Alternatives

August 27, 2009 in Christian Life with 3 Comments

At the close of the Civil War, the following was found in the pocket of a Confederate soldier,

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among men, most richly blessed.

What we have in mind for ourselves, and what God has in mind for us, aren’t always the same. Moses seemed content as a shepherd in Midian, but God saw greater things for him (Exo. 3). Paul had Bythinia in his preaching sights, but God’s alternative was Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10). I suppose the sooner we accept that God might have something else in store for us, the sooner we’ll be able to recognize what God might be doing in our lives for our benefit. This is the beauty of God’s direction. Do we see it for what it is? Can we accept life’s alternatives?

  • Josh Maldonado

    Doug, I don’t know if we will ever really understand this truth. I sure have been discerning this since becoming a Christian and sometimes feel I’m not any closer. Maybe it’s supposed to be this way?

  • http://theobloggers.com/members/douglasryoung/ douglasryoung.net

    Josh,

    I see what your saying, but think too often that the blinders we wear simply prevent us from seeing it. I think its born out of us directing our own steps, hoping that God will agree, instead of a steady walk with God and following in his steps.

    Thanks for reading and posting!

  • http://gatheringrubies.com Janice Garrison

    So true!

    I ask God to use me for his glory. I hope I recognize the opportunities when he sends them my way.