A Reboot Kind of Day (6/6/14)

One recent morning my cell phone began to act up. The first trouble concerned accessing a voicemail. It was not immediately critical because I had already contacted the caller.  A short while later I attempted to leave a voice message on a friend’s phone. When she returned my call, I found that it had been blank. Soon after that I tried to send a text.  I composed a message, but was unable to successfully send it. By this time, I had determined to take the phone to the cellular store where I purchased and service it. I hoped they would be able to clear the phone and reboot it to work properly.

The moment the word “reboot” entered my mind, I realize that the first thing I should do is turn the phone off. After a few minutes, I turned it back on and everything worked properly. At this point all the phone had needed was a rest. Since that “reboot” every application has worked as it should. It simply needed to be turned off, rest and turned back on to return to normal operating status.

That same evening my computer was not working properly. It would not allow me to open some previously saved files. Then the mouse stopped working. I told my husband, who has far more computer knowledge than I, of the issues. He had no advice for this situation. Remembering the morning and my phone, I immediately shut down the computer and took the battery out. After waiting for about one minute, I inserted the battery back into its place and turned the computer on. Since that time everything has worked as it should.

I seldom turn off either my cell phone or my computer. I tend to recharge my cell phone before the battery runs low. Since I use it for an alarm clock, I do not turn it off at night. Impatient with the set-up time required when starting the computer after it has been shut down, I generally opt for the ‘sleep’ or ‘hibernate’ modes. These habits cause my electronics to run for extended periods of time.

Like a phone or computer, running too long without proper rest can cause people to begin having problems. Our minds and our bodies require rest physically, mentally and spiritually. When things begin to get a little off, it may be time for a reboot. Our entire lives do not require to be totally cleared for a new beginning. But we do need a time for rest and refreshing. “Six days you shall do your work, but the seventh day you shall rest and keep Sabbath, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your bondwoman, and the alien, may be refreshed.” (Exodus 23:12 AMP) Even God, whose work was perfect, took a day of rest as an example to us.  Adequate sleep and relaxation enable us to be far more productive in all we do.

When we become overwhelmed with life, we will not operate at our best. The enemy of our soul will use these times to gain ground in our lives. We will simply make wrong decisions due to spiritual, mental or physical exhaustion. Jesus has given the solution of this problem. ^“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]   Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.  For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” (Matthew 11:28-30 AMP) Come away to His love and grace by shutting off the distractions of life for a time.

Troublesome times may try to prevent us from crossing the threshold of rest.  We must make the effort to enter in. “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10 AMP) This may take special time alone, shutting off the noise in our minds to contemplate God’s promises and build up trust.  Jesus also understood this. “And He said to them, [As for you] come away by yourselves to a deserted place, and rest a while—for many were [continually] coming and going, and they had not even leisure enough to eat.” (Mark 6:31 AMP) God does not intend for us to be continually coming and going, even when the work we are doing is ministering for Him.  He desires that we spend time with Him so He can restore what trials of life drain from us.  He also wants to share in our joys.  He longs to refresh our hearts like rain refreshes dry, wilting plants. 

If you find yourself not performing at your best, check out your rest. Are you getting enough physical and spiritual time away from the busyness of your day? It may be time to reboot by taking time to clear, rest and reset. It will be well worth it!

Is It Enough? (4/30/14)

“It’s not enough” (Genie’s voice) … In the movie “Aladdin” the street boy, Aladdin wanted to be a prince.  The genie began to create all types of “prince like” things.  For each idea, he wanted it bigger and better.  It was never enough.  And when Aladdin finally rode into the kingdom on an elephant, accompanied by all the extras befitting a prince, Princess Jasmine was not the least bit impressed.

Discontentment in our lives is often the same way.  Instead of knowing who we already are, who we are created to be, we try to become someone by searching for external trappings.  The child of God has been created with royal blood in his or her veins.  We are royalty.  We are children of the King of kings.  Yet why do we spend so much of our lives seeking to matter?  Why do we spend so much time searching for things that will make us feel important?  What will it take to show us that God has created us because He wants to love us?  Dad wants to love you.  He wants to love me too.  It’s not what we do or what we have.  It’s just because we are us.

The book of Proverbs speaks of this “not enough” syndrome. “The leech has two daughters, crying, Give, give! There are three things that are never satisfied, yes, four that do not say, It is enough: Sheol (the place of the dead), the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water, and the fire that says not, It is enough.” (Proverbs 30:15-16) The two daughters seem to be continually trying to be better than each other.  We often want to have and do better things than another.  If not competing with someone else, we often push ourselves.  It’s hard to just accept that the house is clean enough…the job has been done well (at work or home)…there is enough food…and so on. 

Do we cry “give, give!”  Give me recognition! Give me love!  Give me hope!  All these things have already been given to us by the Father through Jesus Christ.  God recognizes when we’ve done a good job, even if no one else does.  Jesus spoke of this in the Sermon on the Mount, “But when you give to charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your deeds of charity may be in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:4) No one else needs to even see.  The Bible is full of verses about God’s love for us.  The most well known being, “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.” (John 3:16) And God is the source of hope.  “Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2) He gives us everything we need.

Four things are listed that are never satisfied: death, a barren womb, thirst and fire. 

Death is far more than the obvious.  Death can be wrong expectations, criticism or any negatives that cause us to doubt our dreams and value.  Be encouraged, Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated all death.  “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1Corinthians 15:55) His word brings life.  His resurrection puts an end to the death of any God given dreams and calls on your life.  We are to die to this world, but anything of God will remain.  If a God given dream has seemingly died, resurrection day is coming.  But, remember, Jesus looked different after His resurrection.  Your dreams may look a little different than you had imagined.

A barren womb is very painful.  I’ve had friends who have longed for a child, but month after month they have not conceived.  I cannot begin to understand this pain, but I know it is intense.  The barren womb can also be a place of unfulfilled and dashed hopes.  There are many things that are “supposed to work out” according to our plans.  But they don’t, or at least haven’t yet.  This pain can also be very real and intense. When faced with a feeling of barrenness, whether longing for a child or a dream, consider Abraham and Sarah, whose bodies were “as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb.” (Romans4:19b) God’s promises and calls have no expiration dates.   Though the wait may be difficult and faith hard to find, God’s plan will come to pass.  Contentment comes from holding on to hope and faith during the waiting time.  We have a great promise, “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.” (Galatians 6:9) Some promises may go well beyond their expected due date.  Wait expectantly.

Thirst can be alleviated for a time, but is never truly quenched.  We can be thirsty for what we think we need or want.  Jesus spoke directly to thirst when he said “He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, from his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.”  (John 7:38) For many years, Diet soda was my drink of choice.  Along with the water I needed, were many chemicals and additives that actually contributed to health problems I was experiencing. Drinking water with little or no additives is the best thirst quencher. Do you thirst for anything besides God’s plan for you? Do you seek anything over trusting Jesus?  These add-ons can bring sickness to your soul.  You will not quench your thirst, but always crave more.  Drink from the living water of clinging to Jesus and drink often. 

Fire, that burning passion, will destroy everything in its path.  Passion for the wrong things can burn others and it can burn us at the same time.  We can be singed by running ahead of God or toward other things.    Fire will always burn, so make sure it is the fire of a burning passion for God in our lives.  We will be purified by God’s holy fire. “So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed.” (1Peter 1:7) This increases our value as God’s servant. “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth [the material for] a vessel for the silversmith [to work up].” (Proverbs 25:4)

At the end of the movie, Aladdin found his value in what he truly was inside.  He left behind his “street rat” image of himself and became the man and prince he meant to be. Things in life may come against us.  We must know who we are and how faithful God is. This comes from knowing and believing what the Word says.  God has said, “And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)

Let the external trappings of this world fall away.  Study and speak to God regularly. Seek to be the person God uniquely created you to be.  When it appears, there is not enough, remember, He is more than enough.

A Story to Tell (2/3/14)

“Tell me the ‘Katherine’ story, again!” I remember speaking these words from my hospital bed, just hours after being told my baby would arrive within the week. It was still three months early! My friend, Denise, had a miracle story about her daughter, Katherine. There had been a time that the doctors had left little hope that her baby would survive. Katherine was now seven and a healthy girl with a beautiful spirit. After the news I had just heard, and an ambulance ride to a better equipped hospital, I needed to hear the words of this story of God’s miracle intervention, again. During the four remaining days of my pregnancy, I called and requested that story several more times. It was sweet nectar to my soul to hear what my God had done for another. It fed my faith and built hope during that difficult time.

Speaking of Jesus Christ, the Scripture states, “Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”  (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?  He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)”  (Ephesians 4:8-10 AMP) Jesus came down to live on this earth. In His death he descended to break the power of death for all mankind. He then ascended to take his rightful place at the right hand the Father. The Son of God came to us, to break the power over us and lead the way for us to follow.

Where have I ascended from?  Where have I descended to?  How can I take captives with me?  How far can others ascend, because I share about being led out of bondage?  These questions can be asked over and over in our lives.  Every trial, every failure, every hard experience can become an opportunity to lead captives just as Jesus did.

Have you ever been part of the crowd all going the same direction, such as a parade or a walk for a cause?  Within this crowd someone may be struggling to find their way. This person may be walking a little slower or just not in the general flow of the crowd. He or she may be struggling to manage carrying belongings while trying to keep up. Whatever the difficulty may be, this person needs help to continue in the right direction.  Someone with an encouraging word and an extra set of hands can make all the difference in this walk of life.

Jesus is at the head of this crowd. He is leading all the captives. He has broken the bonds that the enemy has placed on us. He has conquered death and brought us to eternal life.  We are in the crowd showing the world the way to the Father and helping each other.

Over my lifetime, I have been in many of these crowds. Sometimes I have been the struggling one, like when I called to hear the “Katherine” story. At other times, I have matured and become the one to help others along. After my son’s NICU experience, I became actively involved in the parent support group. Here I could help others who were going through similar experiences. I’ve been able to tell the “Jonathan” story many times over the years.  I have brought that same hope to others that my friend, Denise brought to me. We are all following the captain of the hosts, Jesus Christ Himself! Along the way, we will all stumble or take a misstep. We may also experience hard times. After we have been brought through our trials, we can help others ascend from where we have descended to. I’ve always loved and tried to lead my life by the verses. ^“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT) The Amplified version of this verse defines comfort as consolation and encouragement.  We can be the listening ears, the soothing touch and speak the encouraging words of Jesus to those who need it most.

Jesus came to us to take us by the hand and lead us to the Father. We can likewise go to others, take them by the hand and help them along the way. This may at times slow us down or alter the course of our path some. Past trials provide us with the grace and mercy to extend to others in need of grace and mercy. We can walk with one hand raised and holding the hand of Jesus, and the other hand extended out to bring someone along with us.

So, as you go about your life, tell your story. Take someone by the hand and lead them along. Together you can follow Jesus straight to the heart of the Father. Captivity is freed in God’s presence.  Bring comfort wherever you go.

Hidden Too Well (7/7/14)

Have you ever had something important that you did not want to lose, so you put it away in a very special spot?  Then, when the time arrives to retrieve the item, you cannot remember where you hid it.  You have done such a good job of hiding the item in a place where others would not find it, that now you cannot find it either.  I have done this many times.  It is especially irritating when this happens with a perfect birthday present that was purchased months in advance.  I can remember several episodes of frantic searches occurring on the day prior to a special occasion that I do not want ruined by a missing gift.

Other times I have hidden items then forgotten that I even had them.  Finding these can bring mixed reactions.  If I have purchased a duplicate item to fill a need, I may become frustrated at the unnecessary inconvenience and expense caused by my memory relapse.  Other times surprise finds can be like receiving a gift.  I recently came upon a container of dates which I use for baking.  My husband and I had been doing a short run on a limited eating plan that did not include these sweet treasures.  To limit temptation, I had hidden them in a cabinet behind some serving bowls.  We finished the restricted eating plan, but I had completely forgotten about the dates in the cabinet.  Several weeks later I found them and was pleased to enjoy one and add them back into my baking supplies.

Does this also occur with the Word of God?  In discussing how a young man can stay pure King David states, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 NLT) Hiding the Word in your heart is a very good thing. But can we forget that Word once we have hidden it? I believe that we can. If we cease to continue studying, we may forget what was once important to us.

Scriptures can jump off the page and have a great meaning as we read them. This new understanding, given by the Holy Spirit, may be important and at the forefront of our thoughts for many days. Over weeks, months and years, this great word from God may get lost. We can forget His truth until one day we reread that Scripture (which may even be highlighted) and once again we are reminded of the truth shown to us so long ago.

How can we avoid this forgetfulness from occurring? David’s instructions to hide the Word are a part of an entire passage that was meant to be read all together. (See Psalm 119:9-16) Other principals taught in these verses will help us avoid forgetting that which we have hidden. In verses 12 through 16, David goes on to give instructions that include praising God, listening to His teaching, reciting the Word, rejoicing, studying, reflecting, delighting in, and finally, not forgetting God’s Word. Diligence in these will prevent forgetfulness.

We cannot simply read a passage one time, think about it for a day or two and file it away. The Word of God must not only be hidden in our hearts, but it must be living in our hearts. “The word of God is alive and powerful…” (Hebrews 4:12a NLT) When we hide His Word in our hearts, we must continue in that Word for it to be alive.  A verse that I memorized 30 years ago is lost to me, unless I have continued to thank God for His promise, continued to consider it and allowed it to become a part of me.

We can be joyful when we relearn a truth that has long been hidden inside.  It is so much better to keep revisiting the truths we have learned and keep them from being buried so deep that we forget their value. “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (Colossians 3:16 NLT) We are wise to not only keep the word alive in us, but also share it with others.  Then it will always remain fresh.

As you go about your day, consider some of what God has taught you that you may not have thought about for a long time.  Allow Him to dig it out of its hiding place and become real to you again.  Then share it with a friend.

I Want To Be Jesus’ Girl! (10/07/13)

Recently, one line from a 1962 song (the only line I knew) came to mind.  “I want to be Bobby’s girl” kept replaying in my mind.  Images of plaid skirts, pedal pushers, white tennis shoes and letter sweaters came to mind.  As that line continued to replay in my mind, the words suddenly changed to “I want to be Jesus’ girl” It seemed rather funny; even irreverent. But then, as I pondered the words, the imagery actually made sense. 

The symbols of going steady in the 60’s included letter sweaters and class rings.  The dream of a young girl was to be cherished by someone who would love her forever and even die for her.  We have those same things with Jesus and so much more.

Letter sweaters or jackets were symbols of accomplishment for the young man who had earned them.  He then, proudly gave it to the young woman he cared for.  This let everyone know his feelings.  When we come to Jesus, He gives us His robe of righteousness.  His sinless life earned the only path to salvation.  He has made that available to all who choose Him.  Jesus proclaimed in the Synagogue that He has fulfilled the prophetic passage of Isaiah 61, Among other purposes for His ministry is to provide “the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit” (v.3)  Then, like Isaiah we can say, “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10 AMP) Although the physical eye cannot see this robe, we wear His robe daily.

The class ring was worn proudly on the left hand. (with the assistance of angora yarn to accommodate the size difference) Although she may not have the size or strength of the ring’s owner, she had access to him.  Throughout Scripture, we see a signet ring representing the authority of the owner.  Pharaoh gave his to Joseph, who then had rule over all the land of Egypt.  Jesus has been given all authority. “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18 NLT) His authority is demonstrated in His name, which He has given us the privilege to use.  We are told to pray in His name, fight the enemy in His name and make disciples in His name.  This is an amazing privilege that Jesus has given to His betrothed.

The dream of being cherished forever can only be fulfilled by Jesus, because He offers us eternity.  He not only would die for us, but He has died for us.  It was by that death of Jesus that we have been invited to live forever.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NLT) Jesus died to pay the penalty of death and offers us this gift of life.  In addition to the forever definition of eternal, I found many other synonyms, including boundless, enduring, immutable, and indestructible.  These all describe a full life.  That’s what we have; a full life, forever with Jesus.

As I began to write this, I read the lyrics to the original song.  It was a bit sad because the singer was a girl longing for a position held by someone else.  If only Bobby would choose her.  Well my friend, Jesus has chosen you, and He has chosen me.  His heart and His life are big enough for all of us.  He sees us where we are and extends the invitation every day.

I love the last 2 stanzas of the song.  I just want to make one simple change.

I want to be Bobby's girl
I want to be Bobby's girl,
That's the most important thing to me...

And if I was Bobby's girl,
If I was Bobby's girl,
What a faithful, thankful girl I'd be.                           

What a faithful, thankful girl I'd be. 

Since I am Jesus’ girl                                         

Since I am Jesus’ girl                                                

That's the most important thing to me

And since I am Jesus’ girl                                              

Since I am Jesus’ girl                                                  

What a faithful, thankful girl I'll be.                             

What a faithful, thankful girl I'll be.   

Jumping into Footprints (2/9/15)

A delightful winter scene is children playing in the snow. They flap their arms and legs to create snow angels. Giggles filled the air as balls of snow are rolled larger and larger. Then the struggle to set one atop another is overcome and the finishing touches are added to make a great snowman.

For me, the most enjoyable to watch is a young child attempting to walk in a parent’s footprints. Several factors make this attempt at being ‘just like mom or dad’ both interesting and amusing.

Because a parent’s stride is so much longer than that of the child, this undertaking often includes jumping from one footprint to the next. Even when the child falls short of the desired footprint, he/she continues forward until reaching it. The eager youngster then regroups and makes an attempt to attain the next footprint.

A parent’s footprint is also much larger than a child’s. In fact, young children can often fit both of their feet within one footprint of their father. With this much room, they can firmly plant their feet on the solid packed snow to ready themselves for the leap toward the next print.

Followers of Jesus Christ are called God’s children. “See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are!” (1 John 3:1a AMP) Like children we attempt to follow the big footprints of our Lord. The psalmist, recounting God’s works and faithfulness to His people, wrote these words. “Righteousness shall go before Him and shall make His footsteps a way in which to walk.” (Psalm 85:13 AMP) His steps provide a direction to walk and these are led by righteousness.  We have been made righteous in Jesus. “But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin].” (1 Corinthians 1:30 AMP) Therefore, Jesus goes before us leaving footprints for us to step into and we are to follow them.

 The stride of Jesus is greater than what can attain.  He is perfect and sinless.  As we strive to follow Him we will occasionally fall short. “Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.” (Romans 3:23 AMP) But just like that determined youngster, we can get up from these failings and press on in our quest to follow the steps of Jesus. “For a righteous man falls seven times and rises again.” (Proverbs 24:16a AMP) We must simply receive God’s abundant forgiveness and show a tenacity to move forward.

 The steps of Jesus are also far larger than any one believer could hope to attain. We can stand firmly in His footprint because He is our rock and solid foundation. “The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower.” (Psalm 18:2 AMP) Following in the steps of Jesus means we do our part and allow fellow followers to perform their roles as well. “So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].” (Romans 12:5 AMP) Together we move forward; step by step.

Sometimes the child is following close by to the parent. He or she can see that parent ahead of them and valiantly attempt to keep up with them. At other times the journey is through previously laid footprints. The child may not be sure where these steps lead but he/she knows the steps lead to the parent who left the footprint behind. Regardless of our ability to see God’s plan we can follow His step. Jesus has called us to follow and righteousness will go before us. “Then shall your light break forth like the morning, and your healing (your restoration and the power of a new life) shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness (your rightness, your justice, and your right relationship with God) shall go before you [conducting you to peace and prosperity], and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8 AMP) We will always find God as we follow the footprints He leaves for us.  

So, what are we waiting for? We can jump into the footprints of the Lord every day. And like little children playing in the snow, we can have fun doing it.

Which Will You See?

Have you ever seen one of those black and white sketches that can be viewed in completely different ways? There is the traditional one that looks like a selection of odd shapes, but when your eyes relax, the name Jesus appears. Another of these sketches can be viewed as one of two women. The observer will either perceive an old, rather haggard woman or the profile of a young, vivacious beauty. At first glance the eye generally picks up one image for the other. When pointed out, the other image becomes clear.

Having recently seen this sketch of the two women, I found myself initially seeing the young, vivacious beauty. After some coaxing of my eyes to the lines pointed out to me, I could eventually see the elderly, frail woman. It took effort to focus on the elderly woman’s image. My eyes were continually drawn back to the other profile. But with this focus I could then readily see the older woman’s image. My eyes are now able to switch back and forth between the two images.

An analogy was made to this dual sketch, comparing it to the trials of life. When we look at circumstances do we see the energy of the presence and provision of God? Or do we immediately looked to the difficult, unpleasant circumstances in which we find ourselves? Are we seeing with the eyes of faith or the eyes of fear and defeat?

Having recently gone through and currently still in a rough situation, I was almost surprised that my eyes initially gravitated to the youthful life of that vivacious young woman. It often seems that the circumstances are far more clear to me than anything that God may be doing right now. There is no doubt that I will ultimately make it through this difficult time, but remaining positive is challenging. This is the time to remember the encouragement from the apostle Paul. “For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP)

Looking with the eyes of faith, and not fear, we share the sentiments of King David. “[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living!” (Psalm 27:13 AMP) The Lord’s goodness is all around us even when negative circumstances block our views. Even glimpses of the promises of God can help us stand strong in difficult times.

When fear overcomes us and the negative is all that we can see, we can also be encouraged by the promises in Scripture. When the enemies were coming Elisha’s servant Gehazi was overcome with terror. “Then Elisha prayed, Lord, I pray You, open his eyes that he may see. And the Lord opened the young man's eyes, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17 AMP) It was not the servant’s strength, but rather his master’s prayer that allowed him to see what God had already provided. This vision turned terror into excitement.

As trying times linger on, we can truly appreciate the promise of God to Jeremiah. “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP) This verse is often given as encouragement, as rightfully it should be. But often we forget the Lord’s words just before this. ^“For thus says the Lord, When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you and keep My good promise to you, causing you to return to this place.” (Jeremiah 29:10 AMP) As the 70 years dragged on, this promise was no less true.

The land across the Jordan was given as a promise to the Israelites. Yet they had to go in and fight some battles in order to inhabit the promise. (See the book of Joshua) God was with them in the battles and they settled the land.

If you are in hard times and having difficulty standing strong, be encouraged. Every promise of God is true. Choose to see the beauty and refuse to focus on the difficulty.