Faith Guarantee?

“And the Lord said, ‘Do you have good reason to be angry?’ Then Jonah went out from the city and sat east of it. There he made a shelter for himself and sat under it in the shade until he could see what would happen in the city. So the Lord God appointed a plant and it grew up over Jonah to be a shade over his head to deliver him from his discomfort. And Jonah was extremely happy about the plant.

“But God appointed a worm when dawn came the next day, and it attacked the plant and it withered. And it came about when the sun came up that God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint and begged with all his soul to die, saying, ‘Death is better to me than life.’

“Then God said to Johan, ‘Do you have good reason to be angry about the plant?’ And he said, ‘I have good reason to be angry, even to death.’

“Then the Lord said, ‘You had compassion on the plant for which you did not work, and which you did not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished overnight. And should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?’” Jonah 4:4-11

“As Paul Tournier said, ‘Where there is no longer any opportunity for doubt, there is no longer any opportunity for faith either.’ Faith demands uncertainty, confusion. The Bible includes many proofs of God’s concern – some quite spectacular – but no guarantees. A guarantee would after all, preclude faith.” *

God is not unaware of every little detail, nothing misses His watchful and compassionate eye. His grace extends even when we choose not to see it!

Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: For those devastated by the amazing power of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, where the situation with nuclear meltdowns continue to escalate. For all those suffering, confused, lost, afraid, trapped, feeling hopeless and for the rescuers who are battling unbelievable scenes to save lives. For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time. What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: For those dealing with aftermath of the earthquake in New Zealand and with the extreme weather in USA, UK, NZ & Australia, especially Adrian & Jo & Steve. For Elaine. For Darryl & Paul N as they regroup. Help for Cris. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might also find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: My brother & his wife, Barb are doing better. They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving. Pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my book! Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/) Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.


*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey