Write from My Heart

Monday, August 10, 2026

Not You - But God

Genesis 45:8 (NIV) So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.

Genesis 50:20 (NIV) You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Most of us grew up hearing the Sunday School stories about Joseph... his dreams, his coat of many colors, his mean brothers, being sold as a slave and taken to Egypt, but also the rescue when his family’s home country was enduring great famine. Wonderful stories – each of them, and full of lessons for us to glean. Yet somehow as we grow older, we forget those lessons. Somewhere along the way we think; Why is this (or that) happening to me? Why are my prayers not answered? Why do I have to put up with this (or that)?

We could point out many complex answers to these questions, but if we are honest with ourselves, most of them involve excuses of some sort. The short answer is that we have simply forgotten Who remains in control. Who is in control? Not You – But God.

Proverbs 16:20 (NLT) We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Proverbs 21:30 (NLT) No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.

Isaiah 48:17 (NIV) I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

We live during an age of biblical alterations. We quote verses like James 4:2b (NLT) You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask for it. But we ignore the next verse James 4:3 (NLT) And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong – you want only what will give you pleasure. And believe it or not, this is only one of many examples of using (or misusing) God’s Word in the modern “name it, claim it” or “gospel of prosperity” teachings so prevalent today. However, if one is diligent and takes the time to reread their favorite “go to” prosperity verses, quite often what one will find are scriptures before and after their favorite verse all pointing to living a life within God’s will and way. And therein lies the catch. What are we doing and what effort are we making toward living a Christian life within God’s will and way?

When situations and challenges in life arise, and we wonder why; perhaps our question should be, LORD, what are you trying to teach me? LORD, which way do you want me to turn? LORD, What changes in my (life, speech, heart, mind, attitude) do I need to make?

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT) So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic... for the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We have so many requests, but sometimes we forget that you already know what is on our heart. You are already working out your perfect will and way for our lives. Sometimes your will and way provides quick answers; sometimes we must act with patience and perseverance, trusting that you are and always will be, in control. Thank you for your merciful and gracious watch care over us.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Not You – But God appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Friday, August 7, 2026

Is Anyone Listening?

Isaiah 65:1-2, 12b (NLT) ¹The LORD says, “I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’ to a nation that did not call on my name. ²All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people. But they followed their own evil paths and their own crooked schemes (c.f. NIV, pursuing their own imaginations). ... ^12bFor when I called, you did not answer. When I spoke, you did not listen. You deliberately sinned—before my very eyes—and chose to do what you know I despise.”

This is, to me, the saddest commentary and judgment for the world, our own nation, and even for Christians in general. And yes, if I am honest, even on a personal level. God is ready—we are not seeking Him. Or worse yet, we seek Him only when it is convenient for us to do so; only when our needs seem crucial; only when our troubles seem insurmountable. What is wrong with us?

We serve a God who loves us, cares for us, and watches over us. He stands as near to us as a prayer’s whisper. He is ready to respond; will we seek Him?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for the times I failed to seek you. Forgive me for the times I failed to listen to Your call. Thank you for your love and mercy, for your grace and watch-care. Create in me an attentive heart that longs to follow your will and way.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Is Anyone Listening? appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com