300

Life turns out.  It doesn't turn out how we might think it would, that's for sure.  But it definitely turns itself out.  Seeing Aaron Daniel and his bride at their wedding this weekend showed me that.  Thank goodness our own plans don't end up being the end result. What God does in our lives is unexpected and sometimes even unwelcome, but once everything plays out, all is good.  No, actually I'd like to say that all is hopeful.  Aaron Daniel and Jenny waited a long time for each other to come into their lives.  They only met, I believe, 2 years ago.  But they didn't really get to hang out and get to know one another really well until just last year.  They've spent almost 30 years preparing for November 8th, 2008, when they would join as one!  It's amazing how much time it takes to prepare for what God has planned.

If God would've allowed me to begin singing my own music when I thought I was ready, which was about the age of 18, well... Let's just say that I wouldn't be doing very well professionally, first of all.  Secondly, I wouldn't have crossed paths with my husband, who is now my favorite person on this earth, and whom I could not do without.  Thirdly, I spiritually wouldn't be where I am now.  It takes so much time for God to prepare us for what He has planned.  I don't even know if I'm ready now, but not knowing may be one of the best things I have going for me.  It lets me know that I, by myself, am not capable to do what God has asked of me.  I, myself, cannot even provide the vocals.  God has me totally reliant on Him.  I know that through my own power, it is impossible.  And that's what God wants to do.  He wants to show the world that through Him, all things are possible.  He wants to prove through us, sometimes by allowing everything to be taken from us, that HE is The One who is responsible for your success, for greatness and glory.

Think about what He did with Gideon and the 300.  God told Gideon," You have too many people for Me to hand the Midianites over to you, or else Israel might brag: 'I did it myself.'" He started out with 22,000 soldiers, then to 10,000.  Then God told Gideon that there were still too many people, even though the other army had extremely more than they.  "Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there... Separate everyone who laps water with his tongue like a dog.  Do the same with everyone who kneels to drink."  300 guys drank the water just as a dog would do.  Well, obviously Gideon knew that God didn't want to use those heathens.  But then God said, "I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and hand the Midianites over to you.  But everyone else is to go home." Judges 7:2-7 Ha ha ha!  You see?  God made it absolutely impossible to make this look like Gideon's victory!  He proved that only through Him could there be defeat!

God is trying to do this in your life, and even in mine.  You know, 29:11 cannot possibly share hope with others, if we have not yet experienced it ourselves.  What kind of a witness would we be to have things come so easily to us, but then sympathize with people that are searching for hope when we really didn't need it in the first place?  I'm telling you right now, we need it.  We want it!  We can't wait to see which armies will be defeated in the name of the Lord!

Oh, and in case you didn't know:  Gideon and the 300 were not defeated.  The Israelites actually asked Gideon to rule over them.  Gideon replied, "I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you." Judges 8:23

Gideon knew from then on that it was the Lord who was in control.  And He still is today.  When it feel like the road is ending for you, remember Gideon.  "Now without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God, for the one who draws near to Him MUST BELIEVE that He exists and rewards those who seek Him."  Hebrews 11:6  "for we walk by faith, not by sight." II Corinthians 5:7

Though you don't see the results right now, know that God is with you.  Do not grow weary in good deeds!

-Tara K