God Blesses Us In All Things

"God gives, God takes. God’s name be ever blessed." Job 1:21 (MSG)

My trials don't even begin to compare to Job's, but I totally understand and embrace his declaration here! Especially as I look back on the past couple of years. God has truly given me many great things that I am very grateful for, and I bless and praise His name for all these things each and every day!

He's also taken a few things away from me. Some things... such as burdens, chains, hurts, sorrows, pains, and grief. Things that I have gladly let of, and haven't missed being weighed down with. I didn't even struggle or put up a fight when God released me of these things. One day I just looked and they were gone. There were some things that God said, it's time to let go of these things too, and I struggled, but in the end I knew He was right, and it was the right time - by letting go I found FREEDOM!

Finally, there have been other things... things that are very precious to me, and I wasn't so willing to let go, and I found myself battling God, night and day to hold on to, I fought long and hard to hold onto these things because primarily out of my love for Him and my love for others. God said, "If you love me let go of these things, and I will bless you with immeasurably more."

So, with God's assurance I have let go of those precious things most dear to me, and I constantly sing these words from the Hillsong United song, Oceans (Where Feet May Fail):

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"

I know in my heart that God has bigger plans for me than I could ever imagine... I don't know yet, what they are, but I am totally committed to following His lead - wherever He may call me, and that by doing so my faith will be made stronger!

And every day, whether He gives or takes away, I will always BLESS HIS NAME!