POWER AND MIGHT
Today's reading:  Job 9-10

"If he commands it, the sun won't rise and the stars won't shine."  Job 9:7 NLT

My mind is boggled this morning by the immensity of this verse.

I knew it.  But had I ever fully grasped it--and have I ever lived my life according to its truth?

Do you remember singing the song, 'My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do!'

It's just like that:  knowing the words, having the melody in your heart--but not singing it to the tops of our voices.

God's power is beyond my comprehension, but not beyond my accessibility.

God's power is for me, not against me.

God's power is invigorating and encouraging, not something I should be afraid of or wary of calling on!

What will you do with God's power today?  

RESCUED
Today's reading:  Psalm 12-14

"But I trust in your unfailing love, I will rejoice because you have rescued me."  Psalm 13:5 NLT

The storm is still raging--but You have rescued me.

The circumstance has not evaporated--but You have rescue me.

The fears have not disappeared--but You have rescued me.

The situation is no less fearful than before--but You have rescued me.

I must keep in mind that Your rescue has saved me from far more than this world threatens me with on a daily basis.

I am rescued from death.

I am rescued from hell.

I am rescued from eternity without You.

I have been rescued, even if what's going on around me is unaware of it!

HANG ON TO YOUR PROMISE
Today's reading:  Joshua 21-24

"So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they conquered it and settled there.  And the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors.  None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies.  All of the good promises that the Lord had given Israel came true."  Joshua 21:43-45 NLT

I know you're thinking about giving up.

Don't.

I know it's been tough and you'd like to throw in the towel.

Don't.

I know you've fought, kicked and scratched your way through all the trials scarring your body and your heart and are worn out and ready to stop.

Don't.

God's promises come true.

Sometimes after 40 years, just ask the Israelites.  Sometimes after fierce battles, just ask the Israelites.  Sometimes after you're placed between a rock and a hard place, or a hard place and an even harder place, just ask the Israelites.  Sometimes after marching, shouting, praising and waiting, just ask the Israelites.

All of God's promises will come true--you'll stay in there till you see them, won't you?  You'll hang on a little longer, won't you?  Fight another day?  Re-up for battle?  Believe for one more victory?

Man's faith may fail him sometimes, but God's faithfulness never fails him.  William Greenhill  

STOP LAUGHING
Today's reading:  Genesis 16-19

"And since Abraham and Sarah were both very old, and Sarah was long past the age of having children, she laughed silently to herself.  How could a worn out woman like me have a baby? she thought, And when my master-my husband-is also so old?"  Genesis 18:11-12 NLT

Are you laughing silently to your self about some of the promises God has made to you?

Are you chuckling nervously about a few things He has told you would come to pass--and for the life of you, you can't see happening?

Are you giggling like a school girl knowing the mess you're in is apparently a lot bigger than God is allowing for?

Stop laughing.

God's at work.  He's fully aware.  He's capable and He's made the promises to you--He will follow through!

TELL THEM ANYWAY
Today's reading:  Romans 9-10

"But not everyone welcomes the Good News..."  Romans 10:16 NLT

You knew that, didn't you.

You've met a few of them.

You've been shunned, ignored and given the slip by a few of them.

The thing is--it's your job, privilege, charge, challenge or purpose, to tell them anyway!

Oh, do it in a nice way.  Use your manners.  Do not be offensive or abrasive.  But tell them.

Where would you be if someone hadn't told you?

EXPECT TROUBLE
Today's reading:  Matthew 8-10

"Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves..."  Matthew 10:16 NLT

Written in red is what we need to expect.

It doesn't beat around the bush.

It doesn't require an interpreter.

There's no dissecting the sentence to get Jesus' true meaning.

We're going to have trouble.

It's what will make heaven so grand, His reward so worth while and our faith as strong as He wants it to be.

Expect trouble--and expect the blessing that He'll give at the end!

LEADING THE CONVERSATION
Today's reading:  Isaiah 18-22

All day long I hear Satan yammering in my ear.

He reminds me of every sin I've committed.  He proceeds to point out every flaw in character I possess.  He consistently distracts me from what I know with what he'd like me to believe.

His words are sometimes soft and convincing.  At times he yells, pushing my buttons and causing an unlovely reaction.

He likes to commandeer the conversation. 

Not any more!

I'm telling him just what Isaiah told his enemies...

"I see an awesome vision; I see you plundered and destroyed..."  Isaiah 21:1 NLT

I'm going to win.  Not based on any of my strengths, strategies or skills but by the grace of my Savior and Friend--Jesus Christ.

Satan has lost and I believe it's high time I begin to break the news to him or remind him of that simple but, oh so, relevant fact. 

It's my turn to speak, so sit down and listen you lying fallen angel!

ME?
Today's reading:  Job 7-8

"What are mere mortals that you should make so much of us?"  Job 7:17 NLT

Lord,

You're putting a lot of time, effort and sacrifice into my life.  Am I worth any of it?

You've bent over backwards, gave all You held dear and fashioned me after Yourself.  Don't You regret it some days?

You've watched as I've squandered Your provisions, exasperated Your patience and ignored Your direction.  Are You as sick and tired of me as I am?

You've spoken clearly.  You've spoken loudly.  You've spoken through Your Word and through Your people.  Are You thinking I have a hearing difficulty?  A handicap?  A learning disability?

You've given me grace abundantly.  You've lavished me with Your love.  You've given Your Only Son for my sins.  Who am I that You would go to such great lengths?

You're preparing me a mansion.  You're promising me no pain and no tears.  You're offering me opportunity after opportunity to follow Your will.  Are You sure I'm worth all that?

Me, Lord?  Why in the world would You have chosen me?

I SHALL NOT BE MOVED
Today's reading:  Psalm 9-11

"But the Lord is in his holy Temple, the Lord still rules from heaven..."  Psalm 11:4 NLT

I'm needing to be reminded of the truth that God STILL rules. 

He is STILL in control.

He STILL loves me.

His plans for me STILL include a hope, promise and good.

'Your Hands' by JJ Heller

I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave You when...

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands

MY ALLOTMENT
Today's reading:  Joshua 16-20

Today's Scripture reading has me looking into the allotment of land to the Israelites upon entering Canaan.

Specific territories were assigned each tribe.  Particular places.  Set boundaries.

I'm not sure what King James called these assignments, but for me, for today, for this season I am in--allotments is the right word for me to get into my head and heart.

What is an allotment?  I thought I knew the first grader definition, but am I ever glad I looked a little deeper.

An allotment is 'a plot of land let to an individual for cultivation'.

When I think the word 'let' means, in the simplest of terms, loaned--I realize that where I am has been specifically placed into my hands for a purpose.

When I ponder the word cultivation, I quickly realize that a little elbow grease will be required!

Where I am, when I am there, is by God's design.  God's choosing. 

When I stop groaning and moaning about what others have and what I lack, things can get done.  I have it in my power to turn the three square feet of land I'm standing on into a mission field.

If you think about it, most rose gardens start out as manure piles! 

HIS PLANS
Today's reading:  Genesis 12-15

"You have given me no children, so one of my servants will have to be my heir.  Then the Lord said to him, No, your servants will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own to inherit everything I am giving you."  Genesis 15:3-4 NLT

Abraham offered God a way out.  A 'Plan B', of sorts.  A reasonable and sensible solution.

But God didn't need it.

His plans were bigger, grander and more elaborate than anything Abraham could have dreamed up.

God's plans are bigger than anything you or I have in our arsenal of imagination, too.

It's time we, and am I ever including myself in this, start taking with both hands what He's offering and toss our notebook full of ideas we've been accumulating to help Him out!

FRUSTRATION
Today's reading:  Romans 7-8

"I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it.  Instead, I do the very thing I hate."  Romans 7:15 NLT

Apparently, Paul knew just what it was like to be me!  He, and I'm not sure how he did it, has put into words just what a 'day in the life of Malinda' looks like.

How frustrating.  How disappointing.  How sad.

My actions leave me scratching my head in disbelief at times.

My words exit my mouth with such a ferocious aim that I am often taken aback.

My lack of self-control disgusts me.

Paul knew and God knew, so they continued with pen and paper...

"...If God be for us, who can be against us?.."  Romans 8:31 NLT

A ray of sunshine on a dreary day.  A glimmer of hope for a downtrodden heart.  A cheer to push me through my losing streak.

God is for me.  His power works best in my weaknesses--and boy, oh boy, do I ever give Him plenty to work with.

I'll continue.  I'll press on. I'll trust Him to finish the work He has started in me, because let's be honest, it's got to be better than what I'm currently working with!

TWO MASTERS
Today's reading:  Matthew 5-7

"No one can serve two masters.  For you will hate one and love the other, or so devoted to one and despise the others.  You cannot serve both God and money."  Matthew 6:24 NLT

I'm chewing on this one.

It cuts to the heart--regardless of how well you 'think' you have a handle on this Christian thing.

Masters determine what we do.

Where we spend our money--or don't.

What we say--or don't.

Where we go--or don't.

The decisions we make--or allow someone else to make for us.

The commitments we follow through on--or disregard.

Masters determine our lives.

I'm asking myself if God is truly my Master--and what facts about my life would determine that He is. 

IN THAT WONDERFUL DAY
Today's reading:  Isaiah 12-17

"In that wonderful day when the Lord gives his people rest from sorrow and fear, from slavery and chains, you will..."  Isaiah 14:3 NLT

The verse goes on to talk about Israel coming back from destruction and taunting the once powerful king of Babylon, but that's not where my heart was stopped.

I ended the verse at, 'you will...' 

Just what is it you will do when that wonderful day of rest comes?

The day the naps are no longer needed and fear no longer annoys?

When our hearts are no longer held as collateral for our allegiance or chains bind us?

Our final rest won't happen until we enter heaven, but today's a wonderful day, too.  Our Savior has died on the cross for our sins and has released us from slavery to our old selves.  Today is the day our God reigns.

What will you do with it?

HIM TOUCHING US
Today's reading:  Job 5-6

"But consider the joy of those corrected by God!  Do not despise the chastening of the Almighty when you sin.  For though he wounds, he also bandages.  He strikes, but his hands also heal.  He will rescue you again and again and again so tat no evil can touch you."  Job 5:17-19 NLT

If we're careful to notice, the fingerprints of God are abundant in our lives.  Like the bottom three feet of glass on the front door of a home where toddlers live.

He loves us enough to care for and protect us.  He also loves us enough to discipline us when our hearts lead us astray. 

He strikes down our plans replacing them with grander and more glorious displays of purposefulness in our lives. 

He takes and yet what He gives far outweighs anything we could ever miss or hope to replace.

He does not tire of delivering us from the lairs of sin.  He repeatedly comes to our rescue.

I am overwhelmed thinking about how God chooses to touch our lives and the impact His fingerprints might make--if we notice them and allow our spirits to be molded to them.

ALL PRAISE TO HIM!
Today's reading:  Psalm 6-8

"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers--the moon and the stars you have set in place--what are mere mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?"  Psalm 8:3-4 NLT

I've not been left to fend for myself, rummaging for scraps that have fallen from Your table.  You have prepared a place for me to sit.  You have given me robes worthy of Your child.  You have cleaned me, inside and out, and washed me white as snow.

I've not been left to fend for myself, sparring against my enemies.  You have armed me with Your Word.  You have given me Your Spirit as a guide, a comforter and a blanket of protection.  You have bestowed upon me Your power and might.  You have provided me weapons that defeat the darkest and strongest foes--of this world and beyond.

I've not been left to fend for myself in a dark world.  I need not fumble for a Light for You have placed it within me.  I have the choice to make as to whether or not I walk a path that has been laid straight and narrow by Your hands, or a well-traveled path of least resistance and lesser reward.  I have been blessed with a crowd of witnesses, here and there, to spur me on and cheer me towards the finish line.

I've not been left to reason that this is all there is.  I have the promise of heaven.  The hope of seeing You.  The belief, in the very core of my being, that this is but a brief respite to be enjoyed and evangelized until I am called home.  I have the urgency to do what I can here in anticipation for receiving your accolades upon arrival at the foot of Your throne!

Who am I that you would do all this for me?         

LIST-MAKERS
Today's reading:  Joshua 11-15

I'm a list-maker.

There is something about putting something in black and white that makes it more do-able and gets more things accomplished.

The organizational experts agree.  Make a list and make progress, one of them says.

Well, in regards to Christian progress, have I got a list for you!

It's found in Joshua 12:9-24.  It's a list of the 31 kings (and their cities) that the Israelites defeated as they took control of Canaan.

It's a lengthy list.  It's a compilation of God's work in their lives.

It's an encouragement to us.

I need to see lists like that one on occasion.  I need to be reminded that because I am on God's side, I am victorious.

I need to put pen to paper and jot down all the ways my Savior has led me, fought for me, provided for me and protected me.  It's something I need to review for my heart's sake.  I need to remind myself of  how very much I am loved by my Creator.  I need the additional boost on the days when my strength is low and my mountains are very high.

What has God done for you?  Anything?  Everything?  What would you put at the top of your list?

   
 

ONE VOICE
Today's reading:  Genesis 8-11

"At one time the whole world spoke a single language and used the same words."  Genesis 11:1 NLT

History will repeat its self. 

But it will not culminate in a tower made of bricks and asphalt.  It will not end in a turning away from our Creator...but instead a complete, body and soul, turning towards Him.

Our unified voices will cry out, Holy, holy, holy.

The crowns we cast at His feet will clatter in a cacophony of noise.

The silence will be deafening as we stand before our God, wishing the words to honor Him.

We will sing songs with the angels--only in a louder tone and in a blood-bought key.

We will see the pages and promises of God's Word come alive and we will all shout a hearty, Amen.

One voice.  One God. 

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Today's reading:  Romans 5-6

"Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness."  Romans 6:18 NLT

Have you told satan that you are done with him?

Does he know he no longer rules your life an ruins your day?

Has he been instructed that you have a new address--and that all messages, threats, doubts and fears must first go through God before it will get to you?

You have to be the one to inform him.  He won't believe it from anyone else.  He has to hear it from your lips--and often, you see he easily forgets!

PROVING IT
Today's reading:  Matthew 3-4

"Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God."  Matthew 3:8 NLT

How am I proving it?

I'll be upfront in saying that some days I prove it more solidly than others.

I'll be honest in letting you in on this:  I sometimes allow others to determine the proof of it for me.

I'll confess, proving it is a whole lot harder than just 'preaching' it.

What a thought to take in to today.
 

HEARING WHAT GOD SAYS
Today's reading:  Isaiah 7-11

"The Lord has said to me in the strongest terms:  Do not think like everyone else does.  Do not be afraid that some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you. Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty.  He alone is the Holy One.  If you fear him, you need fear nothing else."  Isaiah 8:11-13 NLT

If I'm hearing Him correctly...

Fiscal cliffs needn't worry me.

Socialism won't govern my heart.

Recessions will not change anything about the One I worship.

The fear of death should not haunt my days of life.

He is all I have.  He is all I need.  He is all I should fear.  He alone is the One I should worship and praise.

BUYING WHAT YOU'RE SELLING
Today's reading:  Job 3-4

Disclaimer:  I don't know if any of today's words are meant for you.  I believe they're God's special message to me for today, for this week, for this season. 

I wholeheartedly believe God's Word is true and living, that it speaks to the problem at hand and addresses the issue standing as an elephant in a very small room. 

I know, and yet fail to exhibit, faith. 

I do not for a single moment believe I am set apart from trial, trouble and heartache, or the emotional whirlwind they produce. 

What I'm reading today was written thousands of years ago.  I know without a doubt that God has me in this book of His Word for the purpose of knowing Him more and growing more like His Son today.

I know these words are for me-- and I'm just allowing you to read it over my shoulder. 

"In the past you have encouraged many a troubled soul to trust in God, you have supported those who were weak.  Your words have strengthened the fallen, you steadied those who wavered.  But now when trouble strikes, you faith and are broken.  Does you reverence for God give you no confidence?  Shouldn't you believe that God will care for those who are upright?"  Job 4:3-7 NLT

What is He whispering in my ear? 

"Malinda, are you buying into what you're selling to everyone else?  You say I am big enough for all the problems your friends face--am I big enough for the ones facing you?" 

WAITING EXPECTANTLY
Today's reading:  Psalms 3-5

"Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.  Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."  Psalm 5:3 NLT

I have a prayer request that I'm determined to place at the Lord's feet every morning of this year.

I don't deserve an answer from Him.  I don't deserve a moment of His time.  I don't deserve an audience in His presence.  I don't deserve to be allowed to even address Him, let alone ask anything of Him.

But He tells me I do.

So I am expectantly awaiting the answer to show up.

I don't know how He's going to do it.  I'm not sure when He will choose to respond.  But I know He will do something with what I'm asking Him.  You see, it's already in His hands--so that's something.

The anticipation is so exciting! 

HIDDEN AMONG YOU
Today's reading:  Joshua 6-10

"...Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord.  You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things."  Joshua 7:13 NLT

Might it be we are keeping some things from the Lord that belong solely to Him?

Talents?

Ideas?

Testimonies?

Gifts?

Time?

Money?

What is it you have, that has been given to you by God Almighty, that you are hoarding?  Refusing to share with your church?  Reluctant to voice?  Hesitant to let out of your grasp?  Not wanting to relinquish control?  Haven't thought it all through and come up with a good plan for it?

Weigh what you are holding onto against the battles that seem to go on and on in your life...worth it?

SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT
Today's reading:  Genesis 4-7

"Now the Lord observed the extent of the people's wickedness and he saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil.  So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them.  It broke his heart."  Genesis 6:5-6 NLT

Lord,

I'm sorry for disappointing you.

I apologize for breaking your heart with  my choices, attitudes and actions.

Nothing pains me more than the look of disappointment on some one's face when I do something for them--and to think of that same look on your face makes me sick to my stomach.

Because you've done so much for me.

I want to make you proud.  I want to live up to your expectations for me.  I want to do all you've asked me to do with the best of my abilities.

Sincerely,
Malinda    

JUST THAT SIMPLE
Today's reading:  Romans 3-4

"There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him.  He makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles."  Romans 3:30 NLT

The way to God is simple.

Accept the fact that you're a sinner and are in need of forgiveness.

Believe Christ died on the cross for your sins--and rose again on the third day.

Confess with your mouth, so the world can hear, that Jesus has forgiven you and is now your Savior and Lord.

Why do we complicate it?  Why do we attempt to insert additional steps or require certain rituals of tradition, not of Biblical scope?

God loves us simply.  God calls us to make a simple choice to follow Him.  God's way is only one way!  

WHAT JOY!
Today's reading:  Matthew 1-2

"It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star they were filled with joy!"  Matthew 2:9-10 NLT

If the wise men thought they were filled with joy at the sight of the star, just wait until they stepped through the doors of the house (or walked through the opening of the stable, whichever your choice) and saw the Christ-child.

What exactly exceeds joy?

What's it called when your anticipation is rewarded ten thousand times over?

What's it called when realization surpasses your wildest dreams?

What's it called when your dedication is compensated by more than you could have ever hoped and could possibly deserve?

What's the reaction called when you look into the eyes of your Savior?  The Author and Finisher of your faith?  The Creator?  The Son of God?  The Hope of the world?  The fulfilled Promise?

Joy seems to be a limited word for such a time as this...don't you think?  

LET 'EM KNOW
Today's reading:  Joshua 1-5

"When all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings who lived along the Mediterranean coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan River so the people of Israel could cross, they lost heart and were paralyzed with fear."  Joshua 5:1 NLT

Want to stop your enemy in his tracks?  Tell 'em just what your God can do!

Want to silence your enemy's taunts and jeers?  Tell 'em what your God says!

It won't work for me to tell your enemy.  It'll only work if you're the one doing the talking--and believing.

Fill your enemy's ear full of the history you and the Lord share and the future He has promised to you.



  

ATTENTION:  GOD'S CHURCH
Today's reading:  Isaiah 1-6

"Come now, let us argue this out, says the Lord.  No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it.  I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow.  Even if you are stained as red as crimson."  Isaiah 1:18 NLT

Some interesting facts, according to my studies:

Crimson is the color of royalty.  Not of commoners, but of those of high birth.

Crimson denotes the Church.  It's reference is directly related to God's people and His body.

Crimson, the original crimson in the Bible, was made from the shells of dead bugs.

Crimson is a stain, not a dye.  Stains are permanent, dyes can be washed out or reduced with washings and time.

How do those facts relate to us?

So glad you asked...

Even the children of the Most High God get dirty with sin.  Do not think you are immune to the lure of sin.  Do not think you are above sinning.  Do not think your time spent in godly service, your immaculate attendance record or your collection of KJV Bibles keeps you from being lumped in with the rest of us!

Especially His Church.  It's of great importance that we, His children, begin to fully grasp the immensity and scope of His forgiveness.  How else will we convey His message to a lost and dying world?  Do you wholeheartedly believe He has forgiven your confessed sins, washed them whiter than snow and no longer holds them against you?  Do you know for a fact He has buried what was once held against you? 

Sins usually start out small.  Minute.  Bug-sized.  What thoughts or ideas do you need to squash?  What doubts are in your head and heart that needn't be there and will at one time or another cause you to sin--and receive the stain of that sin?

Crimson stains, should not by any means, be able to be removed...but our God can!  Have you sought that forgiveness?  For everything?  Every single thing?  Nothing is too unforgivable for the Creator of the universe!

So, what do you personally know about 'crimson'?

CREATURES OF HABIT
Today's reading:  Job 1-2

"...This was Job's regular practice."  Job 1:5 NLT

Job was known for his daily times with the Lord.

Sounds easy enough, doesn't it?  Well, it might have been today, but back then it meant he was in charge of the spiritual leadership of his family.  He was the patriarch of the family, therefore he held the role of priest--and Dad.

Not a job that's greatly appreciated.

Especially when you have teenagers.

Or when you know all the happenings in the home.

Or when personality conflicts rage.

Or when there were 3 ballgames, a church meeting, Zumba and parent/teacher conferences planned for the same time.

Or when you just didn't feel like it.

But he held fast.  He made the effort to set up an altar, choose a sacrificial animal and perform the rituals required to purify his family.  Regularly.  Routinely.  It was a commitment he made and followed through with.   

And we can't manage daily time with the Lord?  In the comfort of our favorite chair?  In the coziness of our electrically wired and plumbed homes?

We choose not to put Bible reading before checking MSN or Facebook?  We have a greater need to see what's happening on the social medias than what God needs to say to us?

Oh, don't think I'm not receiving this message as a punch in the gut--I am.  A daily routine, a regular practice or a habit can easily become a rut.  I don't want that for my time with the Lord.  And I don't want that for yours either.

PATHS
Today's reading:  Psalm 1-2

"For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction."  Psalm 1:6 NLT

I needn't worry about the 364 remaining days of this year.

I shouldn't concern myself over the unlit areas of my walk through life.

I don't have to fret about the things I do not know.

God has it all under control.  He sees everything.  He knows the path I will choose, the obstacles I will come against and the detours I will take against His will for me.

He also knows I will come back to Him and He will wrap His loving arms around me and welcome me home.