In writing a letter recently, I used the words “fellow sojourners” as this is truly what we all are in this life.
The interesting thing about sojourners is this … they stay for a time in a place, they live in that place temporarily. And I know we are sojourners in the sense that earth is not our home and we’re headed to the heavenly city. I get that. But ….
What if we were to apply it to circumstances in our lives as well?
“And he is not served by human hands as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
And he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (Acts 17:25, 26, NIV)
In thinking about our sojourner status and the above verses, this came to mind:
- Everything fits into His majestic plan. Now I am not sure if I have doubted the everything part or that His plan for me was majestic, only that I have doubted. (**FYI – The HLB (Holy Lightening Bolt) has not struck me yet so I am truly finding He handles my doubts and questions quite well!) But “everything” means just that —> everything. Everything which occurs – the good, the bad, the beautiful and the ugly – all of it fits into His plan.
- We long to see the beautiful pattern in our lives. I imagine our lives to look like a beautiful brocade pattern made with rich and luxurious threads. He’s working and looking at the underside, where all the threads are knotted and no pattern or beauty seems evident. There will come a day where He will flip the material over and we will stand, jaw to the floor or perhaps, knees to the ground, amazed at what He was done.
- NOW is what we have. It’s all we got folks. And we will not get NOW back as once it passes it becomes WHEN. So let’s choose to live in the now. In the midst of NOW, let’s make the most we can of it. In making the most of NOW, I think the enemy will be mad he even tried to mess with us. The very thought of sending him packing brings me joy NOW!
- Let’s not worry about the future as we will find Him sufficient for TODAY. He gives us “life and breath and everything else”. He alone can satisfy every need. He determines “the exact places they should live”. He positions us in the very places we are to live, and work I would add. And in that place, He provides all we need, satisfies and fulfills us.
And why does He do this for us?
“God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” (verse 27)
So my fellow sojourners, may we seek, reach and remember,
He is near to each one of us.
NOW.
 This post was shared with …. Thought Provoking Thurs., Tell His Story, Quitting Thurs., Thurs. Favorite Things, Thrive at Home Thurs., Hearts for Home.
Living in the now is such a challenge. It seems like we are often longing for a moment in the past or planning for one in the future. Especially if our now is difficult or not what we expected. Thanks for the encouragement to embrace today. Good words, my friend. Much love!
So very true, Holly, and yet now is what God has planned for us. Oh, to not miss what He has for us this very moment!
Jo, thank you for blogging on “now”. I am so encouraged by you reminding us that we are sojourners and not permanent residents. The now is the only place I can dwell in obedience to Him and some days I just jump into the past or the future. When I come back to the present there is such peace.
I was thinking about two verses: Romans 8:28 “And we know that God works all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Philippians 3:19-21 “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;”
I love and appreciate you and thank God for the gift you are to the body of Christ.
Mare
Mare, may we live today for His glory. It is all we have. And thank you for the Scripture additions 🙂 Much love!!!
That tapestry image is so powerful – Last week I had decided to use the tapestry as an example of who we are – warp and weft. I even researched a little to understand more. Jesus is our warp…the vertical threads on the frame. All of the dimensions of who we are composed the weft – the horizontal pieces woven through to create the image. We DO long to see the tapestry complete – the verticals don’t move or change. This post is giving me even more to think about – God is the weaver in our lives, in our time – we can’t second guess what’s coming next, we don’t know the final picture, so we have to appreciate the texture, the color, the part of the image that is complete…. Yup – this is definitely one of those posts I might have to allow to percolate…
Oh my gosh, Janet, I love what you shared about tapestry! I am so glad you researched & shared as now I will need to think on this some more as well. “The verticals don’t move or change.” I am so glad He is a constant in our lives! Thank you, thank you for sharing with me!
I think we do seek that pattern that we can’t see yet. Ironically then to live in the now. What words of wisdom – now I just have to apply them. Thanks~~
Me too, Jean. It is the challenge before us every day. Just today.
Now is all we’ve got.
That’s truth, Sister!
When I quit living in the past, my NOW became vibrant and livable! I then KNEW what I was missing. His peace is in the NOW.
Bless you for this encouragement!
Heather, I am glad you found encouragement here. This is a reminder I must give myself often as my mind races ahead all the time. May we learn to leave tomorrow in His hands. Have a blessed Sunday!