July 17, 2021

Bob Maas
"In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:12-13

God’s way is to transform any negative situation into a positive one. All I have to do is surrender myself to Him and trust Him to guide me. When I do that, any feeling I have of being overwhelmed or confused is replaced with His peace and confidence that everything will work out for the good of everyone. I have no control to change what has happened in the past, nor do I have the ability and wisdom to know what will take place in the future. What I do know is that I can commune with Him in the present moment because He never leaves me nor forsakes me. Being with Him is always the most important thing, regardless of the circumstances. My evaluation of any situation is destined to eventually turn negative when I lean on my own understanding and forget to turn everything over to Him. My prayer is that the Lord will graciously help me stay focused on Him so that I continually maintain an attitude of surrender and contentment in every situation.