What We don't know

What We don't know 

by David Brenneman 

Our lives are more governed by timing than we care to admit.  We think this should happen at this moment in time or that should happen on that day.  When things fall through we think that it wasn't God's timing or He said no to it.

We ought to realize there's way more going on in both our lives and the lives of people around us than is seen, felt, or heard.

For those in Christ Jesus, we ought to be living different lives from those who are not yet.  Scripture says we ought to be seeking holiness as He is holy.  That we are washed, we are sanctified, made clean in Jesus Christ.  We are not defined by the sins that brought us to the feet of Jesus for salvation.  

We indeed likely do not know a tenth of what's really going on in our lives that the Spirit is working on in us and in the lives of those around us.  Our world teaches people to be self-centered and to puff ourselves up by titles and possessions.  To insist that people accept people as they define themselves.  The Bible defines everything and everyone.  We were once dead in our trespasses and sins, made alive in Christ Jesus.  We are defined as children of God.  Adopted into the family of God.  Heirs to God.  We are not here to define ourselves in any way that waters down that definition. 

Once we accept who and what we are in Christ, the next is to seek to live for Jesus in obedience in all we do, say and think. 

Our walk with Jesus is actually fraught with many perilous times.  We have no idea what we have avoided that could have meant our end in this life.  We were mildly inconvenienced by this or that and yes what we planned didn't happen...it very well could have been Jesus saving us from something worse. 

Our walk with Jesus is not to be for convenience sake.  Not for when life isn't going to plan.  

It's a commitment of the highest order. 

This commitment will entail happenings that we're just not going to understand.  It's on us to trust and obey.  Denying self, taking up our own cross and follow Him.  It's a 24/7 thing. 

Being thankful to God for what you don't know about is as important as being thankful for what you do know about. 

Being grateful for all He's done that you know of and what you don't.  

We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.  That's what the Bible says.  We are a new creation.  We are imputed His righteousness.

In your awareness and when you are unaware, God is continuing His work in you.  

Not understanding is something to get used to.  Proverbs tells you to not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.  Doesn't say you will understand that road you are on...just for you to keep walking it.

Job probably didn't know about what happened behind the scenes in his life until Jesus showed up to take them all with Him to Heaven at the resurrection. 

There's more happening than we can wrap our minds around.  We don't know why God allows some things and denied others.  We don't know why someone is taken from this world and others are not.

Appreciate what you have in Christ Jesus.  Appreciate the highs and lows that Jesus allows. 

Remember always that in the life of every single Believer that before anything can happen in their lives Jesus has to approve of it.  We are in His hands at all times.  

I was reading in Samuel this morning and was really seeing how appreciative David was towards God for everything in His life. Not just the kingdom but everything.  

How appreciative are you towards Jesus for all He's done for you?  How much are you putting into living for Jesus?  He died for you...are you living for Him?  Are you thankful for everything or just what made you happy?  

Even a unexpected sickness that keeps you home, was planned by Jesus.  It could have been that something could have happened on your way to work that would have not been good towards you. 

That flat tire that held you up for an hour might have kept you from a horrible accident. 

We had a GPS mess up that, had it not happened, we would have missed a very good time with someone for lunch that we would have missed. 

Scripture says that in everything give thanks for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 

Everything we do in regards to life is likely not as it appears to be.  Some things for sure are. But in regards to life as a whole...oh the plans of God for us. 

Be thankful.