What is promised.

I read two quotes this week in two different places, echoing the same theme. They articulated something which has been rolling in my mind and heart, and I'm grateful for their words.

"It is a pagan idea to dwell on the possibility or impossibility of God's suspending the laws of the universe and working tricks and wonders and miracles... But it is a Christian idea to believe in God being constantly present and continually creating, if only we are open to Him." 

-Vincent Donovan, Christianity Rediscovered (a book I highly recommend, btw)- HT, Brittany :-)

and

"One of the many temptations[...] is to create reasons or explanations of what God is doing... We want a reason and if God won’t give us one, we’ll find one (or make one up)... We want reasons because we want our suffering to have a purpose... For example:

-God is setting up all the heathen and arrogant doctors for a great demonstration of his power by making our situation so impossible that they can’t deny that a miracle has occurred.

-God is punishing me for sin by causing my child to suffer.

-God is preparing me for a great ministry and using my child’s suffering as a “thorn in my flesh” to keep me humble...

-God is…, God is…, God is…

At times, it bears a striking resemblance to superstition. The only thing we can be confident that “God is…” is that God is working everything for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose."

 -Needy Parents blog.