Reading a little bit of the Old Testament today at my office (Starbucks) I had a thought.  I wish it was unique to me but I am sure someone smarter than I came up with it.

As I was reading Joshua, thinking about what God did for his people during the Exodus then again what God did for his people with Joshua and Caleb as they crossed the river Jordan.

Is God concerned more about you being prepared (with resources) or you being holy?

I know many people around me who are struggling to make ends meet.  They are trying to plan ahead in their lives on how to provide for their family.  They are rushing to shortcut God by saying, “I don’t have the right education” or “I can never get that job because I don’t have the experience in that area.”

Look, God has shown up in amazing ways throughout history.  He has used people to advance his Kingdom who we would have never chosen.

Get over yourselves!  Focus on removing the sin in your lives.  Turn control of your future over to Jesus and allow him to use you to advance his Kingdom.  Yes, study hard and get good grades, go back to school, but remember as I did reading Joshua today that God cares about clean hearts more than get cares about advanced degrees.

My wife, Jennifer, was waiting all day for an update on the status of Kate McRae.  The update came around 11pm this evening.  It was heart breaking to Jennifer and myself.

Kate is 6 years old, just like my daughter.  She has a great smile, blonde hair, blue eyes.  When I see picture of Kate I think of my daughter.  Kate is in a battle for her life.  She is battling cancer.  Please read her story and follower her progress here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

More than just reading and following her progress please being to pray for her.  Please pray AMAZING prayers.  Our God is big enough to heal and take away any cancer.

I had a tough moment tonight when I heard the news that the tumor in her brain was still there after this aggressive treatment.  God has the power to heal this little girl.  And healing this girl and taking the cancer out of her little body would bring great glory to his name.  Why hasn’t he done it yet?

I know a pastor shouldn’t be asking these types of questions.  But, here I am being honest with my thoughts.  I mean God is all about bringing glory and fame to his name.  To make his son known among the nations.  Why doesn’t he take the cancer out of this little girl’s body?  If he did there would be no medical answer for it.  It would be a God thing.  Plus the suffering/pain would end for Kate and for her family and those around her.

I know some of you who are going to read this are going to try to give “pat” answers like:  “God is still in control.  And God has a plan.  And everything happens for a reason.”  Sure those are great answers but really, does that help the situation.  As a Pastor I have said those words before.  I was hoping to bring about some peace and comfort.  But in reality I think that if God really had a plan and if things really happen for a reason then God would heal this little girl to bring fame to himself.

My faith is strong and unwavering.  It is just moments like these where I understand there is a God and I am not him.  Please join me in praying for complete healing for Kate McRae and that God would bring complete glory to himself through her life.