Natalie H. Ragland, a veterinarian, author, speaker and mentor, recognized her spiritual gift while writing her devotional book Encourage Yourself in the Lord published in 2018. Since then, her writing has been featured in various platforms. She is married to a wonderful God-fearing man and has a trusted three-legged “fur-son”. Natalie continues to pursue her gift by writing content using practical biblical application with a personal touch. Her motto is to “Seek Him, Obey the Call, and Complete Your Assignment” all of which she intends to bring to fruition through her Non-Profit Organization and writing ministry.
I realized that I had begun to allow my carnal side to emerge, which created emotions within me that led me to focus on the world instead of what He says in His Word. I had to truly lean not on my own understanding because my view is limited in the grand scheme of life and I had to simply trust my King who governs over every nation. This may be a tall order to consider, but isn’t that what the life of a “true believer” requires? Faith, trust, and belief in Him even when everything around us does not make sense. And I admit it too, this year has been full of senseless activities that have been man-made and devised by the enemy.
But when we look to God and focus on what He says, we know that all things, not some things, all things are working “according to the counsel of His will.”
"In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will" (Ephesians 1:11
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God,* for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
ESV).
"For kingship belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations" (Psalms 22:28
For royal power belongs to the LORD. He rules all the nations.
OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
ESV).
When I read these two verses over and over again and sat with God during our fellowship time together, He positioned me to accept what I cannot control and remember that He predetermined everything. Of course, He knows the end from the beginning and of course, He is the Alpha and Omega; whether we understand what is occurring around us or not. This convicted me in a way that I had to ask for forgiveness if I had become too controlled in my thinking instead of being led by the Spirit.
As we continue to work our way through these tumultuous times, let us not forget the God we serve. He predestined this present time. We may not agree with all of His decisions, but He knows best and if we are being challenged, we may need to ask ourselves if we are allowing the world to control our words, thoughts, and actions over our heavenly Father who sees every reaction and who rules over every nation.
