[267]. A Message From A Poem – The God Of Circumstances

[267]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – THE GOD OF CIRCUMSTANCES

Among my favourite sayings, there are two that are special to me. One is, “What God desires from us is Faithfulness and Commitment.”

The other one is, “Our God is a God of Circumstances.” It is this second one that the poem is built on.

We use many expressions, that on face value, are not truly representing God in our lives. They make us sound like the world. Among these are, “That was a lucky move; That was a lucky break; I am fortunate that my transport arrived; You were fortunate in getting that new job.” We speak about chances.

Do those expressions dismiss God? Do they dismiss God’s faithfulness and care over our lives? How well are we guided by the Lord? Do we just go along thinking we are lucky when things work, out and unlucky when they don’t? Where is God in all this? Is He in a forgotten corner?

That causes a conflict with faith. Faith should be active and living and we look to the Holy Spirit for His leading.

Look at the horrible suffering of Christians in Nigeria. Do they say, “It’s just bad luck we live in a country of Islamic hatred and extremism?” I hope they don’t and I also think their faith is stronger than ours.

Paul had so many experiences but he knew the faithfulness of God in all circumstances. He could say this – {{Philippians 4:11-13 “not that I speak from want for I HAVE LEARNED TO BE CONTENT IN WHATEVER CIRCUMSTANCES I AM. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity. IN ANY AND EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE I HAVE LEARNED THE SECRET of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”}}

In one of my favourite hymns, Fanny Crosby knew God leads all the way and it is not luck or chance. He is the God of circumstances. This is the opening stanza –

All the way my Saviour leads me,

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt his tender mercy,

Who through life has been my Guide?

Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in him to dwell!

For I know, whate’er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

Here are two powerful passages showing that God is the God of Circumstances.

{{Romans 8:28 “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,”}}

{{Psalm 121:7-8 “The LORD will protect you from all evil. He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.”}}

The rhyme scheme is different here – ABABABAB and AABB.

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THE GOD OF CIRCUMSTANCES

I serve my God who walks ahead -

The God of circumstances.

Not life nor death I’ll ever dread -

I don’t believe in chances.

In retrospect, I see I’m led -

My way, my God enhances.

I’m forging right ahead, instead

Of taking sideways glances.

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My life rests safely in his hands -

My God, alone, understands.

Life is never made of chances,

For God rules circumstances.

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Poor Joseph cast in Pharaoh's jail

Could think he was forsaken.

And Daniel knew God would not fail -

By lions was not taken!

King David chased o’er hill and dale -

His faith not overtaken.

And Job’s great loss would make one wail -

He blessed and was unshaken.

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My life rests safely in his hands -

My God, alone, understands.

Life is never made of chances,

For God rules circumstances.

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God goes before in gentleness -

My unseen life Director;

Has checked my path in carefulness,

Just like an apt Inspector.

In praise, God gets my thankfulness,

For He’s been my Protector.

And I praise God in gratefulness,

‘Cause He’s been my Connector.

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My life rests safely in his hands -

My God, alone, understands.

Life is never made of chances,

For God rules circumstances.

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No circumstance will I e’er fear.

I trust in God’s surveillance.

For day and night He’s ever near -

Surrounds me with His guidance.

Come, throw off gloom and put on cheer

Expressing God’s abundance.

And I have proven God does hear -

Embraced me in acceptance.

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My life rests safely in his hands -

My God, alone, understands.

Life is never made of chances,

For God rules circumstances.

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21-25 August, 2005 R E Ferguson 8 - 7 throughout ABAB etc. and AABB

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