Hello friends! Welcome to my Spiritual Sundays post. I have been away visiting my son and his family for a number of weeks and I'm happy to be back to participate in what I consider one of my favourites. Today I would like to share with you a wonderful devotional from "Our Daily Bread," written by David McCasland.
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At the age of 16, pianist Leon Fleisher made his formal debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic. He went on to win prestigious international competitions and played in the world's finest concert halls. But at the age of 37, Fleisher was struck with dystonia, a neurological condition that crippled his right hand. After a period of despondency and withdrawal, he turned to teaching and conducting, because, as he said, he loved music more than the piano.
When our dreams are shattered, how do we react? After Joseph, the favoured son of Jacob, was sold as a slave by his brothers {Gen. 37:12-36}, he could have given in to self-pity and self-indulgence. Instead, Joseph remained true to the Lord. Four times in Genesis 39, we read that "the Lord was with" Joseph {vv.2-3, 21, 23}, and his actions revealed his own faithfulness to God. By his exemplary life, those he served in Egypt recognized God's presence with him.
Do we love God more than our own dreams? Although Joseph must have grieved the loss of his past and what his life could have been, the Lord led him to a calling he had never imagined. Today, the Lord longs to lead us. Are we willing to be redirected by Him?
A MAN'S HEART PLANS HIS WAY, BUT THE LORD DIRECTS HIS STEPS. - Proverbs 16:9
Thank you to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays each week. Please click on the link http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/ to visit these lovely ladies and all those participating today. The Lord bless you.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE IN HAITI
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi
A beautiful, thought-provoking post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am willing....and wanting to do whatever He wants.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post. It gives me a lot to think about and pray about!
ReplyDeleteI, too want to follow HIS will and not my own...My way is always a mess.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, andrea
I know I gave Him fits along the way a bit, but He always wins me over ... now there is no question to whom I follow, certainly not myself.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful weekend.
TTFN ~ Marydon
Welcome back Sandi. I'm glad you got to spend time with your son. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post with us. Thinking back to the way God worked in Joseph's life is always an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
The example of Joseph and how he chose to still follow and please God after all that happened to him, is such a good example of trusting Him and letting Him lead no matter what the circumstances might end up being. I love this verse A MAN'S HEART PLANS HIS WAY, BUT THE LORD DIRECTS HIS STEPS. - Proverbs 16:9 It says it all. Blessings, Debbie
ReplyDeleteThanks for that great devotional. Blessings ~
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. Well written. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed.
ReplyDeleteHello Sandi,
ReplyDeleteYes, sometimes we get caught up with what the world dictates - - to absorb making plans and trying to make that plan be. ANd then when something happens, everything shatters and you feel like a child with a broken toy trying to piece things together - helpless. But in truth, it is not hopelessness nor is it the end. I guess sometimes we have to realize that we are not the captain of our lives. That in everything we do, there is always Him with us, ready to pick us when we think we are so down. This is hard and so it is always nice to be reminded at times :-)
Happy Pink Saturday too and Belated Happy Birthday! I think where you put the fairy door is just perfect. Reminds me of Coraline where there's a secret door by the wall (although that was kind of scary LOL)
Mizpah,
Li
In the past few years, the Lord has taught me much about His will. It's neat to see Him give me new dreams and plans - spiritual dreams from Him.
ReplyDeleteWOW! This sure does make one think.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for sharing this powerful devotion with us today.It is so nice to visit family, I'm glad that you had a opportunity to do just that.Your such a big part of Spiritual Sunday, you were missed.
Blessings to you,
Ginger
Thanks for this, Sandi.
ReplyDeleteI love the devotions from "Our Daily Bread"...What an eye opener it is! Because we truly don't have any control of what happens in our lives. Anything can change in an instant. I love that verse you shared from Proverbs because it reminds me not to be so overconfident in planning my goals. It is still the Lord, Who directs every man's steps. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteSandi,
ReplyDeleteI read Our Daily Bread every day and I get a lot out of it. Joseph is one of my very favorite bible stories, his faithfulness and perseverance are traits to follow.
Glad you had a good visit with your son and glad you are back.
Blessings,
Jean
Hello, lovely post! I'm still making my pink saturday visits. Love your little fairy door, how cute! Prayers to your brother and a belated Happy Birthday to you! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage
I enjoyed your post today Sandi! I try to remember that perhaps God has his reasons for what happens, even if we don't understand at the time. We just have to keep our faith in that He knows what is best for us, and will lead us accordingly, when He deems the time is right to. ~tina
ReplyDeleteWonderful devotion . Thanks for sharing .
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
~Myrna