Monday, February 18, 2008

Identity - Knowing God 6

Can't wait til our Iris garden springs forth!
How would you describe your “tug at His pant leg” relationship with God that we referred to at the end of our last post? How’s your confidence level in saying, “Abba Papa, I have a need. Thank you that you are going to supply, your way, your timing.”
Sometimes God doesn’t come through in the way or the timing I had expected. That can produce some cynicism about prayer. How do you handle God’s seeming abandonment during times like that? I’ve had to learn that I can “tug at God’s pant legs” by petitioning Him, but trusting Him with the results. An example:

My daughter Gretchen and I were going through her proposed budget. She had just finished raising her support to become a staff member of Campus Crusade for Christ. Her living expense allotment was $750 per month and we were having a difficult time projecting how that amount would stretch – especially covering the categories of long distance phone and clothes.

The U-haul was packed and off we trekked from Birmingham, Alabama to Ann Arbor, Michigan for her ministry to the Wolverines. As Gretchen checked in with apartment management, she was told that a promotion was being staged. “Pick a duck,” she was told, it will have a slip of paper in it that will indicate a certain amount of free rent (at least one month) or have words written “pick another duck.’

A tub of water where about 75 plastic ducks floated, awaited Gretchen. Her first selection read “pick another duck.” And so did her next two and two more picked by her mother and a friend.
The sixth duck pronounced this message “one year free rent.” Incredible. Over $8300 for Gretchen and her two roommates.
God’s financial resources for Gretchen were not determined by her salary. He provided bountifully for her.

As we stated before: Scripture clearly personifies God as a loving Personality who dominates the Bible, walking among the trees of the garden and breathing fragrance over every scene. Always a living Person is present, speaking, pleading, loving, working, and manifesting Himself whenever and wherever His people have the receptivity necessary to receive His manifestation. Always wanting the best for us. Saying that He will work everything that happens to us for our good, the good of others and for His glory.
What a Source of security! Praise His name. More tomorrow.

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