"How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand..." Psalm 139:17-18 NIV
"If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea." Isaiah 48:18 NIV
I was blessed with a week's vacation on a sunny beach, and am grateful for the rest and refreshment I experienced there. I will be thinking and praying about how I can keep a sense of that rest and refreshment in my life, which surely does not always have to be super-busy and chaotic, a lifestyle I know is not from God. While walking on the beach, I got to thinking about the sand....immeasurable, uncountable beautiful grains of sand, just on this one beach; when I think of all the sand grains in the world it is mind-boggling. God's thoughts are like this....which is why He has no trouble keeping all of us safely in His care. I am glad I don't have that ability and responsibility...and I confess that sometimes I get into my SuperMom/SuperTherapist mode and think that I do. I pray that He will keep me humble and help me to focus on what He has given me to do. I am also grateful for the wisdom in all of the "grains of sand" in God's Word...teaching me daily how to live my life in His way.
Most people I've met feel a sense of peace and refreshment when we spend time by the water. In Isaiah 48:18, God reminds us that if we pay attention to his commands, really listen to and take action on His Word, we will have peace like a river, and our well-being will be like the waves of the sea. Not only can we find rest and refreshment in the beauty of nature He created, but also by paying attention to Him. There is a song refrain running through my head....my soul finds rest in God alone....
Lord, thank you for the times of rest and refreshment you provide me with. Help me to keep Sabbath with you on a regular basis, so I can be renewed in your presence and Spirit. Let me not get too busy or distracted to spend time with You, or think I am too important to rest, for both the Father and the Son rested. Thank you for all the grains of wisdom in Your Word. Help me always to find rest in You alone...a rest like the constant and steady rhythm of the ocean waves. In Jesus' name, Amen
Life Steps: Find time and space to rest in God, in your own way. Spend a few moments in God's Word to find the grain of wisdom you need for today.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Where Seldom Is Heard An Encouraging Word
"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12 NLT
Yes, I noticed, I misquoted the song in my title. In "Home on the Range" seldom is heard a discouraging word. But I notice that at work and at home, at rest and at play, encouragement is hard to find. I am not very good at giving encouragement to my husband and kids; at work, I rarely get encouragement from others. When I do give or get encouragement, it can feel like a breath of fresh air....I suppose that's why the sky is not cloudy all day, back on the range. Discouragement, whether the silent kind or the spoken out loud kind, can certainly feel like a black cloud hanging over me.
When I make the choice to encourage, that cloud can lift. It feels wonderful to encourage someone...and it can also help lighten their load. The sky seems sky blue when I hear a word of encouragement from others: it may give me fresh perspective, it might give me a boost to try something new, or it may reassure me that I am doing the right thing. Part of the reason God has designed us to be in community is to encourage and be encouraged.
Lord, I give thanks for those around me who offer an encouraging word; it means so much. Help me to remember to encourage those around me, about matters big and small. Help me to share my faith story as encouragement, and be open to hear the faith stories of others. Thanks most of all for the letters of encouragement you have written to me in your Word.
Life Step: Write yourself a post-it note as a reminder to encourage anyone you meet throughout your day. Pay attention and give thanks if you receive encouragement.
Yes, I noticed, I misquoted the song in my title. In "Home on the Range" seldom is heard a discouraging word. But I notice that at work and at home, at rest and at play, encouragement is hard to find. I am not very good at giving encouragement to my husband and kids; at work, I rarely get encouragement from others. When I do give or get encouragement, it can feel like a breath of fresh air....I suppose that's why the sky is not cloudy all day, back on the range. Discouragement, whether the silent kind or the spoken out loud kind, can certainly feel like a black cloud hanging over me.
When I make the choice to encourage, that cloud can lift. It feels wonderful to encourage someone...and it can also help lighten their load. The sky seems sky blue when I hear a word of encouragement from others: it may give me fresh perspective, it might give me a boost to try something new, or it may reassure me that I am doing the right thing. Part of the reason God has designed us to be in community is to encourage and be encouraged.
Lord, I give thanks for those around me who offer an encouraging word; it means so much. Help me to remember to encourage those around me, about matters big and small. Help me to share my faith story as encouragement, and be open to hear the faith stories of others. Thanks most of all for the letters of encouragement you have written to me in your Word.
Life Step: Write yourself a post-it note as a reminder to encourage anyone you meet throughout your day. Pay attention and give thanks if you receive encouragement.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Don't be Afraid...Believe...Heal
Jesus said to (us), "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." Luke 8:50 NIV
Jesus...said,"Don't be upset. Just trust me, and everything will be all right." Luke 8:50 The Message
I don't think of myself as a person who is generally afraid of things, or easily upset. However, on closer examination, I am easily startled, I worry about things over which I have no control, and at times I can get down right anxious or panicky, even overwhelmed. I think God knew that would be one of our major downfalls, as he says "Don't be afraid" 365 times in the Bible. That's one message for every day of the year. But how can I not be afraid?
The next part of this Scripture says it all: just believe and trust in Jesus. No need to complicate things, although it's tempting for me to do that. I do believe, and I pray the centurion's prayer often: Jesus I believe; help me in my unbelief.
When I believe, and trust in Him, there is healing. Jesus says everything will be all right. So no matter what I am concerned about, or feel stuck in, or what area of my life is broken, he can heal it...he can make it all better. I simply have to believe and trust...that He can, that He will, and that He is in fact working on it now.
Jesus, I believe and I trust in You. First, I pray for all who need healing...remembering especially those who are struggling with life threatening illness and pain. I pray also for healing in my own life, heart and mind...I am not afraid, because I trust in You. Amen
Life Step: Pray to believe, and that He will help you in your unbelief. Ask Jesus to show you an area of your life that needs healing, and pray, believing that He will heal you. Pray for healing for those in your life that are struggling with life threatening illness and pain.
Jesus...said,"Don't be upset. Just trust me, and everything will be all right." Luke 8:50 The Message
I don't think of myself as a person who is generally afraid of things, or easily upset. However, on closer examination, I am easily startled, I worry about things over which I have no control, and at times I can get down right anxious or panicky, even overwhelmed. I think God knew that would be one of our major downfalls, as he says "Don't be afraid" 365 times in the Bible. That's one message for every day of the year. But how can I not be afraid?
The next part of this Scripture says it all: just believe and trust in Jesus. No need to complicate things, although it's tempting for me to do that. I do believe, and I pray the centurion's prayer often: Jesus I believe; help me in my unbelief.
When I believe, and trust in Him, there is healing. Jesus says everything will be all right. So no matter what I am concerned about, or feel stuck in, or what area of my life is broken, he can heal it...he can make it all better. I simply have to believe and trust...that He can, that He will, and that He is in fact working on it now.
Jesus, I believe and I trust in You. First, I pray for all who need healing...remembering especially those who are struggling with life threatening illness and pain. I pray also for healing in my own life, heart and mind...I am not afraid, because I trust in You. Amen
Life Step: Pray to believe, and that He will help you in your unbelief. Ask Jesus to show you an area of your life that needs healing, and pray, believing that He will heal you. Pray for healing for those in your life that are struggling with life threatening illness and pain.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tuned In or Tuned Out?
"If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you...But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you." James 1:5-6 LB
It's hard to listen. Listening is a big part of what I do everyday in my work as a therapist, and I still find it very challening. There are so many distractions, things I want to say, and don't forget tiredness and inattention added in the mix. And then I really should be listening at home, to the most important people in my world, but by then some days my brain's just had enough. I think it has an automatic shut-off switch. By my prayer time before bed, I should probably be praying Jesus words' "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Luke 8:8). If I find it difficult to listen to people actually speaking to me, how much harder it is to listen to God?
Then there's the tiny problem: do I really want to do what God wants me to do? What about all those things I have on my to do list? If I listen for His voice and follow His directions, will any of that to do list get done? Maybe the to do list is not all that important...after all, God has it all under control.
Jesus, please give me ears to hear...You first of all. Let me listen for you in the Word, and in the Christian friends and influences you have placed in my path. I believe that you will give me clear direction; and I pray that I will have the courage to listen to Your instruction and wisdom. Help me to be "tuned into You" at all times. And please give me ears to really and truly listen to my family, friends and those people you place in my path. Amen.
Life Step: Carve out ten minutes of quiet time in nature or in a comfy spot, all by yourself with God. Listen for what He is saying to you. Pray that you will have ears to hear.
It's hard to listen. Listening is a big part of what I do everyday in my work as a therapist, and I still find it very challening. There are so many distractions, things I want to say, and don't forget tiredness and inattention added in the mix. And then I really should be listening at home, to the most important people in my world, but by then some days my brain's just had enough. I think it has an automatic shut-off switch. By my prayer time before bed, I should probably be praying Jesus words' "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Luke 8:8). If I find it difficult to listen to people actually speaking to me, how much harder it is to listen to God?
Then there's the tiny problem: do I really want to do what God wants me to do? What about all those things I have on my to do list? If I listen for His voice and follow His directions, will any of that to do list get done? Maybe the to do list is not all that important...after all, God has it all under control.
Jesus, please give me ears to hear...You first of all. Let me listen for you in the Word, and in the Christian friends and influences you have placed in my path. I believe that you will give me clear direction; and I pray that I will have the courage to listen to Your instruction and wisdom. Help me to be "tuned into You" at all times. And please give me ears to really and truly listen to my family, friends and those people you place in my path. Amen.
Life Step: Carve out ten minutes of quiet time in nature or in a comfy spot, all by yourself with God. Listen for what He is saying to you. Pray that you will have ears to hear.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What are you Feeding your Mind?
"So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which, implanted and rooted (in your hearts) contains the power to save your souls." James 1:21 Amplified Bible
What are you feeding your mind? We have such a wide variety of media to tempt us and lure us into spending our time...Facebook, Twitter, Wii, XBox, movies, television, Blackberries, texting...the list goes on. For a long time, I never paid attention to what I was watching or doing with my leisure time. Then when things got tough, I noticed that nightmares were often linked to what I watched on tv....a racing mind was connected to Facebook gossip before bed...and romance novels were giving me a false idea of what love was. It was time to re-evaluate what I was feeding my mind without even noticing. I guess going to bed with Criminal Minds and waking up with CNN doesn't really promote a feeling of peace and joy!
I haven't eliminated all media from my life...God has placed us in this world and he wants us to live to the fullest in it...but I have learned to evaluate what I watch, say and do. Though Criminal Minds is a great show, it fills me with fear and violent images....so I said goodbye. I keep my Facebook comments positive and uplifting. I am exploring Christian fiction and non-fiction and really enjoying it, and being careful with my other reading choices. Other things, I have decided not to embrace, like Twitter and texting, simply because my time is precious to me. I'm not perfect by any means, but I am trying to pay attention to what I am feeding my mind, and how I am spending my time.
Perhaps the most important change for me has been filling my mind with God's Word. It heals, teaches, changes, restores and comforts me. Small bits and short lines have started to save my soul...and dramatically change my way of thinking, doing and being.
I give thanks to the Lord for His Word, and for opening my heart to it's power and peace. May it help me to rid my life of anything negative or harmful, and may it take root in my heart and transform my life. In Jesus' name, Amen
Life Step: Identify one thing in your life that has a negative influence or impact on you. Decide to eliminate it, and challenge yourself to replace it, little by little, with God's Word. You may want to try a new translation of the Bible, or a devotional book based on Scripture. Start small and let God's Word take root in your heart.
What are you feeding your mind? We have such a wide variety of media to tempt us and lure us into spending our time...Facebook, Twitter, Wii, XBox, movies, television, Blackberries, texting...the list goes on. For a long time, I never paid attention to what I was watching or doing with my leisure time. Then when things got tough, I noticed that nightmares were often linked to what I watched on tv....a racing mind was connected to Facebook gossip before bed...and romance novels were giving me a false idea of what love was. It was time to re-evaluate what I was feeding my mind without even noticing. I guess going to bed with Criminal Minds and waking up with CNN doesn't really promote a feeling of peace and joy!
I haven't eliminated all media from my life...God has placed us in this world and he wants us to live to the fullest in it...but I have learned to evaluate what I watch, say and do. Though Criminal Minds is a great show, it fills me with fear and violent images....so I said goodbye. I keep my Facebook comments positive and uplifting. I am exploring Christian fiction and non-fiction and really enjoying it, and being careful with my other reading choices. Other things, I have decided not to embrace, like Twitter and texting, simply because my time is precious to me. I'm not perfect by any means, but I am trying to pay attention to what I am feeding my mind, and how I am spending my time.
Perhaps the most important change for me has been filling my mind with God's Word. It heals, teaches, changes, restores and comforts me. Small bits and short lines have started to save my soul...and dramatically change my way of thinking, doing and being.
I give thanks to the Lord for His Word, and for opening my heart to it's power and peace. May it help me to rid my life of anything negative or harmful, and may it take root in my heart and transform my life. In Jesus' name, Amen
Life Step: Identify one thing in your life that has a negative influence or impact on you. Decide to eliminate it, and challenge yourself to replace it, little by little, with God's Word. You may want to try a new translation of the Bible, or a devotional book based on Scripture. Start small and let God's Word take root in your heart.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Believe and Be Healed
"Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." Jeremiah 17:14 NIV
"God, pick up the pieces. Put me back together again. You are my praise!" Jeremiah 17:14 The Message
This verse means a lot to me. It was my comfort during very dark times, both in my marriage and on a personal note. There was so much in my life that needed healing - it was a comfort to hear in God's Word that if I believed He could heal me, He would. There was certainty in this word - no doubt. It was so reassuring to me while I was walking through a dark Valley. And I chose to believe. God did not disappoint - in fact, he healed far beyond what I thought was possible.
This verse also reminds me to praise - no matter where on my journey I am. I can be in the dark valley and still praise God: as Jon Kabat Zinn says, "There is more right with you than what's wrong with you." Praising will also lift my spirits, remind me of what is good about God and His promises, and also help me to look with gratitude at my life.
I love the image of God picking up the pieces of me, and putting me back together. There are days when I feel I have fallen apart, or I am at the end of my rope and just can't hang on any longer. This verse teaches me that it's okay to let go...and let God. He will pick up the broken shards of my life, and form them into a new and beautiful, whole and holy, creation.
Praise you, Jesus, for healing me and saving me. Praise you for the beauty that is in my life, and for the beauty you are creating out of the broken pieces. I believe and I trust that you continue to heal me and save me day by day. Amen
Life Steps: Praise and thank God for what is good in your life. Learn to praise God for his unchanging qualities and promises (for example he is a Mighty Healer, our Saviour, the Alpha and Omega). Pray and believe that He will heal you - offer Him your most broken pieces.
"God, pick up the pieces. Put me back together again. You are my praise!" Jeremiah 17:14 The Message
This verse means a lot to me. It was my comfort during very dark times, both in my marriage and on a personal note. There was so much in my life that needed healing - it was a comfort to hear in God's Word that if I believed He could heal me, He would. There was certainty in this word - no doubt. It was so reassuring to me while I was walking through a dark Valley. And I chose to believe. God did not disappoint - in fact, he healed far beyond what I thought was possible.
This verse also reminds me to praise - no matter where on my journey I am. I can be in the dark valley and still praise God: as Jon Kabat Zinn says, "There is more right with you than what's wrong with you." Praising will also lift my spirits, remind me of what is good about God and His promises, and also help me to look with gratitude at my life.
I love the image of God picking up the pieces of me, and putting me back together. There are days when I feel I have fallen apart, or I am at the end of my rope and just can't hang on any longer. This verse teaches me that it's okay to let go...and let God. He will pick up the broken shards of my life, and form them into a new and beautiful, whole and holy, creation.
Praise you, Jesus, for healing me and saving me. Praise you for the beauty that is in my life, and for the beauty you are creating out of the broken pieces. I believe and I trust that you continue to heal me and save me day by day. Amen
Life Steps: Praise and thank God for what is good in your life. Learn to praise God for his unchanging qualities and promises (for example he is a Mighty Healer, our Saviour, the Alpha and Omega). Pray and believe that He will heal you - offer Him your most broken pieces.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Giving: Yours & Mine
(Jesus said to the Father) "All I have is yours, and all you have is mine." John 17:10
A giving heart...why is it so hard to give sometimes? Our loving Father so lavishly gives us all of His gifts....the beauty of nature, the wonder of a loving family, food and shelter, a body that is a miraculous work of art, just to name a few. He created them all. Though I am called to give just as lavishly, I tend to want to hang on to things, to cling to them. I could use that money for the kids...I really don't have enough time to do that...I'm not really qualified to help...how many times have I thought variations on these thoughts? Or should I say excuses?
Jesus' prayer to his Father in John 17 is so beautiful; he prays for us, and would have us live out these words of his as we follow him. He relies daily on the Father for all he needs, and in return, the Father gives him more than he could ever dream of. Our Father longs to do the same for us. But instead of holding on to our blessings, we are to use them up...knowing that God will provide even more than we can imagine in return. When we offer our whole hearts, minds, bodies and lives to God, all of his abundant gifts are available to us...strength, courage, grace, love, peace, joy and so much more. Gifts without price, not available in any shopping mall or online store. We have only to give what we already have, and trust in Him.
Jesus, I pray that you will help me to give cheerfully and generously, of all the gifts I have received from you, particularly money, time and talent. Let me always trust in you, that you will provide for my every need, out of the abundance of your gifts.
Life Steps: What is Jesus asking you to give more of? Spend some time in prayer to discern this, and then be a generous giver. Also, pay attention to how God is providing for you: were you able to accomplish more in less time, and with peace? did you have a financial need that was met in a surprising way?
A giving heart...why is it so hard to give sometimes? Our loving Father so lavishly gives us all of His gifts....the beauty of nature, the wonder of a loving family, food and shelter, a body that is a miraculous work of art, just to name a few. He created them all. Though I am called to give just as lavishly, I tend to want to hang on to things, to cling to them. I could use that money for the kids...I really don't have enough time to do that...I'm not really qualified to help...how many times have I thought variations on these thoughts? Or should I say excuses?
Jesus' prayer to his Father in John 17 is so beautiful; he prays for us, and would have us live out these words of his as we follow him. He relies daily on the Father for all he needs, and in return, the Father gives him more than he could ever dream of. Our Father longs to do the same for us. But instead of holding on to our blessings, we are to use them up...knowing that God will provide even more than we can imagine in return. When we offer our whole hearts, minds, bodies and lives to God, all of his abundant gifts are available to us...strength, courage, grace, love, peace, joy and so much more. Gifts without price, not available in any shopping mall or online store. We have only to give what we already have, and trust in Him.
Jesus, I pray that you will help me to give cheerfully and generously, of all the gifts I have received from you, particularly money, time and talent. Let me always trust in you, that you will provide for my every need, out of the abundance of your gifts.
Life Steps: What is Jesus asking you to give more of? Spend some time in prayer to discern this, and then be a generous giver. Also, pay attention to how God is providing for you: were you able to accomplish more in less time, and with peace? did you have a financial need that was met in a surprising way?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
No Fear
"(She) will have no fear of bad news; (her) heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. (Her) heart is secure, (she) will have no fear." Psalm 112:7-8 NIV
"Unfazed by rumor and gossip, heart ready, trusting in God, spirit firm, unperturbed, ever blessed." Psalm 112:7-8 The Message
The world is full of bad news. If it's been relatively quiet on our own home front, we can turn on the six o'clock news and see for ourselves the disasters and violence happening around the world. We are drawn to the most terrible events with a kind of fascination...perhaps because it makes our own lives seem a little better. Rumors and gossip are really a local version of the nightly news...it is tempting to get caught up in talking over so-and-so's bitter divorce, the co-worker's cancer diagnosis, a friend of a friend's affair, and did you hear about her husband's drinking problem? Although they are not our own troubles, one of two things often happens: we worry and fret about others and their fate, or we rejoice inwardly that our own lives are better and then put it out of our minds entirely.
Until the day the bad news is delivered to our door. A pain you've been ignoring turns out to be a tumor. The overtime your husband has been working for months turns out to have been spent with another woman. Your son or daughter is using drugs. We can't ignore it when it comes knocking at our own home. So our response is often uncontrollable worry, an overwhelming sense of panic, or the darkness of depression.
The woman who trusts in God, and knows that He will bring her through all events in her life, has no fear. She knows that fear is not from God, for he has said 365 times in the Bible, "Fear not". Her heart is steady, leaning on Him, and relying on His love and wisdom. What she can not control, she hands over to God, knowing He has a plan. What she can do, she does: provides comfort to others, goes about her daily activities to the best of her abilities, and prays often.
Lord Jesus, let me not be afraid of any bad news; let my heart trust in you, and have no fear. Amen.
Life Steps: If I watch the news, can I change how I think about terrible events? Instead of worrying or ignoring, God might be calling me to pray hard or take action to help in some small way. The next time I hear gossip, I could also pray or find some way to help.
"Unfazed by rumor and gossip, heart ready, trusting in God, spirit firm, unperturbed, ever blessed." Psalm 112:7-8 The Message
The world is full of bad news. If it's been relatively quiet on our own home front, we can turn on the six o'clock news and see for ourselves the disasters and violence happening around the world. We are drawn to the most terrible events with a kind of fascination...perhaps because it makes our own lives seem a little better. Rumors and gossip are really a local version of the nightly news...it is tempting to get caught up in talking over so-and-so's bitter divorce, the co-worker's cancer diagnosis, a friend of a friend's affair, and did you hear about her husband's drinking problem? Although they are not our own troubles, one of two things often happens: we worry and fret about others and their fate, or we rejoice inwardly that our own lives are better and then put it out of our minds entirely.
Until the day the bad news is delivered to our door. A pain you've been ignoring turns out to be a tumor. The overtime your husband has been working for months turns out to have been spent with another woman. Your son or daughter is using drugs. We can't ignore it when it comes knocking at our own home. So our response is often uncontrollable worry, an overwhelming sense of panic, or the darkness of depression.
The woman who trusts in God, and knows that He will bring her through all events in her life, has no fear. She knows that fear is not from God, for he has said 365 times in the Bible, "Fear not". Her heart is steady, leaning on Him, and relying on His love and wisdom. What she can not control, she hands over to God, knowing He has a plan. What she can do, she does: provides comfort to others, goes about her daily activities to the best of her abilities, and prays often.
Lord Jesus, let me not be afraid of any bad news; let my heart trust in you, and have no fear. Amen.
Life Steps: If I watch the news, can I change how I think about terrible events? Instead of worrying or ignoring, God might be calling me to pray hard or take action to help in some small way. The next time I hear gossip, I could also pray or find some way to help.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Bitter or Better?
"...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him..." Romans 8:28 NIV
"...we can be sure that every detail of our lives of love for God is worked into something good." Romans 8:28 The Message
Do you ever wonder why some things happen? How come brain damaged babies are born...why children die of cancer...why abuse continues to happen to the most vulnerable...why people are starving....why floods, earthquakes and wars continue to devastate our planet? I wish I had an answer for you, but I don't. I ask myself the same questions, and I have often said, when I get to Heaven that's the first question I'm asking.
What I have learned is that no matter how devastating the event or circumstance is, God can and will make good come from it, if we trust in Him and love Him. He may use an illness to teach us the value of health, the compassion of caregiving, or the lesson of humility. He can take experiences of abuse, heal them, and then use them to help others in similar situations. He can rescue broken and battered marriages, resurrect them, and turn them into beautiful and peaceful families. I can say this with certainty because He has worked all of this good in my life, out of challenging and difficult experiences I lived through. Every day, my heart is grateful for all this amazing good that has come out of events that could have made me bitter, angry, resentful or miserable. Life events can make you bitter, or they can make you better....the key to making me "better" has been my faith in God.
Lord Jesus, help me to look for the challenges in my life that You have turned into good. Keep my heart grateful for these learning experiences and how You have used them to shape me into a woman after God's own heart. Let me look for ways to share these experiences with others so that I can shine Your light. Amen
Life Steps: Think of at least one very difficult time in your life. Turn it upside down and inside out, to see what good God worked with it. Think about what you learned, how it made you a better person, how you were able to help others as a result. Give thanks to God for these small miracles!
"...we can be sure that every detail of our lives of love for God is worked into something good." Romans 8:28 The Message
Do you ever wonder why some things happen? How come brain damaged babies are born...why children die of cancer...why abuse continues to happen to the most vulnerable...why people are starving....why floods, earthquakes and wars continue to devastate our planet? I wish I had an answer for you, but I don't. I ask myself the same questions, and I have often said, when I get to Heaven that's the first question I'm asking.
What I have learned is that no matter how devastating the event or circumstance is, God can and will make good come from it, if we trust in Him and love Him. He may use an illness to teach us the value of health, the compassion of caregiving, or the lesson of humility. He can take experiences of abuse, heal them, and then use them to help others in similar situations. He can rescue broken and battered marriages, resurrect them, and turn them into beautiful and peaceful families. I can say this with certainty because He has worked all of this good in my life, out of challenging and difficult experiences I lived through. Every day, my heart is grateful for all this amazing good that has come out of events that could have made me bitter, angry, resentful or miserable. Life events can make you bitter, or they can make you better....the key to making me "better" has been my faith in God.
Lord Jesus, help me to look for the challenges in my life that You have turned into good. Keep my heart grateful for these learning experiences and how You have used them to shape me into a woman after God's own heart. Let me look for ways to share these experiences with others so that I can shine Your light. Amen
Life Steps: Think of at least one very difficult time in your life. Turn it upside down and inside out, to see what good God worked with it. Think about what you learned, how it made you a better person, how you were able to help others as a result. Give thanks to God for these small miracles!
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