus, not - “Believe certain things about Me.” Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Remain loyal to Him.”
i don’t watch the x factor, but a woman who works with Iraqi refugees spoke in class today and mentioned it. i watched it out of curiosity, and of course, cried.
I had tried the get-me-out-of-this foxhole prayers too many times, and I knew they weren’t what God wanted to hear. He didn’t want that kind of relationship. This time, I wasn’t trying to make a deal with God. I was admitting my weakness and telling Him I was ready to live for Him and what is right. I wanted Him to do with me what He would, whether that meant recovery or death. I would go wherever He led me, whether to redemption or to an early grave. Either one would provide relief from this lingering hell. I was at his mercy.
— Josh Hamilton of Texas Rangers in Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back
But i believe if it could happen to me it could happen to anybody. I believe I am a good person who made bad choices. I believe I am the living testimony to the power of addiction.
— Josh Hamilton of Texas Rangers in Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back
it felt good to get away this weekend and go on a “camping” trip with the girls. oklahoma might not have anything but “car camping” and burn-bans right now, but we made the best of it, and topped it off with a spontaneous trip to the tulsa zoo on sunday.
if there is one thing good about living in this state, it’s having family close by.
Dear One, nothing is more appropriate than jumping up and down for joy over answered prayer. Sometimes we confuse humility with timidity. When God comes through for us, timid and tentative thanks is not only out of place; it’s anticlimactic. When I give my children something, nothing makes me happier than to see them react. I can’t imagine many things belling the heart of God more than enthusiastic thanks. Instead, often my the time the answer comes, our focus has shifted to the next desire, and we take tragically little time for rejoicing.
If we became intentional about noting every single answer to prayer, we’d be astonished by God’s attentive faithfulness. Beloved, He answers you affirmatively so much more than you probably realize.
