by Charity Pence
Memory Verse: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Psalm 34:19 (NKJ)
"I'm not strong enough."
"I can't do it."
"It's more than I can handle."
Do you ever make those statements? I know I do. What I find interesting, though, is that for all my talk about not being strong enough, I'm strong enough to cling to things I shouldn't. Perhaps you can relate. Is there a situation in your life that God has asked you to correct? Have you taken the necessary steps to be obedient? Making changes is hard, regardless of their degree of difficulty. But I wonder, wouldn't it be easier to make the change and be done with it rather than exerting so much energy on fighting it?
Too many times I've allowed the devil to trap me in negative thought patterns like the ones listed above, but the problem isn't necessarily with the statements alone. The greater problem is that the statements and the discouragement that comes with them cause me to forget I don't have to have all the strength. Instead, I need to call out to Jesus, who is more than enough. Jesus said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJ)
Allowing ourselves to feel alone is easy, especially when faced with challenging circumstances. But God is right there with us. And "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:19. Don't let Satan fool you into thinking you're on your own to battle this world. Jesus says, "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." John 14:18 (KJV) Trust God to show you the way. "In all ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being all that I need, for never forsaking me when life becomes more than I can bear. Open my eyes so I see you, Lord, and nothing else. I place my trust in You, and You will not forsake me. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Power Verses:
Psalm 40:4: "Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust."
1 Peter 5:7: "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."
Showing posts with label Trusting God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trusting God. Show all posts
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Stepping Out In Faith
by Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 16:20 “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” (NKJ)
A good friend of mine recently told me something out of Christian love. She had heard me speak often about wanting children and waiting for the right time. And she’d heard me talk about being faithful and believing what God’s word says regarding blessings of children. However, she thought I wasn’t really trusting God. Why? Because I wasn’t doing anything.
Since I love and respect this friend, I was not bothered by what she told me. I spent the next week praying about that. One morning, as I was praying and considering what she’d said, God told me it was time to step out in faith. You see, I thought I was trusting God and being faithful by waiting. Waiting for God to correct our circumstances, waiting for God to provide what we would need, waiting for God to provide a job closer to home. Now don’t get me wrong; there are times when we need to wait. But I was waiting for things we didn’t really need yet. What I needed to do was move! Though I thought I was doing the right thing and trying to be responsible, I was actually holding God back. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJ)
Seldom does God move without expecting us to move with Him. When God revealed to me that the time to wait was over, I was a bit…terrified. Stepping out in faith is hard, but what better way is there to show God we truly trust in Him? So I am excited to announce my husband and I are beginning the adoption process. This is the path God has brought us to. And instead of standing back, we’re going to step up and watch our Lord move! “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.” Psalm 16:9 (NKJ).
Dear Heavenly Father, You are so faithful in your promises to us. Thank You for always providing for me and my husband through all of our trials. You have given us more than enough reason to trust in You. You are our provider, healer, counselor, and friend. I love you, Lord, and I look forward to the journey you are taking us on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Do you ever get tired of just waiting? Whatever you’re waiting for this week, pray about it. God might be waiting on you. And if that’s the case, it’s time to get moving!
Power Verses:
Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (KJV)
Isaiah 46:11 “Yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (KJV)
Romans 4:20 “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” (NKJ)
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 16:20 “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” (NKJ)
A good friend of mine recently told me something out of Christian love. She had heard me speak often about wanting children and waiting for the right time. And she’d heard me talk about being faithful and believing what God’s word says regarding blessings of children. However, she thought I wasn’t really trusting God. Why? Because I wasn’t doing anything.
Since I love and respect this friend, I was not bothered by what she told me. I spent the next week praying about that. One morning, as I was praying and considering what she’d said, God told me it was time to step out in faith. You see, I thought I was trusting God and being faithful by waiting. Waiting for God to correct our circumstances, waiting for God to provide what we would need, waiting for God to provide a job closer to home. Now don’t get me wrong; there are times when we need to wait. But I was waiting for things we didn’t really need yet. What I needed to do was move! Though I thought I was doing the right thing and trying to be responsible, I was actually holding God back. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJ)
Seldom does God move without expecting us to move with Him. When God revealed to me that the time to wait was over, I was a bit…terrified. Stepping out in faith is hard, but what better way is there to show God we truly trust in Him? So I am excited to announce my husband and I are beginning the adoption process. This is the path God has brought us to. And instead of standing back, we’re going to step up and watch our Lord move! “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.” Psalm 16:9 (NKJ).
Dear Heavenly Father, You are so faithful in your promises to us. Thank You for always providing for me and my husband through all of our trials. You have given us more than enough reason to trust in You. You are our provider, healer, counselor, and friend. I love you, Lord, and I look forward to the journey you are taking us on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Do you ever get tired of just waiting? Whatever you’re waiting for this week, pray about it. God might be waiting on you. And if that’s the case, it’s time to get moving!
Power Verses:
Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (KJV)
Isaiah 46:11 “Yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (KJV)
Romans 4:20 “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” (NKJ)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
God Our Motivator
by Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: “For the Lord will be your confidence.” Proverbs 3:26a (NIV)
I was talking to a writing buddy of mine earlier this week, and he mentioned he was not feeling very motivated to work on his writing project. He was looking for reinforcement to know he wasn’t wasting his time. And I realized something. We all lack motivation at some point.
Our daily demands keep us running, and it’s difficult to come up with the energy to put forth in something when we’re not seeing any positive results. In Deuteronomy 5:32, God tells the Israelites, “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” (NKJ) But maybe you’re tripping on stumbling block after stumbling block. Or perhaps you’re working on a task God has called you to do, and you have an expectation for how it will turn out, but it’s becoming nothing like you imagined it would be.
When we get to this point, we often question ourselves. Is this worth it? Am I doing something wrong? Should I do something else instead? And that’s where Satan gets us. Rather than listening to the devil and his lies, we need to focus on God. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37: 3-5 (KJV)
The fact is, what God asks us to do is not always easy. And we are human. We get tired, discouraged, scared. But Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NKJ) And that’s the truth.
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I get tired, and I wonder if I’m wasting my time. Forgive me for when I haven’t trusted in You as I should have. Strengthen me; help me to tune out the world so that the only voice I hear is Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Don’t let the devil convince you to quit. Trust God and God alone. He will be your strength and assurance.
Power Verses:
Zechariah 4:6b “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (NKJ) Psalm 121:1, 2 “I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (NIV)
Romans 5: 3, 4 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (KJV)
This Week’s Verse: “For the Lord will be your confidence.” Proverbs 3:26a (NIV)
I was talking to a writing buddy of mine earlier this week, and he mentioned he was not feeling very motivated to work on his writing project. He was looking for reinforcement to know he wasn’t wasting his time. And I realized something. We all lack motivation at some point.
Our daily demands keep us running, and it’s difficult to come up with the energy to put forth in something when we’re not seeing any positive results. In Deuteronomy 5:32, God tells the Israelites, “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” (NKJ) But maybe you’re tripping on stumbling block after stumbling block. Or perhaps you’re working on a task God has called you to do, and you have an expectation for how it will turn out, but it’s becoming nothing like you imagined it would be.
When we get to this point, we often question ourselves. Is this worth it? Am I doing something wrong? Should I do something else instead? And that’s where Satan gets us. Rather than listening to the devil and his lies, we need to focus on God. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37: 3-5 (KJV)
The fact is, what God asks us to do is not always easy. And we are human. We get tired, discouraged, scared. But Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NKJ) And that’s the truth.
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I get tired, and I wonder if I’m wasting my time. Forgive me for when I haven’t trusted in You as I should have. Strengthen me; help me to tune out the world so that the only voice I hear is Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Don’t let the devil convince you to quit. Trust God and God alone. He will be your strength and assurance.
Power Verses:
Zechariah 4:6b “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (NKJ) Psalm 121:1, 2 “I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (NIV)
Romans 5: 3, 4 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (KJV)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Getting Ahead of God
by Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (KJV)
In the midst of trials, it is tempting to give up on waiting for God to work. Sometimes I am tempted to take matters into my own hands instead of letting God move. When circumstances have me freaking out, I want solutions. I don’t always want to wait patiently for God to show me the answers. But today God directed me to Genesis Chapter 19, and the story got me thinking. Many of you may be familiar with this chapter. It is here we learn about Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who was directed by two angels to flee Sodom with his wife and virgin daughters. This story from the Bible is more known for Lot’s wife disobeying an order to not turn back while fleeing, and she is turned into a pillar of salt. Though that is a good lesson for obedience, that is not what God pointed out to me. I want to focus on the daughters. Verse 14 tells us the men who were to marry Lot’s daughters did not believe Lot was serious when he told them they needed to leave the city. These two men were killed when they refused to leave, which left the two daughters without husbands. We later learn that Lot takes refuge in a cave with the two girls. And the girls, who are left with no marriage prospects, decide to deceive their father so they can bear children. Their plan is successful; the eldest daughter gives birth to Moab, and the youngest gives birth to Ammon. These two boys become the father of the Moabites and Ammonites respectively. And you know what else? These two races become enemies to the Israelites. God was willing to save Lot and his family, and in return, Lot’s daughters gave birth to two races of people who would eventually become enemies to God’s people. Not the picture perfect ending one would hope for.
There is no way for us to know what would have been or could have been if the two daughters had waited for the Lord to bless them in His own time. And that is the lesson for this week. When we take matters into our own hands without seeking God’s will, there is no knowing what kind of damage we may be causing. Or what blessings we may be missing out on. Ezra 8:22 says, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” (NKJV) Therefore, it is imperative that we remain steadfast and faithful. It’s rarely easy, but God loves us and will not forsake us if we are diligent. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).” Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel as if I am drowning in circumstances beyond my control. Sometimes there is no light, and I cannot see, but I trust You are there. You have always been my provider. Please strengthen me, Lord, so I can stand firm on Your promises and please help me to believe all will be okay. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Applications: Sometimes life is just hard, and the answers are hardly ever clear. But God loves us all and does not desire for us to suffer. If you are struggling this week, don’t let the devil fill you with fear. Stand fast on God’s word and watch Him move on your behalf.
Power Verses:
I John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (KJV)
Galatians 3:14 “That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.” (NKJV)
Psalm 84:11, 12 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold form them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (KJV)
This Week’s Verse: Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (KJV)
In the midst of trials, it is tempting to give up on waiting for God to work. Sometimes I am tempted to take matters into my own hands instead of letting God move. When circumstances have me freaking out, I want solutions. I don’t always want to wait patiently for God to show me the answers. But today God directed me to Genesis Chapter 19, and the story got me thinking. Many of you may be familiar with this chapter. It is here we learn about Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who was directed by two angels to flee Sodom with his wife and virgin daughters. This story from the Bible is more known for Lot’s wife disobeying an order to not turn back while fleeing, and she is turned into a pillar of salt. Though that is a good lesson for obedience, that is not what God pointed out to me. I want to focus on the daughters. Verse 14 tells us the men who were to marry Lot’s daughters did not believe Lot was serious when he told them they needed to leave the city. These two men were killed when they refused to leave, which left the two daughters without husbands. We later learn that Lot takes refuge in a cave with the two girls. And the girls, who are left with no marriage prospects, decide to deceive their father so they can bear children. Their plan is successful; the eldest daughter gives birth to Moab, and the youngest gives birth to Ammon. These two boys become the father of the Moabites and Ammonites respectively. And you know what else? These two races become enemies to the Israelites. God was willing to save Lot and his family, and in return, Lot’s daughters gave birth to two races of people who would eventually become enemies to God’s people. Not the picture perfect ending one would hope for.
There is no way for us to know what would have been or could have been if the two daughters had waited for the Lord to bless them in His own time. And that is the lesson for this week. When we take matters into our own hands without seeking God’s will, there is no knowing what kind of damage we may be causing. Or what blessings we may be missing out on. Ezra 8:22 says, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” (NKJV) Therefore, it is imperative that we remain steadfast and faithful. It’s rarely easy, but God loves us and will not forsake us if we are diligent. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).” Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel as if I am drowning in circumstances beyond my control. Sometimes there is no light, and I cannot see, but I trust You are there. You have always been my provider. Please strengthen me, Lord, so I can stand firm on Your promises and please help me to believe all will be okay. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Applications: Sometimes life is just hard, and the answers are hardly ever clear. But God loves us all and does not desire for us to suffer. If you are struggling this week, don’t let the devil fill you with fear. Stand fast on God’s word and watch Him move on your behalf.
Power Verses:
I John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (KJV)
Galatians 3:14 “That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.” (NKJV)
Psalm 84:11, 12 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold form them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (KJV)
Friday, April 8, 2011
Encourage, Be Encouraged!
By Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (NKJV)
Devotion: I have been told I am a good listener. What a compliment! It is nice to know my friends are comfortable enough, and trust me enough, to share their troubles with me. Though sometimes they come to me seeking advice, most of the time they just need me to listen. I believe we are meant to encourage each other, and uplift each other. James 4:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (KJV) I really enjoy being an encourager to my friends. However, I often struggle with being on the other side.
I cannot explain why I hold back when something is troubling me. Lately, I have felt like I am dealing with more than I can handle. And though I put my trust in God and pray, I tend to keep my mouth shut around other people. People ask me how I am and I tell them I am fine. It seems I have been using that word a lot recently. Sometimes when I say it, I want to cringe because it isn’t always true. So why is that my answer? It has always been difficult for me to open up to others. However, God has put some awesome people in my life. The last few years have shown me how great my church family is. I think it is about time I trust in them more often.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for providing for me in all my needs. And thank you, thank you, thank you for the people you have put in my life.
Applications: The next time you feel overwhelmed, do not be afraid to call on a brother or sister in Christ. God puts special people in our lives for a reason. Believe that!
Power Verses:
1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” (NKJV)
Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” (KNJV)
Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” (NJKV)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Obedience
By Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: Exodus 23: 22-23, “But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. For my Angel will go before you.” (NKJV)
Devotion: Recently, I had an idea to do something and I brought it up to my husband. When he did not respond, I asked him what he thought. His reply was that I was going to do whatever I wanted so it did not matter what he thought. I am ashamed to admit he has said that to me before. His words really bothered me this time, though. However, I was not bothered by him speaking those words to me. I know he would agree that for the most part, we are very good at discussing things and making decisions together. I have never had a problem with authority either so why was I bothered?
Then a question formed in my mind. Do I do that to God? Do I ask Him what I should do and then do what I want regardless of what God tells me? My answer shamed me even more. Deuteronomy 5:29 says, “Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever.” This verse assures me that I am to obey God. So why is it so hard to do what He commands?
We know in our heart when God is trying to teach us something. I have long felt that God has been trying to teach me obedience. God would tell me to do something and I would always say in return, “Why?” or “That doesn’t make sense.” What He was telling me to do seemed so trivial that I could not help but wonder what the point was. I would like to give you an example.
Something that God has made me do repeatedly is change hangers when I am putting laundry away. I would put a shirt on a hanger and God would tell me to take the shirt off and use a different hanger. (In case you are wondering, I have never actually heard a voice so I am not crazy, I do not think. But feel free to laugh if you would like!)
Sometimes I would obey. Sometimes I would refuse. Why did it matter what hanger I used? After many, many lessons, I finally realized this: if I cannot do something as small and insignificant as change a hanger without questioning God, how can God expect me to do something bigger? After all, the purpose of obedience is to do as told without questioning. In 1 Samuel 15:23, Samuel tells Saul, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.” Disobedience to God has some pretty harsh consequences. Thankfully, God has not given up on me and continues to give me lessons.
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times I have refused to obey Your voice. Continue to shape me so that I am willing to do Your will. Help me to understand the consequences of being obedient and the consequences of being disobedient. Thank you for not giving up on me. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Applications: God desires for us to respond to His voice alone. This week, make it a point to recognize when God is giving you the opportunity to be obedient.
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 6:18, “And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land of which the Lord swore to your fathers.” (NKJV)
Amos 5:4, “For thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel, seek ye me, and ye shall live.” (KJV)
Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (KJV)
Friday, August 13, 2010
God's Bouquet
by Kathy Lay
This Week's Verse: Luke 12:28, "And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"(NLT)
Devotion:
My mother-in-law owned a flower shop years ago. She enjoyed putting together gorgeous bouquets of mixed flowers, each one bringing a special smell, color, texture, or shape to the creation. Each flower different, yet each one contributing to the overall effect.
She explained that you have to treat each type of flower differently in order for it to do as well as possible. For example, daisies and mums have to have their stems hammered in order to absorb the water in the vase. Delicate roses have to be gently cut at an angle and placed immediately in warm water. Other varieties do well with a simple straight cut.
She said it occurred to her one day as she worked that people are a lot like those flowers. We're all created differently—all uniquely beautiful and designed to contribute something to God's bigger picture, His beautiful arrangement in His kingdom here on earth. Some of us need to be pruned a little more arduously to reach our maximum potential. Some of us are hardy to begin with and need to be softened--maybe even hammered. And some of us have to be handled gently if we're to thrive. The Lord knows the conditions under which we'll flourish for Him.
How true! And when we yield to the Master Florist's techniques, He carefully places us in exactly the right spot among others who are different enough to allow all our special variations to blend, but shine through and be appreciated. He arranges us where we compliment each other and come together to be a part of something breathtakingly beautiful.
Father God, thank you for creating each of us uniquely. Thank you for caring for each of us in the special way that will bring us to our maximum potential in the beautiful bouquet of Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application: Have you found yourself asking God "Why?" lately? Put your trust in the hands of the Master Gardner who knows exactly what you need in order to fulfill your highest purpose.
Power Verses:
Matthew 6:28-29, "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."(NIV)
Isaiah 35:1-3, "Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees."(NLT)
Song of Solomon 2:12, "Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land."(NIV)
***Special thanks to my mother-in-law, Chalice Baier, for the Good Word that led to this devotional. :-)
This Week's Verse: Luke 12:28, "And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"(NLT)
Devotion:
My mother-in-law owned a flower shop years ago. She enjoyed putting together gorgeous bouquets of mixed flowers, each one bringing a special smell, color, texture, or shape to the creation. Each flower different, yet each one contributing to the overall effect.
She explained that you have to treat each type of flower differently in order for it to do as well as possible. For example, daisies and mums have to have their stems hammered in order to absorb the water in the vase. Delicate roses have to be gently cut at an angle and placed immediately in warm water. Other varieties do well with a simple straight cut.
She said it occurred to her one day as she worked that people are a lot like those flowers. We're all created differently—all uniquely beautiful and designed to contribute something to God's bigger picture, His beautiful arrangement in His kingdom here on earth. Some of us need to be pruned a little more arduously to reach our maximum potential. Some of us are hardy to begin with and need to be softened--maybe even hammered. And some of us have to be handled gently if we're to thrive. The Lord knows the conditions under which we'll flourish for Him.
How true! And when we yield to the Master Florist's techniques, He carefully places us in exactly the right spot among others who are different enough to allow all our special variations to blend, but shine through and be appreciated. He arranges us where we compliment each other and come together to be a part of something breathtakingly beautiful.
Father God, thank you for creating each of us uniquely. Thank you for caring for each of us in the special way that will bring us to our maximum potential in the beautiful bouquet of Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application: Have you found yourself asking God "Why?" lately? Put your trust in the hands of the Master Gardner who knows exactly what you need in order to fulfill your highest purpose.
Power Verses:
Matthew 6:28-29, "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."(NIV)
Isaiah 35:1-3, "Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees."(NLT)
Song of Solomon 2:12, "Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land."(NIV)
***Special thanks to my mother-in-law, Chalice Baier, for the Good Word that led to this devotional. :-)
Friday, July 2, 2010
Trust
by Bethany Lashbrook
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”(NIV)
Devotion:
Lately, I’ve had to trust a lot. I trust that Gabrielle will do just fine in kindergarten. I trust Savannah when she tells me she only grabbed one piece of candy from our candy jar. I trust Clint when he tells me six hours of sleep is enough per night for him. I trust that I can have the strength to sometimes refuse dessert, even when it looks yummy!
But lately, I have really had to put my TRUST in the LORD. I am at a major crossroads in my life and I have complete trust that the Lord will put me on the right path.
I have complete trust that no matter how bad I want to mess with things, that the Lord will quietly (or maybe loudly) tell me to quit meddling in His business. I have 100% trust in letting him make the right decisions for my children when long, hot summer days have us exhausted and in each other’s hair at the end of the day. I have given the Lord all my trust to continue to bless my marriage that I am in; to help Clint and me become more fruitful in our endeavors each and every day.
While studying the book of Job this last month at FCC, I have often wondered how much trust Job put into the Lord after all of his hardships. We see him lose his family, his livestock, his servants, and then is afflicted with painful sores. We see Job deal with his feelings in the next several chapters following these life-changing moments. He really starts to feel sorry for himself, wondering why he had to go through all of these mishaps.
Even so, he seems to return to understanding that trust in anything but the Lord is useless. He says “Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return”(15:31, NIV).
It is not very often in our lives that we are REALLY tested like Job was. I have to wonder how trustworthy I would be if something serious were to happen. The events thus far in my life seem “manageable”. But other events, they could be detrimental to my life. I hope that the Lord will be proud of me just as He was with Job. I hope to stand tall, proclaim that the Lord is in control, and be the best Christian that I know how to be.
Dear Lord, thank you for the book of Job. Thank you for choosing these men and women of the bible to remind us that we are not alone. Thank you for knowing just what we need to hear, need to read, and need to focus on in your Word so that we can apply it to our lives. And thank you, most of all, for sending your Son to die on the cross. Continue to help us grow in You. In Your Son’s Name I pray, Amen.
Application:
Have you read the book of Job? It can be a tough book, but a chapter or two at a time helps make it easier. Job really is on an emotional roller coaster. He loses his family, his friends turn on him, and he feels rejected and left alone. Yet, he continues on. I don’t know about you, but as a woman in today’s world…I get to feeling like this. Job really is an inspiration to turn to. He survives – and so can we!
Power Verses:
Psalm 9:10, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”(NLT)
Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”(NKJV)
John 12:36, “Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.”(NIV)
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”(NIV)
Devotion:
Lately, I’ve had to trust a lot. I trust that Gabrielle will do just fine in kindergarten. I trust Savannah when she tells me she only grabbed one piece of candy from our candy jar. I trust Clint when he tells me six hours of sleep is enough per night for him. I trust that I can have the strength to sometimes refuse dessert, even when it looks yummy!
But lately, I have really had to put my TRUST in the LORD. I am at a major crossroads in my life and I have complete trust that the Lord will put me on the right path.
I have complete trust that no matter how bad I want to mess with things, that the Lord will quietly (or maybe loudly) tell me to quit meddling in His business. I have 100% trust in letting him make the right decisions for my children when long, hot summer days have us exhausted and in each other’s hair at the end of the day. I have given the Lord all my trust to continue to bless my marriage that I am in; to help Clint and me become more fruitful in our endeavors each and every day.
While studying the book of Job this last month at FCC, I have often wondered how much trust Job put into the Lord after all of his hardships. We see him lose his family, his livestock, his servants, and then is afflicted with painful sores. We see Job deal with his feelings in the next several chapters following these life-changing moments. He really starts to feel sorry for himself, wondering why he had to go through all of these mishaps.
Even so, he seems to return to understanding that trust in anything but the Lord is useless. He says “Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return”(15:31, NIV).
It is not very often in our lives that we are REALLY tested like Job was. I have to wonder how trustworthy I would be if something serious were to happen. The events thus far in my life seem “manageable”. But other events, they could be detrimental to my life. I hope that the Lord will be proud of me just as He was with Job. I hope to stand tall, proclaim that the Lord is in control, and be the best Christian that I know how to be.
Dear Lord, thank you for the book of Job. Thank you for choosing these men and women of the bible to remind us that we are not alone. Thank you for knowing just what we need to hear, need to read, and need to focus on in your Word so that we can apply it to our lives. And thank you, most of all, for sending your Son to die on the cross. Continue to help us grow in You. In Your Son’s Name I pray, Amen.
Application:
Have you read the book of Job? It can be a tough book, but a chapter or two at a time helps make it easier. Job really is on an emotional roller coaster. He loses his family, his friends turn on him, and he feels rejected and left alone. Yet, he continues on. I don’t know about you, but as a woman in today’s world…I get to feeling like this. Job really is an inspiration to turn to. He survives – and so can we!
Power Verses:
Psalm 9:10, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”(NLT)
Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”(NKJV)
John 12:36, “Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.”(NIV)
Friday, November 6, 2009
Upside Down Kingdom: Trials
by Missy Milbourn
This Week's Verse: James 1:2, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." (NIV)
Devotion:
So many times as I read the Bible, which explains and describes and teaches the things of the Kingdom of God, I think what an upside down kingdom. God looks at things so differently than the way the world teaches us to view things.
The longer I’m a Christian, the more I realize how important it is that we go through the process of the “renewing of the mind”. We need to let go of how the world looks at things, and grab hold of how the Lord looks at things. Take this week’s scripture for example:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”
WHAT!?! Are you out of your mind?!?!
I don’t know about you, but when troubles come my way, I am anything but joyful about it. Seriously.
Depending on what trouble comes my way, my response to it--instead of being joyful--typically falls under one of these categories:
Fearful
Angered
or
Offended
Let’s pick one of those and examine it a bit. Let’s say that I get angry easily, and I find that various situations keep happening that cause me to become angry. As a result, I think, why does trouble continually come into my life causing me to be upset?!
A wise Christian friend once told me that God, in his mercy, often brings us to the same mountain because He wants us to learn how to get over that mountain.
I believe that’s a huge part of what James 1 is teaching. Let’s looks at it in The Message: "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way" (James 1:2-4).
If anger is our issue, I can assure you that God wants to help us deal with that, because we’ll be a lot happier if we’re not honked off all the time.
If being offended is our issue, I can assure you that God wants to help us with that, because we’ll be a lot happier if our feelings aren’t hurt all the time.
If fear is our issue, I can assure you that God wants to help us with that because we’ll have a happier life if we learn to trust God instead of living in a state of worry all the time.
Oftentimes when we find ourselves mad or offended or fearful, our first inclination is to flee the situation. But God is saying “don’t”. Don’t leave prematurely, but let this trial do its work in you so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
John Bevere, in his book The Bait of Satan, speaks of how Christians often leave their church over an offense. And often, when they do that, they run into the same problem at their next church. Because, guess what, God wants to work something out in that person, and as long as we’re in relationship with Him, He’s going to keep bringing the issue up. He wants to help us through it, because we belong to Him, and He’s molding us into His image for our benefit, and for the benefit of His Kingdom. He is guiding us into full maturity.
Let’s not run from what He has for us. But instead, let’s ask Him what it is He wants us to learn from the trial. Knowing that we can trust Him to make us mature, not deficient in any way…and that, my friend, is reason for joy.
Father, it is so hard when trouble comes our way. Typically our reaction is a “not so good” emotional one. But Lord, help us to trust you when trouble comes our way. Help us to know You more. To lean on You more. To learn from You, allowing the trial to grow us up in whatever manner you see fit.
Application:
Think about how you respond when troubles come your way. Or maybe you are in the midst of a trial right now. Take a moment to think about what God may want to teach you through that particular trial.
Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:10, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (NIV)
This Week's Verse: James 1:2, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." (NIV)
Devotion:
So many times as I read the Bible, which explains and describes and teaches the things of the Kingdom of God, I think what an upside down kingdom. God looks at things so differently than the way the world teaches us to view things.
The longer I’m a Christian, the more I realize how important it is that we go through the process of the “renewing of the mind”. We need to let go of how the world looks at things, and grab hold of how the Lord looks at things. Take this week’s scripture for example:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”
WHAT!?! Are you out of your mind?!?!
I don’t know about you, but when troubles come my way, I am anything but joyful about it. Seriously.
Depending on what trouble comes my way, my response to it--instead of being joyful--typically falls under one of these categories:
Fearful
Angered
or
Offended
Let’s pick one of those and examine it a bit. Let’s say that I get angry easily, and I find that various situations keep happening that cause me to become angry. As a result, I think, why does trouble continually come into my life causing me to be upset?!
A wise Christian friend once told me that God, in his mercy, often brings us to the same mountain because He wants us to learn how to get over that mountain.
I believe that’s a huge part of what James 1 is teaching. Let’s looks at it in The Message: "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way" (James 1:2-4).
If anger is our issue, I can assure you that God wants to help us deal with that, because we’ll be a lot happier if we’re not honked off all the time.
If being offended is our issue, I can assure you that God wants to help us with that, because we’ll be a lot happier if our feelings aren’t hurt all the time.
If fear is our issue, I can assure you that God wants to help us with that because we’ll have a happier life if we learn to trust God instead of living in a state of worry all the time.
Oftentimes when we find ourselves mad or offended or fearful, our first inclination is to flee the situation. But God is saying “don’t”. Don’t leave prematurely, but let this trial do its work in you so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
John Bevere, in his book The Bait of Satan, speaks of how Christians often leave their church over an offense. And often, when they do that, they run into the same problem at their next church. Because, guess what, God wants to work something out in that person, and as long as we’re in relationship with Him, He’s going to keep bringing the issue up. He wants to help us through it, because we belong to Him, and He’s molding us into His image for our benefit, and for the benefit of His Kingdom. He is guiding us into full maturity.
Let’s not run from what He has for us. But instead, let’s ask Him what it is He wants us to learn from the trial. Knowing that we can trust Him to make us mature, not deficient in any way…and that, my friend, is reason for joy.
Father, it is so hard when trouble comes our way. Typically our reaction is a “not so good” emotional one. But Lord, help us to trust you when trouble comes our way. Help us to know You more. To lean on You more. To learn from You, allowing the trial to grow us up in whatever manner you see fit.
Application:
Think about how you respond when troubles come your way. Or maybe you are in the midst of a trial right now. Take a moment to think about what God may want to teach you through that particular trial.
Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:10, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (NIV)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Confessions
by Bethany Lashbrook
This Week’s Verse: Genesis 1:27, "Then God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (NLT)
Devotion:
I have a confession to make (and know that this is very hard for me to admit). I am uncomfortable with my body. It has just been in the last several years that I have maintained this attitude. I am unhappy with my weight, my thighs, my belly, and anything that gravity has taken over. I would say that lately, the only things I have been happy with are the things that haven’t changed such as my eye color, my eyelashes, my hands and my feet.
I have been struggling with any attempts to ask God to help me correct this. I just want to go back to my glory high school days and be thin again. This past week I finally gave in and asked God what I could do to have a better image of myself…after all we are made in His likeness. At no surprise to me, God indirectly gave me the answers. They were tough to digest, and this will definitely be a work in progress, but he reminded me of how beautiful I am to Him.
I have read two separate books this week, both on completely different topics, and they both managed to touch the subject of self-worth. I will give you the take home messages of what I read. The first book explained how until we are truly comfortable in our bodies, we will never be happy. We will never thank God for our glorious bodies, but instead be jealous of others for their bodies. We will be ungrateful and therefore unkind to our Lord for what He has chosen to give us.
The second book talked about how in our culture, self-hatred is so common that we just assume it to be true. Other cultures can’t even imagine self-hatred because there is so much self-love. Self-what??? In a culture that tells us that eating nothing is “in” and being a bit on the heavier side is “out” – no wonder we all our so unhappy. Have you looked in a magazine lately? Beyond a certain brand of underwear, I don’t think I have seen one model that is even remotely close to my size.
After reading these two books God helped me understand two things. One, I was comparing my body to others. And two, I didn’t love my body like I should. So, setting out on a new adventure of this “self-love”, I am going to try to love my body. I am going to try to love me like God loves me.
I will set out today to the gym, a place where beautiful bodies walk through the door every couple of minutes. But, today is going to be a new day. One of those beautiful bodies is going to be mine. And I will be proud of what my Glorious and Massive God can do…make me in His likeness and in His image.
Thank you, Lord, for creating me like you. Forgive me for not appreciating my appearance as I should. Forgive me for yearning to have what others have. Forgive me for thinking that you should have made me different. I know you have a plan for my life, and I couldn’t do it without my body and my mind being the exact way that it is. Please help me to appreciate and understand all that I am with your eyes, Lord. Amen.
Application: Do you struggle with your image? Do you have any other struggles? Do you compare your house, car, and possessions to others? If so, thank God today for what He gave you. Ask Him to show you why he has given you these things and not others. Ask Him why He has asked you to struggle in certain areas of your life. He may not answer today, or it may not be the answer you were ready to hear, but He will answer.
Power Verses:
Psalm 86:4, "Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you." (NLT)
Ephesians 4:23-24, "And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness." (AMP)
1 Corinthians 12:18, "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."(NIV)
This Week’s Verse: Genesis 1:27, "Then God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (NLT)
Devotion:
I have a confession to make (and know that this is very hard for me to admit). I am uncomfortable with my body. It has just been in the last several years that I have maintained this attitude. I am unhappy with my weight, my thighs, my belly, and anything that gravity has taken over. I would say that lately, the only things I have been happy with are the things that haven’t changed such as my eye color, my eyelashes, my hands and my feet.
I have been struggling with any attempts to ask God to help me correct this. I just want to go back to my glory high school days and be thin again. This past week I finally gave in and asked God what I could do to have a better image of myself…after all we are made in His likeness. At no surprise to me, God indirectly gave me the answers. They were tough to digest, and this will definitely be a work in progress, but he reminded me of how beautiful I am to Him.
I have read two separate books this week, both on completely different topics, and they both managed to touch the subject of self-worth. I will give you the take home messages of what I read. The first book explained how until we are truly comfortable in our bodies, we will never be happy. We will never thank God for our glorious bodies, but instead be jealous of others for their bodies. We will be ungrateful and therefore unkind to our Lord for what He has chosen to give us.
The second book talked about how in our culture, self-hatred is so common that we just assume it to be true. Other cultures can’t even imagine self-hatred because there is so much self-love. Self-what??? In a culture that tells us that eating nothing is “in” and being a bit on the heavier side is “out” – no wonder we all our so unhappy. Have you looked in a magazine lately? Beyond a certain brand of underwear, I don’t think I have seen one model that is even remotely close to my size.
After reading these two books God helped me understand two things. One, I was comparing my body to others. And two, I didn’t love my body like I should. So, setting out on a new adventure of this “self-love”, I am going to try to love my body. I am going to try to love me like God loves me.
I will set out today to the gym, a place where beautiful bodies walk through the door every couple of minutes. But, today is going to be a new day. One of those beautiful bodies is going to be mine. And I will be proud of what my Glorious and Massive God can do…make me in His likeness and in His image.
Thank you, Lord, for creating me like you. Forgive me for not appreciating my appearance as I should. Forgive me for yearning to have what others have. Forgive me for thinking that you should have made me different. I know you have a plan for my life, and I couldn’t do it without my body and my mind being the exact way that it is. Please help me to appreciate and understand all that I am with your eyes, Lord. Amen.
Application: Do you struggle with your image? Do you have any other struggles? Do you compare your house, car, and possessions to others? If so, thank God today for what He gave you. Ask Him to show you why he has given you these things and not others. Ask Him why He has asked you to struggle in certain areas of your life. He may not answer today, or it may not be the answer you were ready to hear, but He will answer.
Power Verses:
Psalm 86:4, "Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you." (NLT)
Ephesians 4:23-24, "And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness." (AMP)
1 Corinthians 12:18, "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."(NIV)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Confident Dependence
by Kathy Lay
This Week’s Verse: Hosea 13:6, “…always live in confident dependence on your God.” (NLT)
Devotion:
Remember that team-building exercise that was all the rage for awhile at everything from corporate workshops to summer camps? You know the one—members of small groups were asked to take turns falling backwards into the arms of the others in their group. The purpose was to address trust issues, thereby fostering more cohesiveness and unity within the group.
Though I was never asked to participate in that experience myself, any time I’d heard others talk about it I always wondered what the big deal was. I thought about the people I’ve worked with, played with, lived with, worshiped with, and generally “done life” with, and I don’t think I’d hesitate for a second to fall back, trusting them to catch me. (Hmm…maybe I’m TOO trusting?!)
But what I realized is that even though I might fully trust them to not let me hit the ground during a pre-planned, artificial scenario, I may have trouble trusting them not to let me down in real life. Can I really trust so-and-so to get such-and-such to me by that deadline? Will so- and-so convey the message in as detailed a manner as necessary? Are the kids going to remember to feed and water the dog as they promised? It’s those kinds of areas where I have trust issues. I guess I question others’ follow-through.
But you know who always follows through? I mean, always? I’ll drop a few hints—he’s crazy in love with you. He sings and dances over you. He desires to spend forever with you so much that he became flesh so he could die for you, but he’s such a gentleman that he leaves the decision up to you. If you choose him, he works miracles in your life whether or not you realize how perfect they are for you at that moment.
Now that’s someone we can trust. I loved the phrase from this week’s verse the moment I read it. Confident dependence on God…that’s what I want to always have. I want to wholly depend on him and be 100% confident that He’ll come through. I believe it in my head, but when it gets down to the daily ins and outs of life, do I live it out from my core? Do you?
Let’s depend on God with such confidence that we don’t hesitate for a millisecond to fall back into His big arms. He’ll never let us crash when we do.
Father, sometimes it’s just so tough to trust your timing or accept your will and yet you always follow through with mercy and grace when we ask you to. Help us to trust in full confidence that we can depend on you for everything that’s best for us, when it’s best for us. Help us to confidently depend on You. By all the authority in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Whether it’s falling backward, taking a leap of faith (off a cliff, sometimes!), or running hard, trusting God fully usually requires some action on our part. What steps have you taken recently to put your faith into action? What steps do you need to take to show God you’re confidently depending on Him in a certain situation?
Power Verses:
2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (NLT)
James 5:11, “…From his [Job’s] experience we see how the Lord’s plan finally ended in good, for he is full of tenderness and mercy.” (NLT)
Psalm 44:3, “They did not conquer the land with their swords; It was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeed; It was because you favored them and smiled on them.” (NLT)
This Week’s Verse: Hosea 13:6, “…always live in confident dependence on your God.” (NLT)
Devotion:
Remember that team-building exercise that was all the rage for awhile at everything from corporate workshops to summer camps? You know the one—members of small groups were asked to take turns falling backwards into the arms of the others in their group. The purpose was to address trust issues, thereby fostering more cohesiveness and unity within the group.
Though I was never asked to participate in that experience myself, any time I’d heard others talk about it I always wondered what the big deal was. I thought about the people I’ve worked with, played with, lived with, worshiped with, and generally “done life” with, and I don’t think I’d hesitate for a second to fall back, trusting them to catch me. (Hmm…maybe I’m TOO trusting?!)
But what I realized is that even though I might fully trust them to not let me hit the ground during a pre-planned, artificial scenario, I may have trouble trusting them not to let me down in real life. Can I really trust so-and-so to get such-and-such to me by that deadline? Will so- and-so convey the message in as detailed a manner as necessary? Are the kids going to remember to feed and water the dog as they promised? It’s those kinds of areas where I have trust issues. I guess I question others’ follow-through.
But you know who always follows through? I mean, always? I’ll drop a few hints—he’s crazy in love with you. He sings and dances over you. He desires to spend forever with you so much that he became flesh so he could die for you, but he’s such a gentleman that he leaves the decision up to you. If you choose him, he works miracles in your life whether or not you realize how perfect they are for you at that moment.
Now that’s someone we can trust. I loved the phrase from this week’s verse the moment I read it. Confident dependence on God…that’s what I want to always have. I want to wholly depend on him and be 100% confident that He’ll come through. I believe it in my head, but when it gets down to the daily ins and outs of life, do I live it out from my core? Do you?
Let’s depend on God with such confidence that we don’t hesitate for a millisecond to fall back into His big arms. He’ll never let us crash when we do.
Father, sometimes it’s just so tough to trust your timing or accept your will and yet you always follow through with mercy and grace when we ask you to. Help us to trust in full confidence that we can depend on you for everything that’s best for us, when it’s best for us. Help us to confidently depend on You. By all the authority in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Whether it’s falling backward, taking a leap of faith (off a cliff, sometimes!), or running hard, trusting God fully usually requires some action on our part. What steps have you taken recently to put your faith into action? What steps do you need to take to show God you’re confidently depending on Him in a certain situation?
Power Verses:
2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (NLT)
James 5:11, “…From his [Job’s] experience we see how the Lord’s plan finally ended in good, for he is full of tenderness and mercy.” (NLT)
Psalm 44:3, “They did not conquer the land with their swords; It was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeed; It was because you favored them and smiled on them.” (NLT)
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