Good morning,
It
seems strange to me, an old Chicago boy, that the end of February is
the time of year in central California when we are surrounded by mile
after mile of beautiful white almond blossoms. Within a week from now
the sleeping almond trees will be in full bloom and all the other forms
of plant life will begin peeking out of their winter hiding places. This
time of year reminds me of what Jesus was telling his followers who
were concerned about what would happen to them as they faced a very
uncertain future. The God who planned the blooming flowers and budding
trees was the same God who also has plans for each of us that would make
it possible for each of us to lead lives with meaning and usefulness.
Our Enemy does his best to flood our minds with fear and confusion to
keep us from remembering that God loves his creation, his creatures, his
human family and even his enemies. All the bad news is designed to get
us self focused and forget that God’s kids are always saved by their
Savior.
The fact that I have no idea how God is going to take
care of his own in a falling apart world does not reflect the reality of
God’s finished, detailed plan to meet the practical needs of day to day
living for each one of his kids. God’s plan to take care of his family
is true no matter where we live, how old we are, the kind of health we
have or the money we will need to meet our needs. It’s true that
almost everyone around us spends their lives worrying about what will
happen next and how they will be able to deal with the unexpected
surprises that seem to be a part of all our lives. Jesus is clear that
what he wants from us is to live our lives day by day thinking and
praying about how to know and obey his will. When we get focused on the
“what ifs” of life, we take on an impossible load that will keep us from
carrying out his plan for our lives. Our Savior isn’t lying to us when
he promises that if we keep his will as the central focus of our lives,
he will give us everything we need. Dear Lord, please help us to
really trust the promises you have made to us.
Luke 12:28
And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and
thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do
you have so little faith? 29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat
and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things
dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father
already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,
and he will give you everything you need.
Roy Wisner
