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Today's Reflection

 "Man's eye is not single, he has ever a side glance towards his own honour, has too high an estimate of his own powers, and so is not qualified to behold the glory of the Lord. It is clear, then, that self must stand out of the way, that there may be room for God to be exalted; and this is the reason why He bringeth His people ofttimes into straits and difficulties, that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when He comes forth to work their deliverance."--Spurgeon

How true it is that we are so prideful that we put ourselves on an equal playing field with the God who created the heavens and the earth. We think we have the power to do so much. Yet we can do so little. Looking back I can see the hand of God moving in such GREAT and majestic ways. 

Last night I read my prayer journal from 2004. This was a really tough time in my life as a young adult, and I was brought so close to God during this time. My family had moved a 3 days journey away from me. I felt I had to break up with my boyfriend at the time, and cling to Jesus. I was considering a move across the continent to be closer to family. In my prayer journal, my prayers are all about calling out to God to make me long for Him and His word. My prayers were for comfort and direction. And all of the scriptures that I read and wrote down from my normal bible readings were filled with the answers to my prayers. In the moment I couldn't see how God was encouraging me, and literally speaking to me through His word, but looking back I see just how amazingly close he was.

"They who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know but little of the God of tempests; but they who "do business in great waters," these see His "wonders in the deep." Among the huge Atlantic-waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man. Thank God, then, if you have been led by a rough road: it is this which has given you your experience of God's greatness and lovingkindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means: your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as He did His servant Moses, that you might behold His glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of His glory in His wonderful dealings with you."--Spurgeon

Throughout life I have oft been tossed in the great waters of the tempest. Tossed to-and-fro by the waves of Satan trying to destroy my family's life when my dad was in ministry. 11 schools in 13 years. Ten cross country moves to restart life all over again by the time I was 15. But through the storm we were protected. All six of us kept for Him. Held safe by the saviors hand. Kept for His glory to live to tell the story of His awesome goodness and greatness. 

Tossed to-and-fro by Satan's attacks of anxiety, and health concerns. But KEPT SAFE by the Restorers hand of healing and mercy. 

My Jesus has the power to keep His children safe in the palm of His hand. He who spoke and mountains were formed, who spoke and with His words the galaxies and milky way and stars and black holes and suns were created, who breathed and gave life to man. This God. He is my God, and He strengthens me. He upholds me. He keeps me safe. And not a hair can fall from my head apart from His will.

I praise you Jehovah. My God. My rock. You are good, and in You there is no darkness at all. Thank you for showing me your wonders. In you I continually trust.

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