My small town celebrated independence day tonight. We had a town party with several community organizations holding benefit fundraisers. Fireworks were on the agenda... God planned rain. Both happened. The fireworks went on, rain or shine was the decision and we had the rain.
Now I love fireworks as much as the next guy, probably more than many, so don't take this wrong. God puts on a better show. Against the backdrop of a lowering, blackening Kansas sky we desperately tried to put on our show. An hour early to try and beat the rain and feeling very rushed. Most folks had already left and the ones who stayed wanted to stay dry, so they found shelter under awnings, patios ... Whatever. But here is the thing, 15 minutes and our show was over, everybody running for home. Two hours later God is still hurling lightning, sounding thunder and pouring rain. I have no idea how many thousands of dollars were spent for the show but I do know that my God can keep His up indefinitely... He never runs out of funds, power or ingenuity. Every bolt unique and infinitely wondrous. Each one coming to earth in its exact target or splitting the heavens to display His majesty... And His plans are never undone, altered or harmed in any way.
The scripture puts it plainly... "But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases." (Ps 115:3) Certainly, let us enjoy our celebrations; but let us not forget that this nation exists because God decreed that it should. If it ever ceases to be it will be for the same reason. Remember to include the God who IS in all your doings... Do not be so foolish as to think that we can thwart God's will, we can't even plan a party to stay dry and on schedule. Please, remember to give praise to God as you celebrate, and give pause to thank Him for His abundant mercy, even as we cry out for more...
Grace & peace... And,
God, please bless America