All Your Disappointments Are Ultimately Christ's Doing

This is my doing (1 Kings 12:24)

The disappointments of life are simply the hidden appointments of love. C.A. Fox

My child, I have a message for you today. Let me whisper it in your ear so any storm clouds that may arise will shine with glory, and the rough places you may have to walk will be made smooth. It is only four words, but let them sink into your inner being, and use them as a pillow to rest your weary head. "This is my doing."

Have you ever realized that whatever concerns you concerns Me too? "For whoever touches you touches the apple of mine eye" (Zech. 2:8). "You are precious and honored in my sight" (Isa. 43:4). Therefore it is My special delight to teach you.

I want you to learn when temptations attack you, and the enemy comes in "like a pent-up flood" (Isa. 59:19), that "this is my doing" and that your weakness needs My strength, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, never ask your opinion, and always push you aside? "This is my doing." I am the God of circumstances. You did not come to this place by accident - you are exactly where I meant for you to be.

Have you not asked Me to make you humble? Then see that I have placed you in the perfect school where this lesson is taught. Your circumstances and the people around you are only being used to accomplish My will.

Are you having problems with money, find it it hard to make ends meet? "This is my doing," for I am the One Who keeps your finances, and I want you to learn to depend upon Me. My supply is limitless and I "will meet all your needs" (Phil. 4:19). I want you to prove My promises so no one may say, "You did not trust in the Lord your God" (Deut. 1:32).

Are you experiencing a time of sorrow? "This is my doing." I am "a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" (Isa. 53:3). I have allowed your earthly comforters to fail you, so that by turning to Me you may receive "eternal encouragement and good hope" (2 Thess. 2:16).

Have you longed to do some great work for Me but instead have been set aside on a bed of sickness and pain? "This is my doing." You were so busy I could not get your attention, and I wanted to teach you some of My deepest truths. "They also serve who only stand and wait." In fact, some of My greatest workers are those physically unable to serve, but who have learned to wield the powerful weapon of prayer.

Today I place a cup of holy oil in your hands. Use it freely, My child. Anoint with it every new circumstance, every word that hurts you, every interruption that makes you impatient, and every weakness you have. The pain will leave as you learn to see Me in all things.

(Written by Laura A. Barter Snow; found in L. B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996), 43, February 1st reading)

May Christ Break All Our Idols!

Samuel Rutherford wrote:

I am most gladly content that Christ breaketh all my idols in pieces: it hath put a new edge upon my blunted love to Christ. I see He is jealous of my love, and will have all to Himself.

(Letter to John Stewart)

The Sure Mercies Of David

Speaking about the sure mercies of David from Acts 13:34, Charles Spurgeon said:

In the matter of our salvation, “the sure mercies of David” mean that God has laid hold upon His Son, Jesus Christ. You cannot help yourself, but Christ can help you; you cannot cleanse yourself, but Christ can cleanse you; you cannot save yourself, but Christ can save you. Dear heart, whatever be thy lack, there is no lack in Christ; whatever be thy need, Christ has exactly that which can meet thy case. Young man, thou sayest, “I have nothing,” and I meet thee with this, Christ has everything. Thou sayest, old man, “What can I do? “And I meet thee with this, What cannot Christ do? If thou art nothing, Christ is everything. If thou art everything that is evil, Christ is everything that is good. If thou hast weakness, mourn it; but trust Christ, and he shall be thy strength. If thou hast sorrow, thou canst not shake it off; but go to Jesus, and he shall be thy song. All that thou wantest is in Christ. This, then, is the first sure mercy of David, that help is laid on Christ.