All My Ducks In A Row

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation of salvation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5

Yes, I must confess I am one of those. I often operate under that familiar lie from the enemy that I can't be truly happy unless and until all my ducks are in a row. You, too? Where do we get that anyway? I don't know that there has ever been a time in all of my christian life when all my ducks were actually in a row. I'm not even sure how many ducks I have!

If you've ever been a student of ducks for long, you realize that getting them all in a row is pretty much an impossibility. While you are off chasing one, three others pack up and head out in a different direction!

Maybe instead of trying to line everything up the way I want it to be, I would be better off realizing that God is the one who is really in charge of all the ducks anyway. I love this section in Romans chapter 5 that reminds me that problems (or ducks out of line) are simply an opportunity for God to teach me to endure. Oh boy, there's a word--endure--but that's for another day. His ultimate goal for me is strengthening my character and building up my confidence in this gift He has given me called salvation. One of his expressions of His deep love for me is the gift of His precious Holy Spirit. John 16 gives us the "job description" of the Holy Spirit. Verse 13 says, that he will guide us into all truth. That must include ducks and how to deal with them!

I love the quote from Corrie ten Boom that we shared in Women's group last week, "God has no problems--just plans!"

Hmmm. I like that.