I was struggling with a difficult spiritual issue, one that directly impacted my personal and professional life. All of the time I spent wrestling and praying about the problem were important but when the event finally occurred, it happened in a way that I did not expect. In fact, it did not make sense and I was disappointed at first since it appeared to be a bad outcome. However, after prayerful reflection, I was at peace. In fact, as I reflected upon the events of the last few days, God’s Word came to mind. It was a peace that was not dependent upon what I thought should happen or events that I attempted to manipulate God for the outcome. I remembered God’s promise that He would give me a peace that surpassed all understanding.
When I awakened the next morning, I smiled and thanked God for the reminder of His Word and promise. That same morning, as I was having my daily devotional, the same Bible verse appeared.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Goosebumps ran up my arms. Confirmation!
I am sure many Christian believers have encountered a similar situation. Many times in my life, God has provided the proper Bible verse to comfort and guide me during difficult decisions and then confirm the verse in a most unexpected manner. There are no coincidences with God. While God may work through such a revelation, there is always a danger to take random occurrences or worse, force God to make a decision for our life. We have all heard of someone asking God to give them an answer to their problem, then randomly opening a Bible, pointing a finger at a verse on the page, and deciding that is God’s direction for their life. Only God knows whether the verse is truly the one that He has reserved for that person at that particular moment. God can speak and guide us in many ways but we should not expect God to be a cosmic bellhop who will immediately answer our demands on our time schedule.
In this instance, God gave me great peace with an unexpected outcome. I pray that all who are seeking God’s confirmation in their life will be met with the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
Amen.
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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