The visualization is fascinating, showing the ascent and decline of various states, nations, and empires.

I looked at the chart for a long time, my eyes capturing the rise and fall of civilizations, their power expanding and dwindling as their enemies overpowered their territories: The great Egyptians losing dominance as Babylon gains territory. The rise of the Assyrians, later dominated by the Persians while Babylon faded away. The Greeks’ rise, subsequently incorporated into the great Roman Empire – by far the most expansive power in world history, strategically highlighted in pink on the chart.

As my investigation reached modern history, I found the lines displaying the rise of the United States of America, while the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan’s dominance slowly declined. I lingered there for a while, recalling the many events that made America a world power during its young life.

“Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.” — Marcus Aurelius

Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.” — Marcus Aurelius #ModayMotivation #election2020 #MondayDevotional @AJC
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Much has been said, especially during this election year, about concerns for our country’s future. Social injustice, rioting, COVID-19, the uncertainties about the future leadership of the world’s greatest super-power and the unrest and fear that each of these issues stir up in our hearts are enough reason to wonder whether we are witnessing the beginning of the fall of these great United States.

Indeed, one does not need to be a history buff to know that most great empires started crumbling from within, weakening its society to a place where its borders crumbled to their enemies. And one look at the “Histomap” is enough to realize that history indeed repeats itself.

One does not need to be a history buff to know that most great empires started crumbling from within, weakening its society to a place where its borders crumbled to their enemies. #ModayMotivation #election2020 #MondayDevotional @AJC
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As I watched the news and angry or anxious posts on social media for the past couple of days, I confess that a certain level of anxiety threatened to steal my peace.

But as I bowed down to pray this morning, the 40th chapter in the prophet Isaiah’s book came to mind. The chapter in my Bible is titled: “The Sovereignty of God.” It is one of my favorite passages in Scriptures, its truths having carried me through many valleys and uncertainties in the past.

Amongst its verses, precious gems once again reminded me about the fragility of life, empires and kings, in light of the unfathomable power and wisdom of God:

“It is He (God) who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. (…)”

“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales (…)”

And

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord, and the justice due me escapes the notice of my God’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable (…)”

As I sat in my prayer room reading these words, I remembered the Histomap chart I recently studied, and inexplicable peace filled my anxious heart.

Every ruler, good or bad, is appointed by God to accomplish his purposes. They come and go. And so will every empire, ’til Kingdom comes.

But God? He is the only true Sovereign in the universe. He stands alone as the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

God is the only true sovereign in the universe. He stands alone as the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. #ModayMotivation #election2020 #MondayDevotional @AJC
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That, my friend, should give everyone who believes and trusts him the peace and assurance that, no matter what happens tomorrow, He will carry us through.

There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s sovereignty (…) for it is God upon the Throne whom we trust.” — C.H. Spurgeon.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Click HERE to read it on the AJC’s website.

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LINKUP is open! This week, in my column for the @AJC: Are we witnessing the beginning of the fall of the greatest world power in modern history? A commentary on Kingdoms, rulers, and God's sovereignty. Join us?
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The post LINKUP! Kingdoms, Rulers… and God’s Sovereignty {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Maybe that’s an exaggeration.

But…

I’m not the only one who finds my heart getting heavy when God’s provision is the same old ordinary stuff day after day.

When The Same-Old Grows Stale

Recently set free from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were roaming the wilderness when they cried out to God for food. He graciously provided, dropping down manna from heaven.  Just bits of bread tasting like coriander and honey, the manna was spread across the transient camp daily for 40 years (Exodus 16.)

Though the idea of bread raining down from heaven is extraordinary, the Israelites quickly grew bored with God’s unfailing but monotonous meal choice.

They always had enough.

But the people had enough of just enough.

Bored, they complained against the Lord. The people got sick of manna. It was bland, it was wearisome, and really- how long can anyone live with the same old same old?

What Does God Do When We Grumble about the Same Old?

Like the Israelites, we often ARE grateful the Lord always provides. But sometimes, we wish God’s provision was just a little more exciting.

Take note of God’s response to the Israelites when they felt much the same. He was faithful. That’s who He is.

“If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT.)

On top of faithfully providing the same old, same old, God also threw in a little flavor here and there.

Throughout the wilderness routine, God surprised the Israelites with quail and likely livestock…not falling from heaven, but from their battle victories.

At the end of those forty years, those manna-fed people crossed the Jordan and entered the Promised Land. They had homes of their own, freedom to live for His glory, and even gardens and pastures for raising all sorts of foods.

When they entered the Promised Land, the Israelites had forty years’ worth of reminders of His faithfulness shaping their appetites and palettes. The ordinary, too-familiar taste of His extraordinary provision lingered on their lips.

What a sweet treat -one we’re blessed by too.

Praise God, He Sustains Us

The excitement we yearn for has less to do with our present life and more to do with daily taking in what He provides. When we’re willing to believe it, our joy is found because:

His promises are true every day.

His provision, even when it seems monotonous, sustains us.

God is who He is- and that’s exciting, even day by (regular old) day.

Remaining fresh and delighted in faith is often fueled by ordinary ways of witnessing His extraordinary faithfulness.

Remaining fresh and delighted in faith is often fueled by ordinary ways of witnessing His extraordinary faithfulness.
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As you and I take our next big bites of ordinary, let’s chew on the bland in delighted faith. Our provision is from the perfect One. He’s providing us with tastes of His constant presence day by day, nourishing us to grow in Him along the way.

What’s one thing you’re grateful God is providing for you even though it’s plain?

{A version of this post was previously published here.}

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LINKUP is open! This week, my friend @BethanyMcIlrath invites us to delight in every provision that comes from our faithful God... yes, even those that seem too ordinary and bland!Join us?
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The post When Your Manna Tastes Bland {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.