It's Not What I Thought

They said to Him, "Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory." "But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." Mark 10:37,40 (New American Standard Bible)

James and John made a request of Jesus that opened up an opportunity for learning. Jesus had just revealed His future suffering, death, and resurrection to them and their first response is to ask for prime seating in His kingdom. Jesus’ answer is a quick reminder that many things are left up to the decision of God the Father to make and He has no intention on usurping that position. Not only are the seating arrangements in Heaven prepared for specific people but so are arrangements here on earth.

There are certain things I would like to do that are not for me. They have not been chosen and ordained by God for me. I watch as others step into rolls and relationships that I desire for myself. The ache of disappointment and the sting of dissatisfaction reveal my own heart attitudes that need God’s redemptive touch. The enemy of my soul wastes no time in parading his lies across the foreground of my thinking. Not good enough, not favored enough, being punished, the list goes on and on. When it is all said and done God’s character, heart, sovereignty and wisdom are what come under attack.

He longs for me to trust Him and His plan for me. He stands ready to remind me that His plans and thoughts are better than my own. He has had His hand and eye on me from the moment of my conception and He knows the end of my story. But I keep squirming and straining. I keep thinking my plan would be better and that I would be happier if given the things I want. How foolish and how childish of me. I am limited in my perspective, my abilities, and my vantage point. I have the “here and now” view and God has eternity past, present, and future.

Each day I am invited to exchange my thoughts for His. To believe His intentions for me are good, honorable, and precious. To open my closed fists and reserved heart to the very reason for which He created me. To poise myself for His work and design in my life. I am not looked over, ignored, invisible, or forgotten by Him. I am loved and I am His.

Father, You keep showing me these truths with the purpose of changing my view of You and myself. Thank you that You continue to invest Your time and heart in my life. Help me to stop looking at the things You have not prepared for me and start embracing the things You have! Amen.

Your Name - Phillips, Craig, & Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=othYj8jWSwc&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.