Allowed Ugliness

We live in a world where there is much ugliness.  We spend time talking to one another about it and live in the experience of terrible things that are not fair, horrifying and just plain ugly.

However, not one of those things is not allowed by God.  Sometimes you have to shake your head and remind yourself, "this is allowed ugliness."  Read the book of Job for large doses of ugliness.  See also that it was truly all allowed, and the read about the end result.

Then, think about how much allowed ugliness was purposefully visited on our Lord Jesus Christ.  Man's full hatred and brutal torture, one who is HOLY bearing the burden of all ugliness and the full, beyond impossible weight of a righteous, holy God's judgement!

The brutality of life drives us headlong to His tender, loving side.  It causes us to be more conformed to Him, be His disciples and gives us more reason to praise Him for eternity.

"In everything, give thanks"

Open Conduit

People push you for performance:  "You know, at your age, you should be doing..."  "We need you to be more..."  Why can't you just...?"

Over the years, I am coming to the conclusion that you perform for Him exactly what He has prepared you to do.  To do more would bring trouble on yourself and those around you.  To do less would be a terrible waste.  He prepares, He gives talent, He gives confidence for you to perform what He needs you to do.

So, it's not what we really do for Him, (as others would wish), it's HOW LITTLE WE HINDERED HIM DOING THROUGH US.  Make His path straight!

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."  Isaiah 40:3