Messages

There are some messages that just clearly seem to be from God.   No, He doesn't audibly speak to me directly, nor does He show up in front of me in a "burning bush".  But, he does sometimes send me a "note", like from a book or a Bible passage; or gets my attention through something someone says or through a sermon.

In the past few months, He's been telling me to work on the area of evangelism.  Just today, an email from STR shared some reminders when reaching out:
"One, respect people.
Two, begin at their beginning.
Three, don’t push.
Four, use questions.
Five, be clear."

He's also been making me more aware of those who are struggling with feelings of depression; and the devotional I'm using "In the Arms of God" by Dr James Dobson with quotes from "When God Doesn't Make Sense" give encouragement in this area.   There are reminders to submit to the sovereignty of God, that He "works for the good of them who love Him", and that "He is infinitely just and His timing is always perfect". 

One quote that particularly stood out:  "Jehovah didn't explain to Joseph what He was doing through years of heartache.... He was expected, like you and me, to live out each day in something less than complete understanding", especially since "Scripture tells us that we lack the capacity to grasp God's infinite mind or the way He intervenes in our lives."

We are not to be surprised by trials, and we would be less prone to fall into depression if we are expecting them.  Also, during refinement by fire, it is good to remember 2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."