Angie Arndt

And we need some cool because July is a hot, hot month, don’t ‘cha think? So this month I’m giving away a romance novel! (Yes, it’s a Christian romance.) And since I’ve been doing a little bit of jewelry making this month, I’m also giving away a handmade necklace, bracelet and earring set. (I’ll show photos and particulars in tomorrow’s post.) As always, comment on this blog or subscribe to my newsletter to be included in the drawing.

Last month’s contest was a lot of fun because it was mysterious. Lucie chooses the prize and I just go get it for her. But most of the time, if I’m not in control of life, it can get pretty disconcerting.

Several people very close to me are going through some difficult times right now. Marriage, work, money and general life difficulties are really putting them in hard places. And there’s not one thing I can do about it.

Don’t you hate that? I just want to FIX everything for them … make it all better. But I can’t.

This morning I read from a book called, When I’m Seeking God’s Will (Windows of Worship). It’s a spiral-bound devotional journal by Greg Allen, Rick Rusaw, and Dan Stuecher. This morning’s devotion was Be of Value. In it, Rusaw writes that when he was beginning his first job in a local church, he was very ambitious with lots of dreams and ideas for the future. When he shared those with an elderly minister on staff, Dr. Lester Ford, he was given some sage advice.

Ford told Rusaw that his dreams were good and he should continue to dream. But he also reminded him that he needed to learn to be of value where he was, “[b]ecause if you don’t learn to do that, you won’t have much of a future. And you can’t be of value somewhere you’re not.”

I know when God gives me a vision of the future (maybe not a literal vision, but a dream of how we can be used by God), it’s so difficult to stay where I am. I feel like I’m stuck in limbo, itching to reach out and grab that next goal. But …

(There’s always a “but,” isn’t there!) But God has placed me where I am for a reason. I haven’t published my book because it’s not ready. My friend hasn’t found a job or a home because the time is not right. My children aren’t happy and perfect and well because … this isn’t heaven.

I told someone yesterday that God is not only anywhere, but He’s also anywhen. Readers of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series may recognize that term. The concept in those novels meant that the hero or heroine could ride their dragon back in time to any point in their life. Kinda like the Quantum Leap premise. (Yes, I went through a sci-fi phase. Actually, I’m not completely out of it.)

But I like to think of God as being everytime at once. The Bible tells us of God’s amazing power and wisdom. He’s not only God of our past, but also the God of our future. He knows what’s going to happen to us. He’s read the end of the book! There are no mysteries for him.

So that’s where I place my trust. God loves and cares for each of His children. His plans for us may not include prosperity or wealth, but our only concern should be to remain in the center of His perfect will. It’s only then that we accomplish our purpose.

Don’t get me wrong: in the mind of those in a personal relationship with Christ, hopes and dreams are a gift from God. But we should also remember that He is in control of our present. We are where we are because of His will.

Father, help us always to remember to be grateful for what you’ve given us. Help us to be aware of Your purpose for us, no matter our circumstances. Help us always to look for your job “assignments” in every situation. And remind us that You are in control of our future and that you will bring it to pass in Your time. Thank you for loving us. Amen.