Perseverance

 

James 1:2-3 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Today when I prayed I asked God for perseverance and the  scripture above came to mind.  We have test and trials to teach us to persevere.  To help us continue in faith regardless of how things might look.  When we past one test we gain the oxygen and strength to past the next one.  We learn endurance.  And we can endure because we are not alone in our trials and tribulations.  God is with us and for us and thus we overcome.

1 John 5:4 NIV

for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

I know that trials and test can make one weary, but God has a solution for that too.  He tells us to come to Him. 

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

We can find rest in Jesus.  We can take on His yoke which is easy and burden which is light. A yoke is placed on animals who are carrying a plow.  The purpose is to make it easier for the animals to work as a team.  Our yokes are to help us manage the burden because we are yoked with Christ.  We walk in step with Him and the burden is lighter.  Christ is gentle with us and will give us everything we need. We just need to hold on to His hand.  

I don't know what challenge you are facing but I believe that we all can run this race if we keep our eyes on the prize-Jesus.  He will grant us perseverance as we trust in Him.

Lord, I thank You for each day.  I thank You for granting me perseverance with each challenge I face.  Thank You for seeing me through and thank You for granting me rest.  I thank You for Son Jesus and all that He does for me and others.  I praise your matchless Name.  In Jesus name I do pray. Amen 

Comfort in times of trouble

 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Recently I discovered that a friend of mine is facing a challenging time.  They received and unfavorable doctor's report. What do you when the doctor's report is unfavorable and you feel overwhelmed?  What do you do as a friend?  How can you help?

While the magnitude of what's happening hasn't quite resonated with me, I know the one thing to do is to trust God.  We can trust that He will be our comfort  so that we can comfort others.  We can trust in HIs word that says in Isaiah 43:2 ,"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." No matter what we face God is with us.  He will see us through.  He will see my friend and your loved ones through.  

I have no clichés or fancy words for my friend.  All I can say is that I am praying for you and with you. And then do just that and leave the heavy lifting up to God who is able.  I am there to be a sounding board if need be, an encourager.  I can't fix it.  I can't make it go away.  But I have to believe that God has a plan and even in this God is good.

Lord,  I don't understand everything, but I know that You are in control.  Stand by friend and others who are going through troubled times. Let them feel Your presence and Your love.  Help us as family members and friends to trust in You and Your ways.  In Jesus name.  Amen

When life is hard

 

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Life can be hard.  We deal with unmet expectations, sickness, tough circumstances, and financial fears.  Changes all around and hearing door close instead of opening can be frustrating.  The cares of life can take a mental toll. Yet, even in the midst of hardship we must stand on the promises of God.  We must combat the enemy with the truth of God.

Truth 1- God is with us wherever we go.  We don't have to be discouraged because with have the Almighty God on our side.  We don't have to be afraid of the unknown because He knows all.

Truth 2-Nothing can separate us from His love. Romans 8: 35-39 reads...Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Truth 3- He is working all things out for our good ( Romans 8:28).  The good and bad is being worked for our good.  He has a plan for our lives and it is good.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Truth 4- Trials have a purpose and in them we learn to trust God.  We can trust that He will provide. James 1; 2-4 says  to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

And Philippians 4:19 declares that "my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Not some but all.

Life is hard, but our God is bigger. We have to lean into that truth and know that He sees us and that He cares. In fact He is interceding on our behalf ( Romans 8:34).  So let us be strong and courageous knowing that our heavenly Father is with us always.

Lord, life can be scary, but we know that You cast out fear.  Let us stand strong knowing that You are by our side.  We trust You to provide for needs both emotional, physical and spiritual. You are our Father and You love us. So let us combat fear and discouragement with the truth of Your word.  Let us look to You.  Forgive us when we falter.  Raise our heads and help us to look up.  In Jesus name we do pray. Amen

Personal space?

 

James 4:8 ESV

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Yesterday something strange happened.  I was ordering my food  at Subway and the next customer came and stood right next to me.  She did not stand behind me and wait, but pulled up right beside me invading my personal space.  I did all that I could do try to create some distance, but when I moved she moved.  When it came time to pay, I finally couldn't hold my tongue and I asked for some personal space. As soon as I said it, I immediately thought of Jesus. The question popped in my head. Do I ask God for personal space or do I draw near to Him?

I want to feel His presence, but do I want Him stride for stride like the young customer who meant me no harm?  I am still figuring that out, but I know the Lord says draw near to Him and He will draw near to me.  I need the Lord near me.  I need His strength and grace to live out the days that He has blessed me with.  I want to move when He moves and He move when I move so that I can be abiding in Him and Him in me.  I do not want any space between us.  I want to be hidden in Christ, breathing the air He exhales to me.

The second part of James 4:8 tells us to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts.  God is a Holy God and we are called to be holy ( 1 Peter 1:16).   We should be singular devotion to God and convicted in our thought to love Jesus; committed to His ways and not double-minded.  We are to be His and serve one Master.

Lord, thank You for using everyday things in life as way to check my heart and attitude.  May I surrender and submit to You.  May I draw near to You so that You may draw near to me. Forgive me for when I ask for space, I do so in ignorance.  I love you Lord and bless that customer.  In Jesus name. Amen