What Are You Capable of Being with God's Help?

Life is full of surprises, some nice and fun, while others may test our capacity to survive. Vladimir Nabokov, the Russian novelist, saw life itself as a great surprise. “When you consider what each person is capable of  achieving, it is surprising to realize what can actually be accomplished.”

However, life is periodically interspersed with trouble and we’re aware suffering will come to visit us. When it occurs, we can be caught off guard and surprised. Some troubles are so disturbing they dislodge our emotional equilibrium and we need help to recover.

On the other hand, it’s possible to be so surprised by God’s goodness in our trouble that we become overwhelmed to be so fortunate. God designed us with amazing strength and ability to pull ourselves together, to reorient and refocus on what we can do with his help, insight, and guidance. 

Do you need God’s help today? Why not ask him for that help right now?     

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God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.

~2 Peter 3:9 The Message

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Reflections of Christ in You

A line from a popular song expressed this truth, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." We could add, people who have a forgiving attitude are the happiest people, for God has given them peace. Anyone who is forgiving has it within their heart and soul to practice the virtue of goodness.

The Talmud, a collection of rabbinical writings that date from the first century, lists seven virtues that minister before the Throne of God. These virtues are: Wisdom, Justice, Righteousness, Kindness, Compassion, Truth and Peace.  The implication is that those who practice these virtues do so with God’s highest approval.

It's important to remember that as one of these virtues is put into action, it reflects the character of all the others. Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:35 that “a good man brings out the good stored up in himself.” Keep in mind that if forgiveness is to play a major role in your relationships, it must reflect the goodness made possible by Christ Jesus in you.  

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Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see – how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.

~Psalm 34:8 The Message

For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us!

~2 Corinthians 5:21 The Living Bible

And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.

~Ephesians 3:17 The Living Bible