Saturday, January 26, 2013

God intervenes

How does God intervene in our lives? When we think of intervention we usually think of somethng dramatic, sudden and forceful. But God's intervention is sometimes gentle and gradual. Is 42:3 says "a bruised reed he will not break". We cannot always bear sudden and forceful interventions because it would be too much for either our minds or our character. We often do better with something new growing slowly, gradually taking root in our lives. Jesus said the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed or like leaven. That is God's grace giving us what we can handle.

As I look back and consider what I am thankful for, I'm realizing that I may overlook ways that God has intervened that have unfolded slowly. In fact, I may have previously thought that I deserved the credit for these things because of my perseverance. Some of these things have happened so gently and gradually that I have just grew accustomed to them without realizing that it was God's work. I am now realizing that the credit goes to God, that it was his grace and his presence all along.

...it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:9