On my lunch today...

...I lay on the ground in the sun with my bible on my chest and my eyes closed while I spoke to the Lord. It was absolutely stunning outside. I could have stayed there forever.

"From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living, and concealed form the birds of the air. Destruction and death say, 'We have heard a report about it with our ears.' God understands its way, and He knows its place. For He looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole heavens, to establish a weight for the wind, and apportion the waters by measure. When He made a law for the rain, and a path for the thunderbolt, then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out. And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding."

Job 28:20-28

What a beautiful reminder...

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls."

1 Peter 1:3-9

I remember it vividly: a beautiful summer day, the wind gently passing by, Mitchell Park in SLO, a blanket, and three high school girls who thought they were so mature...in reality they were so young.

 But the Lord knew. He knew this scripture was the one He had for us. He knew how many times I would run to these verses. Sometimes I have run to them simply because I find them beautiful. Today I ran to them because they bring comfort. I have seen the Lord prove these words true over and over again in my life. Today will be no different and neither will tomorrow. He is good. He is constant. He will change me for His glory.

"...if need be..." He sees there is a need and He is refining. What joy: there is a reason and a hope!