Job 1:9-11

"So Satan answered the LORD and said, Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" Job 1:9-11

Sometimes a person just needs to be sheltered. Other times he needs to be thrown into the crucible of purification. The trick is to know which at the right time. Dr. James Dobson talks a lot about tough love. God talks about holding you under His wing like a baby chick. Jesus told Peter that satan had requested permission to sift him like wheat - and He granted it!

There are times, when we hurt, when we are weak, when we are tired, that we need to rest under God's protection. We need that hedge built around us.

However, when we become too comfortable, God needs to kick us out of our nest and into the rarefied air of trouble - like an eaglet - so that we may grow stronger.

Whichever situation you find yourself in today, rest assured that God has it under control. Satan had to ask permission. God had to grant it before it could happen. God will give you the grace and strength to be the victor in the tough times.

Remember to pray for All Things - and start with confessing your sins. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.