Alike in Many Ways

Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual]. James 5:17-18 (Amplified Bible)

How easy it is to forget that those who are used of God to do incredible things are still human. They have their own set of weaknesses, areas to battle, issues to face, and hurdles to over come. How easy it is to think they aren’t like us…that they somehow are in a category all their own. To believe that pain doesn’t feel the same to them, that they never grow weary, warn, or weak. Yet Scripture is full of examples that show us how far from the truth that thinking really is.

I am thankful that God chose to include the humanness of people when Scripture was being written. Moses was a doubter, murderer, and given to anger. David was an adulterer and murderer. Jonah was a rebel on the run. Elijah was fearful and given to bouts of depression. Peter was a denier and boaster. Saul was a persecutor of Christians. Naomi was bitter. While many good qualities were seen in their lives and many things were accomplished through them, God knew we needed to see the whole picture. I am glad He did so!

There have been individuals in my life that seemed beyond the struggles. I mistakenly thought they walked in continual victory and their life was filled with only right decisions, good attitudes, and perfection. How easy it was to feel that if I could just be them I would be happier, more successful, and better off. The more I played the comparison game the more discontent and dissatisfied I became until the tears would fall and the thoughts would become clouded. What is interesting is that when this takes place I am mostly comparing my weaknesses with another person’s strengths!

Rather than allow such thinking to continue God wants me to change my focus. It is time to stop the comparison games and discover the similarities! I am God’s creation. I am His child. He has plans and purposes for my life. He is involved in my life. He is working all things out for good in my life. He is using unique circumstances, relationships, and challenges to develop my heart and character. He does not play favorites or have twins. What He allows me to do or not to do is not a sign of insignificance or unimportance but rather a display of His distinctive creativity for me. I am loved, wanted, and accepted just as much as any other child of His. May my mind grasp it, my heart embrace it, and my life demonstrate it fully!

Father, in the secret places of my heart where I stand most in doubt and turmoil, meet me! Amen.

I am a Friend of God - Phillips, Craig, and Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMnMN08sv4k

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you! Thank you for reading and sharing these daily devotionals!!!!