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If we are truly followers of Jesus Christ, we will face trials of every kind. We are a tested people and each trial has been designed for the purposes for which God allows. We are all being made ready to wear the regal robes of eternal royalty. Christ is in each storm we face and it is his power that is causing all things to work for our good.
It is especially trying in these dark days as believers endure trials of every kind marking the countdown to Christ’ return. The faith of all is being put to the fire. None of us are exempt. Are you willing to stand and believe in spite of all that is happening in your life?
The above photo is one of the remarkable works done by a man named Rob Bohning. If you click on the picture, you will see the true majesty of his work. He has captured God’s creation as no one I have ever seen. Rob is a godly, loving husband and father. He is an amazing photographer. He has two gorgeous young children. And, he has a rare incurable cancer called Medullary Thyroid cancer. But Rob is not about to give up! What makes this man stand out is that he has unwavering faith that God cares about his affliction and is more than able to bring him through it. Rob is in the fiery furnace of testing but he knows full well that his Savior, Jesus Christ, is with him!
Rob and his wife, Lori, had emailed me after visiting my blog. I can say from my heart that I am blessed to have them now as friends. When writing to me of his cancer, Rob said, ” All I know is God is good and wastes nothing! That includes this cancer.” It was shortly after his forty-second birthday that Rob received this cancer diagnosis. Sadly, that was not all. The following day, Rob’s dad died from another kind of cancer. How does Rob keep his faith so strong while facing surgeries and treatments that he must endure?
My dear friends, the reason that Rob can have peace despite his affliction is because his faith has been tested and proven to be real. He understands that God’s will is good no matter what form it takes. He is a man who knows the God who created him and is willing to serve him in any way that he is called to. In his weakness, he has found God’s strength!
True sons and daughters will suffer for Christ. It has been written that blessed is the person whom the storm drives to God. It is only there that you will find true happiness. The worth of a soldier is never known in times of peace. It is only in the battle that the true strength and courage of a believer is revealed. Faith is not faith until it has been tested! Those who draw near to God in times of trials will find that they cannot leave his Presence without receiving his strength.
God has put a lot of wonderful people in my life through this blog. Rob Bohning and Lori have touched my life in such a way that I will never be the same. When I recently wrote about how I was going through some painful struggles of my own, Rob wrote again asking me how he can pray for me! I am humbled by this man’s faith and dedication to God. He has taught me that trusting that God is with us in our problems is the greatest honor we can give to him.
Rob will be having his first chest surgery on February 22nd to remove some nodes. I am humbly asking all of those who come to this site to please pray for Rob’s surgery. Please also keep him, Lori and their children in prayer. We are all in the battle as long as we are on this earth. But God never leaves us to fight alone. I am asking for the army of God’s people to rally for Rob. I am sure that he prays for all of us here on this site too. We are members of Christ’ own body. We cannot be defeated. There are no casualties in God’s army. We are performing the purpose for which he has created us. This body of death will not always be with us. Our victory has been declared. Christ has set us free!
What should you do in times of trouble? Rejoice! Great trials bring out God’s greatness in you.
I pray for all who visit my site. You matter to me and I thank God for bringing you here to see the messages he gives me for you. I hope you will find peace from the truth. I am blessed to have met so many prayer warriors who also teach the good news and hope through Jesus Christ. One of them, Charles Woodruff has a powerful blog that I visit everyday. I never leave his site without gleaning strength and hope from his biblical teachings. I urge you to visit his site, CyberWord of Truth, and be blessed. He never fails to pray for me and for all those who visit him.
I the LORD do not change (Malachi 3:1)
God’s faithfulness is the same today, tomorrow and forever. As he has helped others, so also will he do now for us. His love has no bounds and his mercies are new every day. Though the times change and we change, God is with us in every single aspect of our lives. Although the battle rages on in this dark world, the foundation of Christ who died to give us life will always remain. He is true to his word. The troubles of this world have no power to destroy a believer. To think otherwise is to believe a lie.
I took the picture above in my backyard. It always is amazing to me how the leaves of the trees change into beautiful colors right before they fall down. The Mastermind of this phenomenon is God. He ordained the different seasons and has a purpose for each part of the cycle. While I always wish the leaves would keep their vibrant colors and stay on the trees, that is not his plan. He has a purpose for all things in creation for it was by his hand that all things came to be. Nothing evolved on its own. There is one God who is the Creator of all.
Yet during times of stress and change, it is difficult to remember that God has authority over everything. Each day brings a different problem and sometimes it is hard to keep the faith through our tears. Where is my God when it seems like my struggles are getting worse and the pain is unbearable?
As we watch the darkness of evil growing and filling this world, can we truly trust that the plan of Christ for us is going to succeed? Evil is being called good and wrong is being called right. It is as if the world is turned inside out. If God’s love is unchanging, why does he allow this all to happen?
The bible tells us that God created man in his own image and saw that it was good. He provide us with everything we would ever need and yet mankind still fell into sin. We rebelled against a holy God. That should have been the end of us at that point. But we are told that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God’s love did not change despite our sin. He still made a way to bring us back to him. Although sin and wickedness came into the world and corrupted everything, God’s plan of redemption never changed.
We are still living in a perishing world. You only need to turn on the news to see that most people are on the wide path of destruction. This is not heaven. All things are not going to be perfect until Christ returns to make all things new. We must suffer for a while to prove ourselves as sons and daughters. It is not easy to watch loved ones suffer and die. It is heartbreaking to watch as families are being torn apart as hearts grow cold. The enemy has unleashed his final fury as he knows his time is short. Persecution against Christians is on the rise. And God’s ways are being perverted everywhere to suit the desires of the lost. We are living in the last days.
My dear friends, I write this message to touch those who are going through fierce storms in their lives. You are not forgotten. God has not forsaken you. You are being made ready for a royal position that will never end. God is with you in this battle even though it seems like you are alone. His legions of angels are acting on his command to guard you throughout your struggle. The Apostle Paul tells us: “Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand!” (Ephesians 6:13) Know the God you serve so that you can trust him no matter what happens.
Take time to read your bible every single day. Let God’s truth be your armor that keeps you trusting in him despite your problems. God has not changed. His love for you will endure forever. He will not fail you. Your hope is secure because you belong to him. Nothing in all of creation will ever be able to stop his love for you or his plan for your life.
In the spring, when the leaves return and the flowers unfold in all their beauty, I will be reminded that God’s promises never fail.
Dear Lord, my heart breaks as I hear of the struggles of your people. I pray that they will understand that although the battles of this world are leaving them wounded and weary, you have already declared them a victor. Nothing is going to touch their lives apart from your will and purpose. You will give them your peace in the midst of their struggle. I pray for all to come to know that even though we are living in a fallen world, your plan is still unfolding and we have a reason to be hopeful. The price has been paid and because Christ lives, we can face tomorrow. You hold our future and there is nothing that you cannot do for those who love you. Lord, help them to know without a doubt that this is true. Amen
You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light
(2 Samuel 22:29)
Our future is in the hands of God. He alone has numbered our days and it is by his will that we live or die. Many people can trust God with their salvation but then find it difficult to trust him to work things out in their lives.
All around the earth, fear is mounting as we experience an increase in sickness, disease, famine, storms, earthquakes, floods and drought. There has always been sin and evil in this world, but it has now reached a point of no return. Darkness has blanketed the earth because mankind has chosen to remove all traces of God and his laws. When Jesus promised believers to give them peace that surpasses our understanding, he did not mean that our problems and struggles would end. He was telling us that despite the battles we face, his power would be the strength that we needed to overcome and be victorious. That fact is one that many find difficult to believe.
It is hard to wait out the storms of life and trust that things will work out. But, the truth is that God is just as much in power and authority in the darkness as he is in the light. Whatever problem you think you can’t overcome has already been overcome by the power of Christ! There is nothing that can move a believer from the position God has assigned to them from the beginning of time. The recent storms and hurricanes have destroyed houses and has taken down trees, but with all the power of God that is in me, I assure you that no storm ever has any power to hinder a child of God! Christ is coming back soon to make all things new. Do you actually think that he cannot take you to victory even now because of your painful trial?
Just this week my heart was broken by the pain of a man who had visited my blog and began writing to me. He said that he was feeling hopeless and weary. He felt he had no future and that God was just not hearing him. I pointed out to him that all that he was thinking was a lie from the destroyer from hell. God is with us in all things and in all of our pain. This man wanted to believe what I said but he was extremely overwhelmed by an obvious clinical depression. I prayed desperately for him. Yesterday, I got an email from his daughter. Sadly, she informed me that her father had killed himself. He could not take the pain of any more tomorrows. I am crying now as I write this.
Thoughts immediately began filling my mind: Did I say enough? Did I say too much? Did I pray enough for him? I soon realized that the enemy now wanted to discourage me with lies. I did pray for him with all my heart. I take seriously the mission God has given me with my writing. I care about every single person who visits whether they comment or not. I intercede on behalf of everyone who is led here. I could not stop this man from committing suicide, but I can continue to pray for his family and for those like him who feel like there is no hope.
My dear friends, remember that we are in the throes of a vicious battle with evil as time grows short. The enemy will try to take all of your joy and peace if you let him. He wants to destroy families so marriages are failing at an unbelievable alarming rate. Our children are his prime target and he has pulled out all the stops to lead them on the path of destruction. The economy is in a crisis situation as millions of people all over the world are losing homes and jobs with little chance of recovering. Crime, sickness and troubles of every kind are upon us. The struggle is escalating just to stay alive. And unfortunately for that reason, many grow tired and just give up.
We are told throughout Scripture that we will have to endure suffering. What the enemy doesn’t want you to remember is that all that you endure is working out a perfect divine destiny for you. You will not one day be a conqueror. You are one now! The power of the risen Christ is taking you through the darkness even when you can’t see or feel him. He has a purpose for all that he let allows but he knows how to give you his rest despite the battle.
Whatever dark situation you are in, please remember that you are not out of view from the One who sees all. It may seem like you are alone but you will never be. In the battle that you are facing, don’t give up! God is with you in your pain today and he holds your tomorrows in his hand. That is his truth. I ask that you take time each day to read your bible and let the promises of God give you strength in every struggle you face. I am praying now for all who need to understand that there is always hope through Christ.
For I am the LORD, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)
I humbly ask that you keep the family of this suicide victim in prayer.
(Picture by Francesco Cosi )
”Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
(Luke 24:5)
We each have our own idea of how we think God should help us in the problems of this life. Most of us have a pre-conceived notion of what is good for God to do for us. Unfortunately, when God does not work things out as expected, many believers let seeds of doubt fill their mind. Fear is given reign in their lives instead of the risen Christ. Weary from the battle, many give up hope reacting as though Christ were still in the tomb instead of being alive with full authority over everything. They search for the living in the dead areas of their lives. The enemy’s lies become real for them.
Our trust in the trials we face is not based on that which can be seen. The bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1 that , “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” If you were able to see and understand everything that God is permitting in your life, you would have no need for faith. Without faith, it is not only impossible to please God, it is impossible to know the God you serve!
We have to remember in every storm of life that Christ is at the center and he permits only that which fulfills his will for you. You may not like the attacks that come against you, but they are powerful tools used to equip you for eternal victory. You will never be able to stand in the struggles of life if you do not have the knowledge of God’s power and a belief that he will not fail you. In the time of testing, the enemy is going to pull out all the stops to tempt you to think that you are beyond help. He is going to fill your mind with thoughts of failure and defeat. Unless you are firmly grounded in the truth of God’s love and his power in your battles, you will not have the strength to fight.
In all situations and in all ways, Christ is working out a divine, eternal plan that cannot be stopped. Your past has no hold on you. Your weakness and failures are powerless to hinder God’s purpose for you. Because of the sacrifice Christ made for you on the cross, your future is forever secure. God has promised to transform you into the image of his Son, Jesus. As a believer, you need to understand that one day you will be a co-heir with Christ in heaven and rule over angels. All of your momentary troubles on this earth is just getting you ready for a kingdom so magnificent that there is no way for our earthly minds to comprehend its beauty.
In Romans 8:28, we are given this promise: “And we know that God will cause ALL things to work for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” Anything that affects your life is now under God’s authority and power as he completes the works he started. You have nothing to fear.
My friends, begin today to walk the steps of faith. Surrender your troubles to the One who can lift you above them all. Let God’s strength fill you and give you peace for he has given his angels charge over you. You were never meant to carry your burdens alone. No matter what heartache or pain you have now, the peace of Christ can be still be yours if you trust it all to him.
Remember that Christ death and resurrection were part of his plan. He knew that we were hopelessly lost and prisoners of sin. He provided a way that will keep us in peace on this earth and take us through to the glory of heaven forever. Jesus left the grave! He is alive within the hearts of all believers. His power is yours forever! Jesus is a living hope and he will always make a way to help you.
Dear Lord, I sadly watch as so many of your people are overwhelmed in their problems. They are weary and struggling to believe that you will help them. I pray for them now and ask that you meet them where they are. I pray that marriages will be mended as you become the center of the vows they made before you. I pray for sickness and diseases to be touched by your hand and healed. I pray for financial help for all those struggling to live. I pray for jobs for those out of work. I pray for you to help single mothers who are barely making it as they raise their children alone. I pray for a way out for those in addictions and bondage to sin. I pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith. I pray for you to bring hope to those considering suicide. May you give them your strength. I pray for those who are hurting from the actions of a spouse. I pray that all who come to this site will have the true knowledge of salvation through Christ alone. Lord Jesus, may your mercy and grace fill them to overflow as you reveal yourself to them. Amen.
“…but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13)
Stop the world, I want to get off! How many of us have had that thought? As the days grow shorter, the enemy has pulled out all the stops in his attacks. For that reason, there is an alarming number of people who just want to give up and some have even committed suicide. Many more have given thought to ending their life. In all these cases, Satan was able to convince them that there is no reason to live. His voice has tempted them to believe that the trial they are facing will never get better and it will never end. Jesus paid the price to overcome in every trouble and yet too many of us sadly cannot believe him.
We have all experienced those times in life when the battles we faced were so overwhelming that all hope just vanished. It can be very hard to recover when a loved one dies too soon and your heart is breaking from sadness. Marriages hardly seem worth the price of the license as spouses can leave their families without a hint of compunction. They always offer some excuse, but the bottom line is their vow and commitment to God meant nothing.
Financial problems are plaguing all of us in some way. Homes are being foreclosed and many are facing homelessness for the first time. Too often single mothers are destitute trying to raise their children alone. It seems never-ending as each day brings more problems.
To add to all of this, there is an overwhelming number of those with addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling and pornography. Crime has greatly increased and prisons are filled with dark forces of evil. Poverty and deadly diseases are at an all time high throughout this world. Earthquakes, tornadoes and floods have literally changed the geography of several states and countries.
Finally, never before have we seen the degree of sin and evil that defy understanding. News of parents who kill their own children without reason or remorse is becoming commonplace! Children are no longer protected from harm. We are literally living in a time when truth has been exchanged for a destructive lie. The hearts of most have grown cold as godlessness fills the earth to overflow.
The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3 :”There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” We are in those “terrible” times and it is now that you must choose what is right.
The forecast for this world is indeed dim. My heart breaks as I watch the massive deception that is filling this earth. In every country, people are crying out for God’s help in the midst of their struggles, but yet they are unwilling to surrender their lives to his will. Most do not understand that there will never be victory for them unless Christ rules in their hearts.
My friends, I want you to understand the most important part of this message. We are all living in perilous, troublesome times. Until Christ returns to make all things new, there is going to be trials and storms in the life of every believer. Those trials are not meant to drive you away from God and his purpose. They are permitted in your life to bring you to the power of God and his strength. For that reason, the enemy keeps taunting you to give up and believe that Christ was not enough or that he did not show up in time. The fact is that the legions of God’s angels are surrounding you right now. Your faith is being perfected as each battle brings you further up the mountain and closer to the face of God!
Those who feel that they cannot endure this life anymore and who want to die are listening to the lies from a defeated foe who has been rendered powerless and hopeless by the cross of Christ. That lie cannot hurt you unless you believe it! Take heart, my weary friends, for God is willing to breathe into you new life if you will just keep your eyes on him. You have the authority to move mountains and that means that you can take hope knowing that there is no boundary, no ocean, no pain and no bondage that can keep you a prisoner when the blood of Christ has set you free!
Whatever you are struggling with, your God is bigger. To those who are suffering with depression and even self-mutilation, there is a way out. That prison of affliction cannot keep you chained up any longer! Put your trust in Christ who paid the price to heal every disease and to restore marriages, homes and heal heartaches. He will get you through your financial battle and it is then that you will know Christ and his love for you that never fails.
Wherever you are, God sees you and knows your pain. Hold on and keep trusting for he knows how to rescue you if you don’t give up.
I am praying for all who need to hear this message. You are not alone for God has burdened others to pray for you. I hope that you will take to heart all that God has given me to write. Remember that your pain will not last forever. Only believe!
Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
As this new year begins, I am praying for all who visit this site. I don’t have to know you to understand that God has a purpose in leading you here. I have learned in my life one important fact and that is that God hears our prayers and answers. For whatever reason he brought you here, I welcome you with love. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your need is, God’s strength is powerful enough to cover it all. Your pain, your struggles and your broken heart cannot stop the perfect plan God has for those who seek him. At some time in our lives, we all make bad choices and fall; but to those who take hold of the hand of Christ, there can be no failures. The truth is that there is no limit to what God can do through you and for you if you are willing to surrender your brokenness to him.
I want to share something that happened to me a few years ago that impacted my life. My elderly father had been living with me and my husband in our home. Almost four years to the month, my father got ill and I had to take him into the emergency room. I felt weary and alone sitting in dad’s room waiting for tests to be done when I heard the nurse talking to a man on the other side of the curtain. Apparently the young man tried to commit suicide when he found out his wife and kids were moving out. He sounded sad as he told the nurse that he felt like foolish for attempting something like that. After talking to him a bit, the nurse left to get his discharge papers. I had some of my faith articles with me and I felt strongly led to go over and give them to this stranger. I hesitated and decided to think it over before letting this man know I overheard his story. What if he got angry that I listened in? What do I even say to him? I panicked! After a few seconds, I just got up and went over. I turned back the curtain a little and quietly said to him, “Hi, I am so sorry but I overheard what happened and I want you to know that I care. More importantly, God cares, and he has a future for you even if your marriage ends. He can give you hope and healing no matter what you are feeling. I will be praying for you and I have some articles I wrote that I think may help you, if that is okay with you.” The young man simply looked me in the eyes with tears and said, “Thank you!” I went over and hugged him and he told me his name and I told him mine. We talked for a little and I tried to encourage him. Then he said something that truly humbled me to my soul. He said, “I know you don’t realize it, but you just saved my life today!” Amazing. Even though I was dealing with my seriously ill father, God still wanted to use me to bring his love and hope to someone who was ready to give up.
The next day, my daughter and I were with my father at the hospital when he passed away. It was a crushing ordeal for me, but somehow in all of my pain I remembered how Christ had used me to show his love to a stranger. God’s power was with me even as my father was dying. His peace just filled me as I understood without a doubt that God was now taking care of my father in heaven! His perfect plan did not fail me.
Life here on earth is not easy. We are still on the battle ground of a perishing world awaiting the final call of Christ. Our momentary problems are working out eternal ramifications. They are preparing us for royalty in a kingdom that will never end. We are always going to have struggles and pain, but we must never lose our focus for God’s is always with us on the path that he has prepared for our lives.
My hope for every believer is that you understand that the storms in your life have no power to destroy you because God will always be bigger. No matter how devastating it may seem, there is a purpose and plan for all that you must endure and he knows how to work it out for your good. I am praying for you now.
For a little while, you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (1Peter 1:6)
It is hard to understand the ways of God when the battle is raging and you are surrounded by the enemy. Going through a painful trial or heartache can bring you down lower than you have ever been. It can seem unbearable and crushing especially when you don’t understand why God would allow this struggle in your life. How can the torment that you are experiencing be part of God’s perfect plan for you? It just doesn’t make sense.
We read in James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him”. Each struggle brings an opportunity for God to manifest more of his power in you. It is his strength to take us through to the end and our training for the royalty that awaits us in heaven. Yet, there are still times when the answer to our prayers for help seems so far away.
Even knowing God has a purpose for our trials, the things that come against us in this world will never make sense to us. However, the divine purpose for all we endure must complete its work in us. Even Jesus knew that he had to endure great pain that we might be redeemed. In Luke 22:43-44 we read that Jesus went to the Mount of Olives to pray before he was to be crucified. With great anguish over what he was to suffer, his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Yet as he obeyed his Father’s will, an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. Jesus understood that there were eternal implications in all that he had to endure. He willingly gave his life that we might be saved.
As a believer, you should understand that God will also send his angels to strengthen and comfort you as you grow weary from the battles of this world. He will never let you stand alone and carry burdens that are much too heavy for you. The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from their trials. His purpose in allowing pain in your life is to develop you into the image of Christ and to actually make you stronger for the journey set for you. In 2 Corinthians, God’s word says that you may be hard pressed on all sides but never crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but never abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. The storms of this life can rock your boat but Jesus has promised that you will get to the destination that he planned for you before you were born. When you can trust God despite your broken heart, you defeat the father of lies who wants you to forget that Jesus paid the price for your victory. All the troubles that we must face are obtaining for us an eternal reward that will last forever. You must keep your eyes on Jesus who is able to keep you in his peace even when you don’t understand the purpose for your pain.
Scripture says that after losing his children, his wealth and his health, Job cried out, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him” (Job 13:13). God had a purpose in allowing Job to go through such a trial. Ultimately, Satan was defeated and Job received a great reward. He was given beautiful children, greater wealth and a longer life because he trusted God when even when all was taken.
God’s purpose and plan will forever stand though the earth may be shaken. God’s ways are much higher than the logic of this world so you must trust him even when you don’t understand. There is nothing you are suffering that God didn’t plan in advance to take you through. May it help you to know that there are believers praying for you right now and that God’s love for you will never fail!
Dear Lord, I am praying now for those who are enduring great hardship and pain in their lives. Although they are struggling to stand in their faith, they have become weary and need a touch from you. I pray that you will give them a very real sense of your presence in all that they are going through. I pray that you will fill them with your peace and will open their eyes to know that you are with them despite the fierce storm that is all around them. Help them to continue to walk in trust knowing that you will never fail them and that your divine purpose in their lives cannot be stopped by the enemy of this world. Amen
Knowing that God will rescue you
Where is God in all of our struggles? We are living in unbelievably difficult days and it does not appear to be getting any better. Trying to hold on in faith while the darkness surrounds our situation can literally seem impossible. In our finite minds, it doesn’t make sense that God appears to wait so long to come to our rescue.
The pain of a trial in life can be overwhelming. A troubled marriage can turn your life upside down. Financial problems seem to have no end in sight. A serious illness can interrupt your life in a big way. Addictions to alcohol, drugs, pornography or any bondage can bring total havoc in your life. There are just too many problems to deal with as utter darkness covers the earth. Where is the peace that surpasses understanding that Jesus promised us believers? Sometimes it may take all the effort you have just to get out of bed in the morning and face life. Without a doubt, we are living in troubling times. So what can we do?
We are told in God’s word that then enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking to devour you. He is seeking to kill, steal and destroy all that you have. But, the truth is that the enemy cannot take anything from one whose faith is in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. All that he can do is convince you of a lie that his power to destroy you is bigger than God’s power to rescue you. You must remember that the tomb could not hold back the Holy Spirit’s power to raise Christ from the dead and that same power is living in you! For that reason, you cannot be defeated no matter how wounded you are in the battle you are fighting. Christ has conquered death and the power of evil. Though the enemy can wage war all around you, you will not be a casualty of a battle that has already been won. Don’t look at your circumstances – look at your God! Our weakness comes when we take our eyes off the Source of our power. Jesus does not take cover in the attacks of the enemy. He is our fortress and a very present help to us. The weary can find safety in his shadow and experience peace in his never-ending love.
By knowing and understanding the God you serve, you are able to rest and trust him to get you through the storm. If Jesus tells us to take joy despite our problems, he must have a way for us to do so. We know by all that is true that God cannot lie. In every one of our troubles, God is present and working them out. You don’t have to feel him or see him working to know that he is causing all things to be used for your good. It is by faith, which is greater than silver or gold, that we trust despite our pain. My friends, you must understand that while this earth is not heaven, it is here that God is getting us ready to be royalty in a glorious place that will never end! It is difficult to endure the hardships that surround us each day, but it is not impossible. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross gave us hope that our future is secure. If he has the hairs on your head numbered, he surely is not going to forget to help you when you need him. In his timing, you will understand that he never left you for one second! The Apostle Peter took his eyes off of Jesus when he was walking on the water and began to sink. But understand this – JESUS NEVER TOOK HIS EYES OFF OF PETER! Jesus was able to lift Peter up from the sea because his power did not cease even when Peter doubted him.
God’s love and power for you are real. If you are struggling it is because you are listening to the lies of the enemy and have taken your eyes from Christ. I know that your financial problems are real and that your marriage may be in serious trouble. All that I am saying is that God is not going to fail you. You may think he is not with you now in your pain but the truth is that he is. Even in your fear and weakness, he is not going to abandon you. His love is just so amazing that it will meet you wherever you are. He knows how to lift you from your sea of trouble and he will not let you drown. God can make a way even when there is none.
Let the amazing love that Christ has for you be your strength in the battle you are facing. Get into his word and let him fill you will the knowledge of his power so that you will not be afraid of what the future holds for you. The words that God gave to his people long ago are for you today: “For I am the LORD, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you”. (Isaiah 41:13)
He always has a way
No matter what storm you are going through in your life, God has a way through it and above it. For believers, his strength will always be all that you need because he knew your name long before he formed the earth. That is so hard to fathom because our mind cannot contain a truth this great. The true God who knows all things loved you before you were born!
God planned every aspect of your life from where you would be born, to whom and when. Even where you live was ordained in God’s masterful plan. His desire was that all would come to him and be saved. He knew that problems you would have and he understood your weaknesses. He knows your sin and your rebellion, yet he still has a purpose and a plan to give you victory through the blood of Jesus Christ. Romans 8:31 tells us that,”If God is for us, who can be against us?” He justifies us from our sins and intercedes on our behalf so that we can truly be more than conquerors despite the hard times and heavy burdens we carry.
Each day is an opportunity to bring glory to God as you stand in faith trusting that he us with you in all things. If we could understand a mere iota of the love of God for us our lives would be changed forever. His love is not based on what we do for there is no way we could earn it. It is based solely on who he is for God is love. The only way that we can walk in the ways of love is to know Christ and to have him work through us.
The troubles of this world cannot defeat us no matter how weary we become. When Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is finished”, that was the promise shout of victory for those who believe on him. The price was paid by the blood of Jesus and we are no longer in bondage to the evil of this world. My friends, we will have troubles but they are working in you a glory that will defy the enemy of your soul. You cannot lose! The enemy can’t take what was redeemed by Christ for you. He has a way to help you and he will not fail.
Though the evil one will try to convince you that you will drown in the tears of your affliction, you must not give in. Remember the truth that set you free. Jesus has overcome the problems of this world and he will never let you go through anything that he does not have a plan to take you safely through. He knows your name and he knows where you are. He is willing to bear your pain and carry your sorrows. He has the power to lift you from your heartache and sustain you when you have no strength of your own.
Lift up your eyes for all that you need is with you now. You can truly face tomorrow despite your pain because Jesus is with you. Let his peace be your comfort because he is working all things out for you now. You don’t have to feel it or see it. You just have to know that his promises are real.
Dear Jesus, I pray that you open the eyes of all who need to hear from you and let them know that you are with them and that you are in total control of their situation. Surround them with your peace and help them to understand the depth of your love. Let them know that they have nothing to fear, for you are with them to the end! Amen
Times are tough and the days are growing short. It is difficult to stand in faith as the darkness fills the world. Sometimes the pain we experience is just too much for us to bear. Many may wonder if God is truly with them in all things. For instance, where is God when a loved one dies or when bad things happen to innocent people? This question and other similar ones have troubled believers everywhere.
The truth that remains is that God is with us in everything and anything that comes against us. God’s plan was for us to live in paradise with him forever, but because of man’s sin, death and destruction came into our world. But the love of God never left us.
Sin is rebellion against God and it allowed Satan and his demons to roam this earth seeking to destroy us. We were doomed. “But God so loved the world that he sent his only Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16)
His love for us was so great that he was willing to sacrifice the blood of his Son Jesus to bring us back to fellowship with him.
God’s love for us continues even though we are sinners who turned from the ways of God. To the ends of the earth, God has sent his word to seek out the lost and offer the free gift of salvation through the cross of Jesus. And though this world is perishing, those whose hope is in Christ will never be destroyed. Death that can take the body can never touch the soul of a believer. Jesus said in John 5:24, “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” That means that no sickness,financial problems, divorce, pain or even death can end God’s promise for us of victory and eternity with him.
Life on this earth is fleeting. Eternity with God is never-ending and it is there that you will understand that the storms in your life were only the winds that brought you closer to the reward that God has prepared for you. You will know then that God never left your side despite what you had to suffer. The strength to endure and not to fear was always with you and that his power was manifested in your weakness.
There will always be death and evil on this earth until Jesus comes back. That is why as believers we must not conform to this world but be set apart. We must live different lives and not react as those who have no hope. The sickness or loss of someone close to us may tear at our heart, but our strength must come from the hope that God has given us.
Our life on this earth is not the end. Innocent people will continue to suffer at the hands of evildoers and sickness will take loved ones from this earth, but God’s justice and purpose will always prevail. We must trust that God will use for good all that comes against us.
The Apostle Paul suffered torture and pain in his life, but he knew that it was all going to be used for the glory of God. For him, to die was gain but to live was for Christ. He knew that God had an eternal purpose for everything that he had to endure.
When we don’t understand the reason God allows pain and suffering in our lives and those whom we love, we must have faith that God is always at work in us, and that those who endure to the end will receive the reward that far outweighs it all! The trials of this earth are temporary, but the reward of God is eternal. For now, I pray that you understand that God will be with you in your pain and will take you through the valley of your tears. He is always faithful!
Dear Lord, the pain and burdens of this world can bring us to our knees. Sometimes we falter in our faith as we struggle against the war that the enemy is waging against us. I pray that those who may have experienced a loss of a loved one or who is being overwhelmed by a situation that seems hopeless. Fill them with your peace and love. May they know that no problem is bigger than the God that they serve. Help them to understand that your ways are higher and better than ours. Give them the strength to persevere in the battle and to keep their eyes on you. Your perfect plan for their life will never fail!
We give you praise. Amen.
God’s love is with you at all times!
It is easier to trust God in the good times. It takes much more faith to keep that trust during painful trials. Tough times happen to everyone. It is sometimes difficult to believe that God is willing to take you through the impossible situations in your life. But faith is the most important thing that you must have in this age of crisis and turmoil The peace of God that transcends all understanding is predicated on believing that God’s word is true. Without faith it is impossible to please God because faith is the key to all the strength and power that God has to give us. It simply means that you believe that God is bigger than your problems.
Scripture records the miracles that Jesus performed while on this earth. In Matthew 9:29, two blind men asked Jesus to heal them. Jesus replied, “According to your faith will it be done to you”, and their sight was restored. A ruler came and asked Jesus to put his hand on his daughter that she might live. Because of the ruler’s faith, Jesus brought his daughter back to life. The Apostles also worked by faith. In Acts 14, Paul looked directly at a crippled man and saw that he had the faith to be healed. He called for the man to stand and he was healed. Many people were saved and their bodies healed as they took that first step to trust that Jesus was truly the Savior of the world.
True faith always honors God. It is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. It is unbridled belief in the Son of God who gave his life for us. There is nothing that God won’t do for those who put their trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. It was Jesus who called us to lay our burdens at his feet. Perfect peace is given to all who are willing to trust him with everything. Though it may be difficult to stay strong when your world is crumbling all around you, the name of Jesus will always be your shield.
In Mark 9:24, a man with a son possessed by a spirit asked Jesus for his help. When Jesus asked the man if he believed that he could heal his son, the man answered, “I do believe Lord; help me overcome my unbelief!”. Jesus is so merciful to remember that we are weak. He will never hold it against us if we ask for his help to believe him through our struggles.
Striving to work out impossible situations will never succeed. It is only the power of God that can rescue us from the storm. You may have a serious health issue, financial problems, drug or alcohol addictions or even a broken heart but nothing is too hard for our God who created the heavens and the earth and everything in them. We are told by God in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you”. That is a promise that Jesus bought for us at Calvary.
Whatever trial or pain you are in, remember that God’s love will never leave your side. Call on him right now to strengthen you to overcome your unbelief. He will help you take that first step in trust so that you will know that God is big enough to conquer all of your problems.
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD
It does not matter where you are in your life; it only matters where God is going to take you. His light is our solace in a lost and perishing world. The word of God promises us that we will have peace despite our situation and that he has a plan to give us a future with hope. Jesus has paid the price for our victory in every circumstance. There is never a battle that can defeat you. It is only when you understand that you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ that you can believe that God’s strength and his perfect plan for you life are all that you need.
Too often the storms of life can leave you weary making it a struggle to stand in faith. The enemy who roams this earth seeking to kill, steal and destroy will use every effort to make you doubt that God cares about your difficult situation. Satan is the father of lies and he will try to use your heartache and pain to rob you of your joy. The truth is that he cannot steal the purpose and plan for which God sent his only Son to redeem for us.
We read in 1 Peter 5:10 that, “The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” The storms that this life brings will be turned around for your good and will bring you to the knowledge of how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.(Ephesians 3:18} It is only after you have been in a painful battle and watched as your God defeated all of your problems that you can grow in unwavering trust.
Nothing can overcome you when your life is in Christ. He is your power and the force to go on even despite the pain you may be experiencing. God is never limited by the impossibility of your situation. He who spoke the world into existence has a way out of every trial you endure. In Scripture we read that it was God who shut the mouth of the lions and saved Daniel when he was thrown into their den for not bowing down to the king. It was God who went with young David to defeat the giant. It is always the strength of God who meets us at the battle and takes down our enemies. We have nothing to fear because the word of God promises us that we cannot be destroyed.
You may be facing a serious illness, an addiction, a broken marriage, or financial problems but you need to know that God is willing and able to take you through your struggle that you may be anxious for nothing. We are told in Isaiah 26 that God will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in the one who can do all things.
You can be hard-pressed but never crushed by your problems. God knows your name and saw all of your days before one of them came to be. Jesus will guide your steps and be the light when the darkness of your situation is overwhelming. And he will never leave your side.
There will always be battles that come against you in your life, but Jesus tells us to take joy for he has overcome them all!
The still, quiet voice of God will lead you
Believing that God can take you safely through all of the storms of this life can be difficult. God’s timing doesn’t always line up with our way of doing things and it may seem that we are alone in our battles. Life can be tough, but God’s word says that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Our prayers in difficult times unleash the limitless power of God, who is the only one who can make things right and restore us to wholeness. Believers have access to the Throne of God to present their request and the God who hears you will answer you and give you his peace. He knows how to rescue his people from trials.
The still, quiet voice of the Lord is a strength that can be trusted. In 1 Kings 19:11, the prophet Elijah was told to go out and stand on the mountain, for the glory of the Lord was about to pass by. After Elijah reached the height of the mountain, a powerful wind tore the mountain apart and shattered the rocks; and after the wind there was an earthquake and then a fire, but the Lord was not in any of these things. The Lord actually came to Elijah in a gentle whisper. This is true for us today.
There may be times that you feel drawn by God to a position in life only to have your dreams appear to crumble. You felt sure that God was leading you in a certain area but now that situation has become difficult and you begin to doubt if you heard from God at all. The truth in this matter is that if you want to avoid the valleys in life and just experience the mountaintop, you had better be ready for the high winds and earthquakes of life that can attempt to take you down. There are many struggles we face in our lives, but if we can trust the still, quiet voice of God who never leaves us, there is nothing that will be able to defeat us or take us from the place that God has brought us. Christ is the fulfillment of all that we hope for and there is always hope because he directs our steps. Any dream or desire that he has placed in your heart, he will make a way! One thing we must remember is that God never changes. It was God who parted the Red Sea to help save the Israelites and he has the same power to part the river of your tears that seeks to pull you under. You may feel that you are drowning in your own tears but God has the power to give you the victory no matter what you are going through.
Whatever you face in this life, you will never be alone and God has promised you glory if you run the race he has set for you. It is not always easy, but the prize of being in eternity with Christ is worth it! You must always remember that there is no power that can defeat the Sovereign God who is over all things.
Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil”. Be wise and take the opportunity to read your bible each day and give to God more time in prayer. Put your trust in Christ who has already paid the ultimate price for you.
The battle in life is not to be feared for God has already made you more than a conqueror through his son, Jesus. You now have his power, his strength and most importantly, his love that will keep you from ever being destroyed. This is the truth that Jesus died to give you. Take heart, for he is with you today!
STANDING STRONG IN FAITH
To remain strong during difficult times requires that we stand in faith. There is nothing sadder than to see believers react defeated at a hill of trouble when Christ has given us the power to move mountains. The storms that blow through your life may be strong, but the Master of the wind is still Christ and he alone determines the outcome of your situation. There is no doctor’s report, no financial problem, no heartache and absolutely no other trial that can hinder the perfect plan that God has for you life. Jesus came to this earth to die for each of us so that we can live life to the fullest despite our problems. The hardships of this world cannot defeat us but will always be used for our good if we keep our eyes on Jesus. His power has no limit; therefore, your impossible situation cannot stand against Christ who is the Author and Finisher of our lives.
In 2 Corinthian 4:16 we read, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Those struggles that seem to weaken us can actually make us stronger as we trust in our Lord who has said that He would never leave us. It was the love of Christ who willingly took our sins upon himself and bought for us an everlasting inheritance in heaven with him.
When you can understand that the painful situations you must endure are only allowed to bring you closer to the image of Christ, you can have the peace that surpasses understanding. Even though it may not make sense to you, God has an eternal reason for all that he allows to touch your life. And God, who knew your afflictions before he even formed the earth, has prepared a way for you to be taken through them.
The enemy of our soul will always look for ways to discourage true believers. Satan knows that he cannot stop God’s perfect plan for you so he must work to convince you that your problems are bigger than your God. He wants you to forget that Jesus can still heal our diseases; that he can strengthen us against addictions; that he can restore broken homes and that he can overcome all of our weaknesses. Jesus is the only one who can make us whole and give us a future with a promise. The devil cannot take from us what Jesus has died to give us.
The enemy wants to keep us blinded to the truth, but the light of God’s word will be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Jesus is the light of this world and all those who turn to him can never be held in darkness and bondage by any stronghold. Your situation is never hopeless because we have a Savior who is the God of all hope. There is nothing that he cannot and will not do for those who put their trust in him.
Whatever troubling situation you may be going through right now, may you know that peace and victory can be yours if you will just call upon the name of Jesus!
Our prayers reach God!
The final words Christ spoke as He died on the cross were “It is finished”. As he gave up his spirit, the earth rumbled, darkness fell and Scripture tells us that at that moment the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom.
In biblical times, the temple had a thick curtain which separated the people from the Holy of Holies where God dwelled. Only the high priest could enter this area on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. When Jesus died on the cross, His blood covered our sins once and for all. As the temple veil was torn, we were now given access to the very throne of God. Christ who became our high priest was also our mediator between God and man. We can present our requests directly to God and he will hear us. God looks upon believers as the righteousness of his Son Jesus. We are now joint heirs with Christ in the kingdom of heaven and nothing good will be withheld from us.
With this knowledge in mind, the prayers of believers are the most important tool a Christian has. God only works through the prayers of his people. Jesus taught us the meaning of prayer while he was on this earth. All through the gospels we read where Jesus would go off alone to commune with the Father. Jesus knew that his prayers were the power behind all that he did. Prayer led him to follow and do only what he saw the Father doing.
Prayer is seeking the mind of God. It is a submission to have your ways line up with the ways of God. It is trusting that God is going to see you through your difficulty and keep you safe. As you pray you also open up your heart to hear from God. In those moments when you have turned to him for guidance, his still quiet voice will lead you in the paths you are to take.
There is not a trial or struggle that you go through that will not be lifted as you present it in prayer to God, Those who are trying to carry their own burdens should know that God never intended for anyone to go through trials alone. He will always put someone in your path to help you with your pain if you trust it to him. Your circumstance cannot keep you from the plan that God has for your life. The veil between heaven and earth has been torn open so it doesn’t matter what you have done in your life or what you have been though, the power of God can restore you and give you a new life. It is by prayer that you can move mountains of trouble and break the chains of bondage that seek to destroy you. This access to the throne of heaven was paid for by Jesus at the cross so it is never a burden but a true gift to be able to meet with our Creator in prayer. Satan himself knows well that heaven and earth can be moved by the prayer of one believer.
You need never fear about your situation because Christ himself goes before you to the Father to intercede for you. If you are going through a dark time in your life be assured that right now Christ has burdened someone’s heart to pray for you. You are not alone and you never will be as long as there are believers who trust in the power of prayer.
