Devotions

 

         Step by Step

He does not lead me year by year.

Not even day by day:

But step by step, my path unfolds

My Lord directs my way.

Tomorrow’s plans I do not know,

I only know this minute,

But He will say, “This is the way,

By faith, now walk ye in it.”

And I am glad that it is so,

Today’s enough to bear

And when tomorrow comes,

His grace shall exceed its cares.

Why need I worry so, or fret?

The God who gave His Son

Holds my moments in His hand

And gives them one by one.

                       Lucille Sweet


Is it Possible?

 

He was a simple farmer.  His income provided nicely, and he took pride in his large family.  He was generous to so many, and in so many ways.  I learned many lessons from him, and will always appreciate the gift of his friendship, his hospitality, and his humor. 

 

During our time together, he and his wife had our family to their home for dinner, over for dessert, to their cottage at the lake, and made sure we made use of that wonderful place on our own more than once.  They included our daughter in their family outings as if she were one of their own grandchildren. 

 

At the center of his heart was a deep desire to follow the Lord.  He desired more than to just be in church on Sunday’s, he wanted to know God intimately.  He participated in Bible Studies, both those at church, and others he found, so as to grow deeper in his faith and relationship with God. 

 During our time together, I learned a great deal from him, probably more than he realized.  He lived before me the attitude of being a cheerful giver, the attitude of concern and service, the attitude of deep devotion.  Of all the lessons he taught me, the one that comes to mind again and again is this:  “God does not have a withered hand.” 

I was his pastor, and he was my teacher.  The possibility of moving into a new ministry which would push the limits of the church finances made me nervous.  As I talked it over with him, I learned he wasn’t concerned in the least, for he knew the provision of the Lord.  He had tested God’s ability to provide for his family, tested God’s ability to keep the farm going in the lean years, tested God’s ability to give abundantly more than we could ask or imagine.

 I came to see how my attitude was limiting.  I was limiting God, and in doing so, I was limiting how others could come to know his abundance.  Since then, I have strived not to limit what God can do.  When people come to me asking, “Is it possible.” I hear his words reminding me, “God does not have a withered hand.” 

Genesis 22:8 

Grace and Peace,                                               

 Pastor Don