The Hand of God

In the past few weeks, there have been a few things that have happened for a few of our family members that have been unexpected.  And, while they have been unexpected, they have become a blessing in each of their lives - and in turn become a blessing to their families and those around them.  As a matter of fact, it is very obvious with each of these situations that God's hand is at work in each of them....just a blessing from Him out of the blue!  What a wonderful thing to acknowledge!

But then I think of a few bad things.  Sad things.....scary things.  Sometimes in the hard things in life, it is really hard to see God's hand at work.  Sometimes it is hard to even want to see His hand in trials and struggles.  We just want it gone and out of our lives.  We want His deliverance and we want it NOW!  That's natural.  We don't like bad times for ourselves or for our loved ones.  None of us do.

So, as I think about family and friends experiencing blessings and other friends and family members experiencing trials, my thoughts return to the Hand of God in both of these extremes.  It is important to look, see, and acknowledge God's Hand in the good, but also to look, see, and hold onto God's Hand in the trials.  Stepping out in faith in His blessings is just as important as stepping into His arms in trials.  We must realize in both situations - that He is in control, and that He is our comforter, protector, and our loving Father.

Praise be to you, LORD,

the God of our father Israel,

from everlasting to everlasting.

11 Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, LORD, is the kingdom;

you are exalted as head over all.

12 Wealth and honor come from you;

you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power

to exalt and give strength to all.

13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,

and praise your glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:10a-13