Our Maker is in Control!!!!!

I listened to the song, "Thrive," by Casting Crowns, during my devotional time tonight.

"So living water flowing through, God, we thirst for more of You. Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire: Just to know You and to make You known, we lift Your Name on high. Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide. We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives. It's time for us to more than just survive. We were made to thrive!"

"Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable, love unstoppable, anything is possible!"

God didn't make you to suffer. He did not create you to be depressed, sorrowful, down in the dumps. He made you to thrive! Give all of those negative feelings to God. I know that it may seem hard. I went through a period of depression where I wasn't happy at very much at all. I was fearful a lot. I didn't feel much of a purpose. Then I listened to the song, "Strong Enough," by Matthew West. I gave it all up to God, and He relieved me of all of that negativity and brought me back into His light. Trust in Him and His promises and lay it all at the throne!

Tonight's verse, Isaiah 64:8, says, "Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand." (NIV)

Maxwell notes that, "People under the influence of an empowering person are like paper in the hands of a great artist. No matter what they're made of, they can become treasures." No matter what you are going through, remember that God is in control! He knows what you're going through. He made you, and God doesn't make junk!

I recommend listening to the song, "He is With Us," by Love and the Outcome.

As a leader, God has called you to guide others. Be an inspiration to your followers. Help them when they are in need. God has shown you His love, now show His love to them!

Reflect on this question that Maxwell poses: "How do you treat those around you?" You may be the only image of Christ that others see. How do you portray that image?

God bless you!