Devotional Time with God

One of the most difficult question that I’ve asked before is, why does evil exist?  If God is so powerful, why can’t he just get rid of evil?  Why are evil happening to good people?

Many have tried to answer that.  I recognized the common message:  God let evil happen in my life because He wants me to grow spiritually strong.

It’s a question of faith.  It’s easy to trust God when things go right.  But when it goes wrong, it’s very difficult to continue praising and relying on God.  I would always go back to that selfish mode where I was in charge of my life – where I thought I could solve my own problems. I’ll fail when I don’t put my faith in God.

God also let evil happen because it will show me where is God’s fairness:

But I say, love your enemies![s] Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

Matthew 5:44-45

Everyone will experience evil.  The difference is, who will buckle in the stress?  When I follow Christ, I learn to draw strength from God’s grace and promise.  I have to remember God is fair and just.  He will provide what I need, and will never test me beyond my abilities.

In the chaos of this world, I know there’s hope in heaven.  I’m keeping God’s promise and grace, that one day I’ll be with Him and evil doesn’t exist anymore in my life.

Which of the six characteristics of real servants offers the greatest challenge to me?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 264

The characteristics list is:

1. Availability
2. Attention to Needs
3. Do the best of their abilities
4. Equal dedication
5. Faithful to their ministries
6. Low profile

Currently my biggest challenge is making myself available. Perhaps I’m keeping myself too busy at work and home. Or perhaps I’m always waiting for an opportunity to arise. That’s actually my 2nd challenge, not being sensitive enough to figure out the needs of others. I’m always focused on the needs of someone higher up than me (and I don’t mean God). I should continue to look around and be aware of the needs of other believers, my peers, neighbours, and even strangers! The bible says in Galatians 3:10 (NIV):

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

As the need arises, I must take the opportunity to help. My struggle is when it’s inconvenient, it’s going to stop me from serving.  Saddleback Church is 21 miles from my house and $10 toll fees (both ways).  I’ve chosen this church because of its great leaders and wonderful teaching. Now I realize “sacrifices” has to be made to make myself available to serve. I know God will use me to serve Him and I will be available when He calls.

Lord, please give me the ears to listen to your calling, and the heart to serve you with all of my mind and strength. Amen.

How can I make the best use of what God has given me?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 256

It’s time to take inventory of my abilities:

The harder I think about this list, the more I realize that I have more unabilities. One way to find out is to ask the people that know me, and see if my self-assessment is accurate or not. With what I have, I will give it to God for use. I will avoid comparisons, resist exaggerations, and seek only God’s recommendation (p. 254). The bible said in 2 Corinthians 10:12 (Msg):

We’re not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they’re our superiors. We wouldn’t dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.

I must keep my focus on God and serve Him with the best of my abilities. That is my purpose in this life.

What God-given ability or personal experience can I offer my church?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 248

My abilities and experience are combined: I’m good with computers. My vocation is in web site servers maintenance and troubleshooting. I can probably help the church with their web site if the need ever arises. I have put my name down as a potential candidate. I am certain if God wants me to do this ministry, I will be called. My personality is an introvert, so I don’t usually pursue anything with overflowing enthusiasm. I can be interested and reserved at the same time. This is why I’m waiting for God to call me and use me for whatever purpose He may have for me.

Verse to remember 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

What area of my life am I holding back from God?

The Purpose Drive Life, p. 84

I like to plan my life. I don’t like surprises. Being prepared and having the ability to anticipate what’s going to happen next is what I considered my best ability. But, even with so much planning and preparation, I’m still not a perfect person. I can’t expect things to happen my way all the time. I will make mistakes. If there’s one glaring thing that I’ve been holding back, it’s my pride — my own sense of accomplishment. For what I’ve accomplished, I have to dedicate it to God, not for myself. My abilities are God given talents, so it is only right that I use them for His glory. This is what I have to remind myself, over and over. I must surrender to God for he hates the pride in me:

To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Proverbs 8:13 (NIV)