ser·en·dip·i·ty (sěr'ən-dĭp'ĭ-tē)
n. pl. ser·en·dip·i·ties
The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.
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While talking to my friend, Tina, yesterday, we were discussing how God can bring things to light just when we most need to understand it or see it.
While I was working on my list of things that I Believe (which I posted several days ago), I was looking in my Bible to find the reference to a verse I wanted to use to go along with one of the entries. Some how, I ended up in Isaiah, and my eyes fell on these verses. How timely! And, how comforting! I had never noticed these verses before, but, at this time in my life...I feel as if they were written just for me. That is the wonderful thing about the Word of God...it is universal...but it is so personal. Divinely Inspired, I would say.
It puts me to shame because I do not spend as much time studying the Bible as I should. What else is between those precious covers that I could have read to strengthen me or comfort me? What else is there that I should have read to guide me through a rough situation or show me which path to take?
One of the ways that I like to study the Bible is comparing different versions. My Bible is the NIV...the New International Version. Here are the verses I mentioned as taken from my Bible.
"The righteous perish,
And no one ponders it in his heart,
Devout men are taken away,
And no one understands that the
righteous are taken away to
be spared from evil.
Those who walk uprightly
Enter into peace;
They find rest as they lie in death." Isaiah 57:1-2 NIV
Now here it is in another translation...The New Living Translation:
" Good people pass away;
the godly often die before their time.
But no one seems to care or wonder why.
No one seems to understand
that God is protecting them from the evil to come.
For those who follow godly paths
will rest in peace when they die. " Isaiah 57:1-2 NLT
I fully believe that one of the ways that God speaks to us is through His Word. He spoke loud and clear to me in this instance and it really is a balm to my broken heart. Thank you, God.
9 comments:
Tonja, I just read and reread those verses last week! I long for my dad to be spared a long, slow death.
The Balm of Gilead has soothed your wounded heart; how encouraging were these words even to me just now, through your eyes. Continue to rest, sweet girl!
Tonja, thanks for sharing that with us! God is so amazing how He will show us new truths in His word when we need it most.
That is a very comforting verse. I hope you're feeling better every day. I know how hard it is to get rid of that cough!
Love this verse...a great post...glad that I stopped by tonight.
My blog reading has been so little the last few weeks with the new baby...but have a few free days to catch up.
Tonja, it is amazing how God gives us his word just when we need it most. He gave me the verses on your sidebar when I was struggling so with Mac's diagnosis. They provided Strength from God during those 7 years. They continue to.
Glad I dropped in here today. I enjoyed this so much.
I know where Dothan, Al is! Our favorite vacation spot is Gulf Shores.
That is the wonderful thing about the Word of God...it is universal...but it is so personal. Divinely Inspired, I would say.
Amen to that...there are no accidents, you were to see these words written just for you...so very long ago. I'm glad you were able to find peace in them and realize that...that's the gift you know...knowing that these words were written to soothe you, or inspire you, whatever is needed at the time. God is so much bigger than any of us can understand...and so much greater than many give him credit for...thanks for sharing, Tonja...you are a very wise woman.
Blessings...
Teresa
That is so true. How often has God allowed me to read something JUST when I needed it!
I hope that you feel better soon.
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