The Will of God

January 1, 2010 by Rest Ministries

As we begin our new year it can be tempting to wonder if God really understands that our bodies cannot keep up with our dreams of all we’d like to do – for Him, ourselves, our family, those we care about.

But He does know exactly how you are feeling today. . . and how you will feel tomorrow. He knows you lack energy, even on days you may have enthusiasm and you feel like the day was wasted. Remember that God never wastes anything. Your time and your experiences are all a part of His greater plan.

The Will of God

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Everything happens for a purpose. We may not see the wisdom of it all now, but trust and believe in God that everything is for the best.

~Author unknown

Lisa Copen submitted this devotional. She is the founder of Rest Ministries and lives with rheumatoid arthritis.

The Fern And The Bamboo

The Fern And The Bamboo
"'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
Hebrews 13:5 NIV


One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality. ... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one
last talk with God.

'God', I said. 'Can you give me one good reason not to quit?'

His answer surprised me.

'Look around', He said. 'Do you see the fern and the bamboo?'

'Yes', I replied.

'When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of
them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the
earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the
bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again,
nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not
quit. The same in year four.

Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.
But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and
gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a
challenge it could not handle.

Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you
have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo.. I will
never quit on you.

Don't compare yourself to others.' He said. 'The bamboo had a different
purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.'

'Your time will come', God said to me. 'You will rise high'

'How high should I rise?' I asked.

'How high will the bamboo rise?' He asked in return.

'As high as it can?' I questioned.

'Yes.' He said, 'Give me glory by rising as high as you can.'

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will
never give up on you!

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are
essential to life.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The author of today's devotion is unknown. It was submitted by Kay DeCarlo, Devotion Coordinator for Rest Ministries. Kay lives with her husband Joe and two furry dog-type children, Daphne Mae and Alice in Connecticut. Kay struggles with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Bipolar Disoder and Type 2 Diabetes.

Courtesy of Chronic Illness Pain Devotionals from Rest Ministries.