What if?

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Before the sun had risen, I stayed in bed worrying about things that needed to be taken care of, and I also worried about the possibility of a difficult conversation I might need to have with someone. And to top it off, I started worrying about other problems and all the many, many, many problems in the world. The “what if” scenarios rolled around in my mind taken away my peace, comfort, and joy.

Then I had a gentle prompt in my spirit to stop worrying about the “what if” and remember that whatever happens God is with His children.

Confidence, peace, comfort, and joy, come from our great and awesome God. We need to remember who God is – He is all-powerful, almighty, He loves with an unfailing love, He is the God of all comfort, He is always in control, and He promises to never leave or forsake us. We need to also remember if we have Christ as our Savior, we are a child of the King of kings, and oh how He loves His children!

Whatever happens, whatever comes, God is with you through it all. 

“Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice” (Isaiah 41:10, AMPC).

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Renew the view

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Stop the world, I want to get off! Anyone else feel that way? Goodness, it’s crazy out there. People are worried, fearful, and angry, and with the mess of the world it’s easy to get caught up in the messiness.

However, I need to remember to renew the view by viewing from the proper perspective of God’s truth. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth.” ~ John 17:17 (AMP)

We are to be sanctified in God’s truth — set apart, dedicated, holy. As Christians, we are not of this world, our citizenship is in heaven and in that truth we are overcomers, united and grounded in the solid rock of God’s love.  

We don’t have to fear, because God’s perfect love casts out fear. Although we are subject to government, we need to remember on Whose shoulders rests the government. Pray for those in authority, living lives that show the love of God. Some trust in chariots and horses (political parties), but we can completely trust in the Lord.

Take a deep breath, cease striving and remember God is in control and over all nations. No need to be anxious or worried, God knows what you need and He’s got all you need. Trust in the Lord, He’ll direct your paths. Trust in God, rely on Him, do good, dwell in the land and be faithful. Love one another. Don’t fear, God is with you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t fear men. Rejoice in the Lord. Rest in the Lord. Trust in the Lord. You are safe forever in God’s loving hands.

take-a-deep-breath-god-is-in-control-photo-by-lisa-buffaloe

Romans 12:2, Philippians 3:20, 1 John 5:4, 1 John 4:18, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13, Romans 13:1-7, Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 20:7, Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:25-34, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:3, John 13:34-35, Isaiah 41:10, Proverbs 29:25, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 91:1, John 10:28-29

From One Lit Step:  Devotions for your journey, http://amzn.to/2FzWR7G

 

 

 

 

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Through the pain

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I’ve struggled for years with neck issues. Last week I returned to the surgeon to discuss what could be done. My neck is a mess with some areas collapsed and so arthritic in the lower areas that the discs are starting to fuse together. Nerves are pinched in some areas, squashed in others. The entire neck now curves in the wrong direction. Even though several surgeries could be done, the surgeon doesn’t believe any of them would alleviate the pain.

God can do anything. He can heal. Nothing is impossible for Him. I don’t know His plans, but I do pray for healing. Would you be willing to pray for healing but also for strength to go through whatever is next? God has been gracious to give me good days. Other times, pain medication has helped. Some days are tougher than others. Healing is the goal, however at times we walk through hard things. Sometimes, healing doesn’t come until we are in heaven. Sometimes, life hurts.

Many of you are going through health issues, the loss of loved ones, and a myriad of difficulties. God promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you” (Isaiah 43:2, NASB).

God is with you through the hard things, through the pain, and through the tears of loss. He is the God of all comfort, and His mercies are new every morning. Even when things look hopeless, God’s hope never fails. Hold on to Him, for His loving and tender arms will never leave or forsake you. One day, all pain will be gone, all tears dried, all questions answered, and our true life will begin in joyful eternity.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4, NASB).

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ And He said, ‘Write, for these words are faithful and true.’” (Revelation 21:3-5, NASB).

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