Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Orange Moon Tuesday, October 8, 2024 "No Uh-ohs"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…



"No Uh-ohs"



    What does tomorrow hold?  We do not know, but as the old hymn assures, "We know who holds tomorrow."


    "His understanding is infinite… Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world" (Psalm 147:5; Acts 15:18).


   We actually do not know what even this day holds.  We have expectations, most which may be fulfilled as anticipated.  However, we know nothing of the future, whether immediate or longterm, with absolute certainty.  Life surprises us with blessing, difficulty, and the mundane.  Thus, it behooves us to trust the One never taken aback, One who never expresses with amazement, "Well, I'll be!"


   Nor does our Heavenly Father ever say, "Uh-oh!"   I thought of this several days ago when a problem - soon solved, thankfully - arrived unexpectedly upon our doorstep.  I experienced the normal fleshly reaction of displeasure and puzzlement as to what we would need to do to deal with the unwanted visitor.  Thankfully, the truth we presently consider came to mind.  


    "Well, Father, I know that You know what will need to be done.  And if I could hear You audibly, I am sure I would hear no "Uhoh!"  


    This brought peace to my heart, although I still wondered and felt a bit of consternation regarding the actions necessary to solve the problem.  Again, we quickly realized what needed to be done, and the matter resolved.  As the Psalmist declared of such happy occasions, "This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles" (Psalm 34:6).


    Sometimes, of course, quick solutions, rescues, provisions, and protections do not immediately appear.  God did not remove the Apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh," despite Paul's earnest pleas (II Corinthians 12:7-9).  As with Job, of course, the "messenger of Satan" that buffeted Paul directly involved the Lord who had purpose in allowing the devil to challenge His son and servant.  God was not surprised by Paul's thorn, but rather administered grace along with the painful barb.  Thereby, the Apostle continued his life and ministry in humility, blessing multitudes by the light that would not have shined so brightly had the thorn been removed.  "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh" (II Corinthians 4:10-11).


    We live anticipated lives.  The God in whom born again believers have placed the well being of this life and forevermore sees every moment and matter of the future as if presently occurring.  He has known them "from everlasting." Moreover, He knows what to do about the moments and the matters, all of them.  No "Uhohs!" with God.  He knows Himself too well for that, and He knows how willing and able He is be and do everything we need regarding every contingency of our existence.  Yes, when the unexpected challenge arrives, we greet the visitor with, "He has been expecting you!"  And then we remember and affirm….


"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

(Isaiah 43:2)

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness."

(Psalm 41:10)


Memory Verse

   "We went through fire and through water, but Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place."

 (Psalm 66:12)


       

































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