Blame God – Fear God
Today marks the year anniversary of my hospitalization with West Nile Virus. It has been quite a journey indeed and one that continues to unfold. Our friend Cyndy Luzinski brought by some cupcakes made by daughters Anna and Sarah to mark this special day. Also, we received a beautiful flower arrangement from our daughter Stephanie. It was good to receive calls from both Christian and Stephanie as they have more vivid memories of these early hospital days than I do.
Today is certainly a day to be thankful to Debbie and our children for being by my side, advocating for my care and facilitating updates on CaringBridge for family and friends. I am here today gaining strength as a result of not just good medical care but as an answer to prayer. This last weekend we ran into our friends Tom and Linda Scheffel. They expressed how consistently they have prayed for me, especially Linda who Tom described as “our prayer warrior.” We were also delighted to hear that their son, Tom is connected to the Genesis Project here in Fort Collins that is a ministry of Timberline Church were we attend.
I want to express my deep gratitude for ALL those who have been so helpful this past year. Those who have prayed, encouraged, sent cards, donated, visited and followed my progress. The journey continues, but the finish line is in sight!
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord…..The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” Proverbs 19:3, 23
From time to time I am reminded how insightful scripture is to the character of people and I am reminded how little people have changed over the course of time. In my life interacting with people I don’t know how many times some one expresses anger, resentment or disillusionment with God over some thing that they were responsible for. They have the attitude “if I am not suppose to do this God will stop me.” These are not individuals who necessarily even claim to be people of faith.
So this morning when I read Proverbs 19:3 I found myself saying, “people have always been the same.” Their own actions get them in trouble but it is God’s fault. “God let me down….where was God?”
Later in Proverbs 19 we read how an individual can have confidence before the God. The key is the “fear of the Lord.” That means allowing our life to be directed by the Lord, staying close to Him, loving what He loves, hating what He hates. That is where we find life, rest and safety.
Don’t “pass the buck” – don’t blame God when your own actions lead to harm. Instead look to Him for wisdom, commit your life to Him and you will find He is there to guide, protect and rescue you from all harm. Journey with the Lord through all of life not just in times of need or desperation.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.” Amen. 2 Peter 3:18