II Corinthians 4:5-7
"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
August 18th
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13
In our second illustration we will suppose you set out to do something in your own interest. It could be the buying of a new car, or a suit of clothes. But whatsoever it is, HINDRANCE is in your way.... What has been said in the previous illustration, largely applies here also. Only, the thwarting could not possibly be to TEST and develop your faith in well doing – since it is in your own interest. Nevertheless, God IS AT THE HELM, and
* ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD * UNTO THOSE WHO love GOD! * (Rom. 8:28).
It is God's way of telling you one of several things: (1) that your idea is much in error and you had better desist, or (2) that your idea needs revamping, or (3) possibly the TIME is not yet. Carefully observe:
If the hindrance is of A PREVENTING nature (even though momentarily), you should consider it as God's way of telling you to DESIST! In this category is the motor which will not start (and you have no other means of conveyance). Or you find your purse empty or forgotten at home. While if the hindrance is of the DELAYING nature, such as a talkative friend delaying your departure substantially, you should construe it as THE TIME IS NOT YET. While a blocked street or road necessitating A DETOUR, or perhaps a friend urgently requesting you to first go off your course to do something for him, then construe such as being God's signal for you to CHANGE a portion of the plan.
The child of Abraham, who has severed all connection with the Babylonians in Ur, must realize that GOD IS ALWAYS AT THE HELM. IN WISDOM AND TENDER COMPASSION LEADING! Therefore can nothing "just happen." But rather, God is talking to you. Yet, since in the rush of casual and carnal living, your mind is too preoccupied with SELF to hear His Voice, it leaves Him no alternative but to speak to you in a more objective way. And when and IF you try a second time only to be again thwarted, you had better stop short and give serious reconsideration. KNOW FOR A CERTAINTY IT DIDN'T JUST HAPPEN!
Tabracana – Joy-wings to Power