Your Open Word e-Devotional for December 7th,

Published: Mon, 12/07/20

Hello ,

The great New England preacher Phillips Brooks was noted for his poise and quiet manner. At times, however, even he suffered moments of frustration and irritability. One day a friend saw him feverishly pacing the floor like a caged lion. "What's the trouble, Mr. brooks?" he asked.

"The trouble is that I'm in a hurry, but God isn't!"

Have you ever felt like that? It's a very human thing to think and feel this way; like God is taking his time when we're feeling frantic about something that seems so very important to us. At times like this it is important to remember that God is God, and we're not.

Does that sound callous? Perhaps, but when I think in those terms it gets me back on track, and puts my perspective into focus where it needs to be.

"Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure." Isaiah 46:10

God sees the end from the beginning. I don't. That very fact makes me shudder at the thought of how many times I have asked God to do things my way, when "my way" wasn't a very good idea at all.

If you've been struggling with something like this lately, this idea of allowing God to be God is even more of a challenge.

Keep your chin up.

God is still on His throne!

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word