Everything Points To God

"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 4:15 

After receiving some really awesome news coming into the new year, I posted this status on Facebook. Check it out: *If you click it, the picture will expand*

God deserves all of the glory. James 1:17 states, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." This means if something good happens in your life, it is because God wanted it to happen. Also, we have to remember that God is in control of ALL things - so even in the seemingly bad things in life; God knows about it and has a plan for it. Never forget - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28

The thing that we must all remember is that we all go through things - good and "bad" - just to show people how good God is. Our entire purpose on this earth is to bring God glory, and when we make it to Heaven we will give Him glory and be in His glory for eternity. It is safe to think that your testimony is going to help others one day. There are plenty examples of this principle in The Bible, but there are two particular situations where we can see the importance of sharing our testimonies with others. BOTH INVOLVE JESUS! TURN UP! (Sorry I had to - but back to being serious...even though my excitement was serious.)

Example #1 - The Blind man and Jesus

"As Jesus was walking along, he saw a blind man who had been blind from birth. "Rabbi", his disciples asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?" "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one that sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9: 1-5 { click here to read the entire story }

I love how Jesus has all of the answers. The entire time this man was living he probably had the same question...like, "why did I have to be BORN blind though?" WHO WOULD'VE THOUGHT that the reason that he was born that way was to show everyone the power of GOD? Think about it, his entire life led up to that very moment where Jesus could heal him and show the world that God has power to heal the blind! Now people will forever read this story in The Bible and learn from his testimony! Think about your own life, and all that has happened... Did you ever think that your entire life could lead up to a moment where God can be glorified? Think about it. 

Example #2 - Lazarus and Jesus

"Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on The Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." When they heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." - John 11:1-7 { click here to read the entire story }

Ok, so let's first point out how Jesus KNEW from the moment that he heard the news what the outcome was going to be. He also knew that God would be glorified because of this. He even stayed two more days, so that when he got there, instead of just healing a sick man, he would RAISE A MAN FROM THE DEAD. Only God can do that, and He had to let the people know. Kind of like a "wow I believe now" moment for everyone. By the time Jesus got to the town, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jesus even states after saying "Father thank you for hearing me" in verse 42, "You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me."

Have you ever wondered, "What if what I'm going through is going to be used by God to bring Him Glory in front of others?" 

Our blessings and lessons all point back to God. That's why The Bible says acknowledge him in all ways. (Proverbs 3:6) You never know what God is doing in your life, and what He plans to use you for. However - do know this - God has a purpose for your life, and it's going to bring Him glory in  one way or another. It's not about us!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, if you haven't already made the decision to make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, I suggest that you make that decision today! 

"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9

After that -- join a good faith based Bible based church -- get baptized -- read The Word everyday! Pray everyday! Trust me, I did it. It's still and will forever be the best decision that I have ever made in life!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the faith. 

Let's figure it out together with God. livingoutvisions@gmail.com