Thursday, January 21, 2010

“Be content and resigned to God's will.” - Thomas Jonathan Jackson

Today marks the 186th year that Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was born.  He was another great and admirable Confederate General.  He believed in the Sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man.  He was quoted as saying, "My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave."  And then again, "Duty is ours, consequences are God's".  How many of us could truly say that we would feel as safe on the battle field as in bed?  Is our trust completely and fully in the powerful might of the King of kings?  "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." - Psalm 91:1-2  Are we content and resigned to whatever God's will is for our lives?  To me, one of the greatest blessings is to be a wife and mother.  God has given me a great responsibility as the mother of 8 children, and yes, there are days that I wonder if God knew what He was doing!  But who am I to question the God of the Universe?  We have been placed on the earth at this very time and in varying situations because that is what God had planned....before the foundations of the earth!  Many people frown upon the teachings of the Sovereignty of God, but I love the fact that God had my life planned out for me before He even created me, before He created the universe!  Nothing takes God by surprise!  I am so glad that He knows me better than I know myself, that I am in His care and that He even thinks about me!  "But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me..." - Psalm 40:17  Are we content and resigned to what God's will is for our lives?  Remember what man's chief end is...to glorify God and to enjoy Him foreverIt is all for His glory alone that we live our lives anyway, so let's purpose to be content!  
Soli Deo Gloria!

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great thoughts about God's Sovereignty in reflection of Jackson's birthday!

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  2. We're living in Virginia and around here, there's a state holiday called Lee-Jackson day in celebration of the two generals' birthdays. I never gave much thought about any of the Confederate generals until I met my husband, who is a fan. :) What a rich legacy they left behind!

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  3. Eventhough it's not a holiday here in GA, we celebrate it anyway!! They definitely left us a legacy that we can be proud of!

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