You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. Deuteronomy 8:17-18
Dear Friends,
Today as I progressed through Deuteronomy 7 and 8, something struck me. God never told Israel to make their land great; He told them to make Him known and to love Him with all their hearts. As I read through all the verses, the caution that kept popping up was, Cari, none of what you have is your doing. The source of it all was Me.
Chapter 8:17 was the profound caution that the testing can either produce humility or a heart that says, "my power, my strength, all mine." I have thought about what life might look like next December. Never in my wildest imagination would I have thought how this December would appear. In my heart I realized that for me when I contemplate "make America great," if I’m completely honest, it encompasses a stability of prosperity and a comfortable life. Yet, if I say, "make God great," I think of the rich man who walked away with his head down when the Lord told him, "sell all that you have." I have no confidence in myself to say, "oh that would never be me." I recognize that there could be some huge shifts next year that threaten everything we know and treasure. But ONE will never shift and only ONE is the constant.
The conditions the Lord gives are quite narrow and trim: Love the Lord God with ALL your heart and remember WHO - not what - is to be made great. America may not be destined for greatness in the grand scheme. But one thing I know; His name will stand and His kingdom to come will be amazing. Yet in the process, I, Cari Gintz, will be tested; and continue to be tested to the maximum! This post is meant to be deeply personal and, with all the isolation, the Lord has enforced how personal it really is. I want to pass the tests and be strong with whatever occurs, even if our very democracy is crushed. It is always good for me to rehearse as it helps me respond with discernment versus react with my emotions (which are typically running on high gear).
Much love everyone, Cari