bertha

I remember a particular trying time when my son was shot. It was 2:00 am in the morning, my youngest son awoke me to tell me that his brother had been shot in the face and I had to go to the hospital. It was shocking news, but I knew I had to remain calm for my children's sake. I prayed to God that if it was his will to take my son let it be so, but to please allow me to see him before he took him. Long story short, God spared my son, though he is blind from one eye, and has lots of pellets in his face that couldn't be removed. I look back and know for a fact that God was in control that night, for I had peace within me that surpassed anything I've ever experienced before. God was glorified in that my family, friends, coworkers, couldn't understand how I handled the situation without losing control of myself. I gave God all the credit. Told them it was all God. He gave me peace. He took over. To God the glory!

God's part, according to Peter is to guard and protect us through the power of His strength. He promises to never leave us or forsakes us. Our part is to believe in Him and rely on Him to see us through every circumstance even when things look bleak. We need to let go and let God. To have faith in His promises. To stand firm, without wavering, knowing God will come through even in the worst of situations. All we need is faith as small as a mustard seed, and God will do wonders with that.

Obedience is an expression of our gratitude in having been forgiven for our wrongs(sins). It's a way of wanting to right our wrong. It is a manifestation of true repentance. There's a complete about face if there's genuine repentance. When we believe in something, we are moved to proof that we believe in that something. It is automatic. I love my parents therefore I obey them. I want to please them. Make them happy. Make them proud. I know they love me and want the best for me. So I obey them. Same thing with God. I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, all my sins have been washed away. Jesus took my place on the cross, I believe in His redemptive work. I am grateful for my salvation! How can I ever repay Him for this, but by obeying His commands. The least I can do. For no works I perform can ever repay the full price required by God to redeem us. It is by grace, undeserved favor. It is by faith in God's provision, Jesus Christ!

They are more concerned with the worldly affairs than in serving God. Their time is consumed in work, accumulating riches, making a name for oneself, etc. There's no time for God. No time for prayer. No time to build a relationship with our Creator. God has been placed in the back burner.