Everything is Going to Be Okay

 "Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of ALL of the details of MY LIFE; the Quiet confidence that ULTIMATELY... everything is going to be okay and the determined CHOICE to praise GOD in ALL things" -Kay Warren

The uncertainty of things in life can create emotional and mental roadblocks. Sometimes the voice within us that we choose to ignore is God speaking in his tender voice. Whether He is trying to warn us against making a mistake that will have detrimental effects down the road or a gentle reminder that we need to change the behaviors in life that impact us negatively...He whispers nothing but sweet peace.

I find myself wanting God to just tell me what to do and how to do it; but even I know He is not a forceful or demanding God. He gives us direction; but we must be willing to accept it. God does not desire to control us but to offer peace, hope, love, security, grace and forgiveness. The bible says His ways "surpass all understanding"; yet grace will always be the cup from which I can willingly drink from...no matter my burdens. If you haven't had moments in your life that felt as if you stood at a crossroad; then you have never faced the reality that one way leads toward bondage and the other leads to freedom.

 Life is full of moments where our faith is tested. Luke 1:37 says faith doesn't make things easy but it does make it possible. If only I could possess the gift of unwavering faith without the tests...surely I could stand firm and know that God's in control even when it comes to the things I hold dear to my heart! Yet even I know the reality of this is crazy. Without the tests and trials in my life...my faith would not be THE source of reassurance on days where I think I can't stand another disappointment. We all have them...disappointments. We all struggle with some problem that seems unbearable. We all want things/people/situations to go a certain way; not to mention in a timely manner that fulfills our personal needs. Just when you think you have things figured out, you are quickly reminded that there is an evil force that can sock you right in the gut. It can suck the air out of your lungs and make you lose just enough strength to let your guard down, but only if you let it. The results can have a detrimental affect on your mind and it can become a place where negative thoughts creep in. Your negative thoughts can turn into actions that you will regret. If you are like me, pretty soon you are an utter mess and those you love dearly become the victims to your immediate reaction to difficult circumstances for which you know will work out just fine. Still you allow things to spiral downward...you shut down, don't want to talk to anyone and sometimes want to disappear, find a dark hole to crawl into...for eternity. That is Satan at work to destroy the good work that God has started within you and me. BUT God always shines His light, just enough, to remind us He is in control...far beyond our immediate situations.

 James reminds us that we should consider it pure joy when facing trials because it is a test of faith that develops perseverance. How powerful are his words regarding tests and trials. He plainly tells us that we "will" face trials in this life but to remember that we must be patient and steadfast. In Romans, Paul says to rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that the trials of life develop perseverance which leads to character. I know what you are thinking. Why would anyone want to rejoice when facing trials? Well the answer is simple because, God is sovereign and knows our needs. His word reminds us that in our weakness, He can make us strong. In our struggles, God can use them to strengthen and deepen our relationship with Him. Yes, we will feel the pain and sadness that results from the trials we face; but these are opportunities for us to grow and lean on God for strength (1 Peter 1:6,7). Letting our light shine as God shines His light on us, can help us grow to be the kind of person God wants us to be.

In the end, all that matters is that we glorify God through our actions. What better way to show our love for and glorify our Heavenly Father than to rejoice in the midst of adversity. That's what faith can do.

Forward All Issues To Him

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5

Forward
All
Issues
To
Him

This morning I rise to birds singing and peace. The stillness of the morning is a beautiful opportunity to embrace God’s love. I read about Psalm 40 in my devotional and begin to think about my struggles with patience. David, the psalmist says, “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry”. I know that no matter my struggles, God is always here for me. He knows my fears, weaknesses, doubts, and failures. Shamefully, He knows my mean, spiteful and sometimes “holier than thou” attitude that can consume my life at times. Yet He continues to “lift me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire”. Oh, God why me? Why would you want to save a poor soul like me that does not deserve your love?

One simple word, FAITH! Faith by definition means to be loyal and believe in something for which there is no physical proof; complete trust. To have a strong conviction and to know that even though I may not understand the plan, there is one and it is going to always be what I need. It is easy to question God and wonder why things do not turn out the way you want them to; but faith in God not only shows your ability to accept that you cannot make it through this life alone; but it gives you a solid foundation to build a “what would Jesus do” mentality that can change your life as well as those around you.

The story behind a childhood song that is familiar to most, gives even the smallest child the answers about faith in God. The original words were written as a poem by Anna B. Warner in 1860 after her sister; Susan (co-author of “Say and Seal”) wanted a song for a sunday school teacher to sing to a dying boy. In 1862, William Bradbury added the chorus and tune to the song that has made it one of the most famous hymns in the world today.


Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.

Chorus:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know,                                              
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”
                                                                                               
Jesus loves me when I'm good,
When I do the things I should,
Jesus loves me when I'm bad,
Though it makes Him very sad.

Jesus loves me still today,
Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! Loves me still
Tho' I'm very weak and ill;
That I might from sin be free
Bled and died upon the tree.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.


Just reading the lyrics to this song make me stop and think how lucky I am to be a child of God. He “loves me when I’m good” and He “loves me when I’m bad.”  He is willing and able to “wash away my sin” if I accept Him into my heart. Yet that does not exclude me from the consequences I may face because of my actions; if not in line with God’s will. If I want to be made new then I must continue to let His light lead my way. He promises to stay beside me all the way and even sacrificed His only son to save me. For all He has done and all that He will do, he only asks us to have faith and trust in Him.

The bible says that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” If you do not spend time reading God’s word, how can you have the faith needed to survive the temptations of this world? I sometimes feel like I am on a roller coaster and the ups and downs of life can consume my every thought. I am my own worst enemy. When I depend on myself to change my circumstances, I fail miserably. The only way to remember that Jesus loves me and to keep doubt from seeping into my mind is to have faith. Jesus loves me because the bible tells me so.

God has provided an amazing resource that gives us the strength and reassurance that He can and will take care of you...and me! All you have to do is believe and have a little faith even when it does not make sense. Do not just listen to secondhand accounts of God. Pick up your bible and read God’s very own words for yourself. It is not only your right but your responsibility to seek God’s will for your life. 2 Timothy reminds us that ALL scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and equipping us for every good work. We must not forget that the purpose of God’s word is to help strengthen our faith. Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the faith chapter because it centers on faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The Greek translation for “substance” is assurance. So faith is assurance, that what we hope for is possible; even though we cannot see the “behind the scenes” work of God. We must be careful, God’s timing is not the same as ours and we can become discouraged when things do not happen the way we would like. If God isn’t giving you what you want, when you want it...then He has something more amazing in the works. That is where faith must step in and guide you through this life of sorrow, sadness, pain, misery, sickness, and death. This is just our temporary home.

Remember to pray and ask God to anoint you with the Holy Spirit as you read His beautiful words so that you will hear His voice speaking. Ask God for the wisdom to understand what you read and let God’s word be the joy of your heart and the lamp unto your feet. He will give you the strength to build your life on His word. Last but certainly not least, let it be done unto you and me according to God’s word.

May you rejoice in the blessedness of hearing God’s word and keep it always...never forgetting to Forward All Issues To Him.