Experiencing God’s Best

That is the title of today’s devotional in Pathways to His Presence, by Dr. Charles Stanley, but for me it has deep personal meaning. Every day we make decision about our lives, it is critical that we seek God’s guidance so that we can experience the very best He desires for us. Let me tell you a story about a fellow I know, I will not reveal his identity, but you can trust me when I tell you I’ve know him very well, and have known him for a long time.

Let’s call him Bob. Bob is a really nice guy, a friendly, caring guy. He has a family and he works hard to support them. One problem, Bob has been trying to do all of what has to be done in his own strength. Bob believes in God, he just hasn’t depended on him. As time passed Bob got bitter about a lot of things, his marriage was not going as well as he knew it should, he didn’t like his job, or the people he worked with. The stress of life was weighing heavily on him.

As it happens Bob had a close friend that could clearly see what was happening in Bob’s life. His friend really loved him, and wanted him to have all the joy and peace that God offers us all. Bob and his friend got into a conversation about how life was going and Bob poured out his frustration and anger about his life. Bob’s friend said the answer was simple, stop trusting in yourself and give it all to God. Bob wanted no part of it, (this is what is called a spiritual battle), Bob really resisted, but Bob’s friend loved him too much to give up on Bob. Finally Bob agreed to pray with his friend and his friend led him in a prayer of release, in the prayer Bob was led to pray that he was tired and weary and couldn’t go on fighting the battles of life. Bob told God he surrendered and wanted Him to take over and guide him. Bob felt better immediately, but the real miracle(s) started come within days. His marriage got a lot better, his relationship with his children greatly improved, he started liking the people he worked with and soon was offered a new and better job. When he and his wife had to put their house on the market it miraculously sold within a few days.

Most important of all Bob knows why things changed in his life and who to thank for all the peace and joy he is now experiencing, his Heavenly Father. Bob is a real person, and this is a true story.

What’s more exciting for you is that the same God that changed Bob’s life completely is waiting for you to ask Him to come into your life as well. Is there any possible reason why you wouldn’t let God do for you, what He has done for countless others?

the pilgrim

Psalm 138:8  (New Living Translation)

 8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
      for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
      Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

* Photo note: D3s, 28-300 AFS VR II. Top, Leafless branches as fall marches on on Kentucky. Just above, a splash of fall color, and old rusted doors.