Journal Entry ~ 10/29/18

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. - John 2:11

We have such a tendency to judge God harshly for not answering our prayers, for not making our miracle happen, yet we don’t do all He has asked us to do. We don’t get to grieve at the disappointment of God not responding when we haven’t done our part. 

While we wait for our miracle to happen, we need to be sure we’re abiding in His Word. God knows we need a miracle. In fact, He has allowed the specific situation into our lives to bring us to this very place because He wants you us to 
“Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Not 95%, but 100%. Use this opportunity to search your heart for where you have fallen short of that command. 

He also wants us to “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” We’re not only commanded to love others, but we are to be as eager for things to go well for otheras you are for things to go well for you. That command goes for the people who are easy to love and those who are difficult. If we are falling short of this command, then perhaps this is why our miracle isn’t happening

“Do all things without grumbling. No grumbling”—inside or outside. This one can be so challenging in a world that encourages and supports grumbling. Complaining seems to be the new status quo.  I can find myself complaining when I’m not even all that upset if I’m sitting in the presence of grumblers. He calls us to be a sweet aroma in a world full of complainers. Grumbling comes from an attitude of discontent. Replace it with an attitude of contentment for where God has you, and watch your grumbling decrease. If we’re not seeing the miracles happen in our lives, perhaps it’s because of our attitude. 

What about fears?  Do they rule your mind?  God calls us to “Cast all your anxieties on Him” and commands us “Do not be anxious” yet in this world, Christians are plagued by fears in the same magnitude as non-believers.  Let go of all your fears, and let God demonstrate His majesty and His sovereignty in your current trial, and just watch the miracles begin to happen. We have such a tendency to go about our lives, then add God to the mix when it gets tough. HE must be our foundation. HE must be the place we start, not the place we run to when things get tough. If He’s not, and fears are consuming us, the miracles aren’t going to happen. 

How about the fact that we are only to say things that give grace to others—especially those closest to us?  Would the people who do daily life with you consider you to be the most loving person that they know?  What about the customer service rep who is frustrating you?  Are your words giving grace to those around you? If we’re not receiving our miracle, perhaps we need to look closer at the words coming out of our mouths. 

This is just a short list - there are so many places we fall short of God’s expectation and commands. While it can be defeating to spend time meditating on where you fall short, that’s not Gods intention. He doesn’t expect you to be perfect - He knows that’s not possible. But what He does expect is for you to be humble and admit your sin. You can’t truly repent of your sin until you fall on your knees in humble acceptance of your shortcomings. When we do, God is abundant in His blessings on our lives. We need to do the hard work in our hearts if we want God to come through with those miracles. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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