changed on Friday, November 01, 2002 9:43:09 PM

I just want to say that you're RIGHT about the blessing coming from God...it certainly DID: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." [James 1:17] (NIV) As for God taking it away again, I can't really tell you why...sometimes we just can't know (read the story of Job sometime). His ways are not our ways. Sometimes all you can do is cry out to Him for comfort and understanding and trust that He always has your best interest at heart. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." [Jeremiah 29:11] (NIV) Sometimes God lets us go through hard times to build godly character in us[Romans 5], sometimes He has to take away a blessing because we have turned from Him...especially if we are beginning to "worship" (place too much importance on) or be led astray by the blessing He gave us (this happened several times with the nation of Israel), and sometimes bad things just happen in this fallen world...but God is always able to eventually bring something good and beautiful even out of bad things for those who love and follow Him [Romans 8:28]. I know it can be exausting and frustrating when disappointments that we don't understand come. I've been "tired and fed up" with it several times myself. But we just have to trust God [Proverbs 3:5-6].

Praying for you,
sswan 

Hi, just a question here, Do you know that this thing that was given you was a blessing from God? Some times we really don't understand the ways of God but we need to have the faith to know that whatever happens is for the best. I don't feel that God ever removes the blessings he gives to us. Sometimes we attribute some of the good things that happen to God, when it may not actually have been from him. I know I have done that many times and I think I have finally figured it out. Maybe not but am still growing. Have you ever read FOOTPRINTS?

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the ORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it. "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied, "My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

Sometimes when we think or feel that God is not there for us, it is because we have set him aside for a time. Those hard times are the ones where we really need to keep in touch with God through his word and through prayer.

Father, I just lift up this child to your loving and gracious care. Father, there are things going on in their life that need your help and intervention. Lord, I pray that you would bring this dear child back to your word and to their knees before you. That as soon as they do Father, you will hear and answer their prayers, comfort them and grant them the peace that will sustain them throught the trials that they are facing at this time. Lord, I ask that you would truely bless this child and lead them in the direction they need to go. Father, I ask that you would affirm to them that you are there and will always be there for them. Grant your peace and comfort this day. Thank You Father in the awesome precious name of Jesus, Amen