'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. —2 Corinthians 12:8–9

Have you ever asked the Lord for something and received the answer, "Trust me"?  Lord, that is not the answer I was waiting for!  As children, we want what we want when we want it.  As grown-ups in the Christian life, we are learning to wait.  To trust.  To expect, but on HIS timetable.  Paul was an amazing brother.  He "gladly boasted" in his infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon him.  I wouldn't have used those words for my own experience.  He's a better man than I.  I am only now learning to "put up with" my infirmities (I am nowhere near the 'boasting' in infirmities that my brother, Paul is.) 

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word.
Just to rest upon His promise, just to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

Jesus, Jesus how I trust Him, how I've proved Him o'er and o'er.
Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus.  Oh for faith to trust Him more.

Oh Lord, help me to learn to trust you more.

Education is Expensive

Prov 15:31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.  We have been fighting a debt for 8 years.  We have disputed it in writing, we have called, we have paid anyway - just to resolve it, and still we wind up in court.  At least, we thought, we will be able to hear their validation of the debt before a judge... have a chance to defend ourselves.  But the law does not require from attorney-represented credit companies what it would require from us.  We are left owing thousands, and quite defenseless.          I have to remember that it is only money... that God owns ALL of the money in the world, and we have everything we need.  Even if they stole everything we own, God would provide what we need.  Maybe we should have hired an attorney.  (Although we are still paying the last attorney that stole from us).  Maybe that wouldn't have helped.  In the end, our hope is in the Lord ONLY.          Like my father, I am a bit of a wheeler-dealer.  I love business, and making money, and the DEAL.  I am learning, though, like Jacob in days of old, that I don't need to content with God... that the more I struggle against Him, the more out of joint I become.  My best efforts cannot impress my Father in heaven, unless they are humble, faithful, and submitted to Him.  My obedience and trust in Him, especially when things look bleak, garners his affection and his shield.  Prov. 18:30 - God is a shield to those who trust in Him.        So, all our vain struggle has taught us to pay up... there is plenty more where that came from.  I just need to hear His voice, follow His lead, and render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.          HE will supply.