Never in Vain

Goodness it feels so long since I have posted my last blog. With everything going on I will admit keeping up with my blog has become secondary. Not just that, I like to write from conviction and though it seems that with the recent storms I would have a relevant message to tell, in truth it has a been a challenge to unpack common themes and lessons to live by. One thing for certain is the God is incredibly good and though we were displaced refugees, he still managed to bring about order to a sometimes chaotic situation. In the aftermath of the storm, I couldn't help but think that the inconvenience of having to drive miles to get gas and a cell phone signal were paradise conditions considering the recent natural disasters in Hati and Japan. Although the devastation was severe and many lost EVERYTHING, we didn't have the threat of nuclear contamination looming over our heads. Moreover, it caused families to reconnect and neighbors to lend a helping hand. Through the storm, God had a great purpose in mind.

Never does God allow for us to go through things in vain. It's like Paul says" All things work together for the Good of those who love the lord, and are called according to his great purpose" Romans 8:28. Yesterday I was talking with a co-worker on this very subject and remembered the story of how Abraham followed God's instructions to offer his only son, Isaac, as a living sacrifice. God told Abraham to offer his son, whom he loved very much ( SOUND FAMILIAR!) Just a little bit of backstory-- Abraham and Sarah had much difficulty conceiving and were of old age when Abraham was born. God promised them that they would have a son. What I love about this story is God's intervention and foreshadowing. Right at the moment when Abraham was fully prepared to offer this great sacrifice ( imagine waiting years to attain something and then to give it away) an angel of God stepped in and told him " Do not lay a hand on the boy"Genesis 22:12 . Abraham loved his son but obeyed God and tied Isaac to a piece of wood in the similar way Jesus was nailed to the wooden cross on Calvary. God offered Jesus his only son as a living sacrifice--defeating the power of death and offering eternal life to all who believe in Jesus name. What Abraham did was not in vain. Yet it was just a preview of what was yet to come. God gave us insight into this plan long before it came to fruition. I am truly amazed at God's love for his people. He makes promises and keeps them. He gives us foresight into the future and opportunities to recognize his great love. All things work together, even those things that seem counter to our plans. Nothing is ever in vain. God is the same today forever and always. To him I give all glory, honor, and praise.