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“Then he said, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
We read in Scripture that Jesus was crucified along with two robbers on either side of him. The gospels of Mark and John say little about these men. While Matthew tells us that both robbers insulted Jesus, Luke’s gospel tells us that one of the thieves asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom. Despite the fact that he was dying, the condemned man finally understood that the one who could save him for all eternity was on the cross right next to him.
So many times our problems cause us to think that God has forgotten us. It is hard to understand that the Source of our strength and our Provider in all things is already with us. When a situation seems hopeless, it is difficult to not grow weary and lose strength. But we are told in Scripture to keep trusting and believing in all of our trials even when we don’t see the answer. We read in Romans 8:24, “Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” Our faith must transcend the boundaries of what we hear, see and feel. We must trust that the God we serve is working out his plan in our lives through every battle we face. Faith doesn’t see the future – it trusts the One who holds the future!
Everything that God allows in the life of a believer has been divinely designed. There are no mistakes in the plan that was made for you long before the foundation of the earth. Whatever is happening in your life that doesn’t seem right or fair has been allowed for a distinct purpose. It is never easy to suffer through our painful trials, but it is the working of our faith that gives us endurance to stay in the race and not give up.
We read the account of David in the book of I Samuel. Young David had the job of watching his family’s herd of sheep. It was a tedious task, but David was being trained by God for greatness as he worked alone protecting the flock. It was there that David single-handedly killed both a lion and a bear who were attacking his sheep. During the battle with those dangerous animals, David knew that it was God’s power that was with him protecting him and his sheep from being killed. 
Day after day, working in the hot sun to watch over the sheep, God was preparing David for a royal position. He was never without hope in that field for the God of the universe had declared that he would one day be king!
Alone in the field, David practiced with his sling. This young teen had no idea at the time that all that he was enduring was actually equipping him to defeat the enemy and save the Jewish people. He was being prepared for battle. When the time came, his older brothers and the other Jewish men cowered in fear at the taunting Philistine giant named Goliath, but David ran toward this oppressor armed with the power of God, his sling and five stones and killed the giant! He had no doubt that he would be victorious because he believed in the power of his God. His trust was unwavering. He was a man after God’s own heart.
It doesn’t matter what your position in life is now. Your problems and trials may be heavy but they cannot hold you back from the calling God has made on your life. If your trust is in Christ, you are being called to a regal position in the army of the living God. Your path is set and your future is guaranteed. There is nothing that can steal your inheritance or kill the dream he gave you. In every struggle you face, Jesus remembers you and he has a way to help you through it. In all things, you have been declared a victor. Not even the powers of hell can ever take that from you!
Dear Jesus,
I am praying for all those who come to this site. We are facing problems of every kind and many of us are growing weary. We take you at your word, dear Lord. We trust that you have the power to change our circumstance and to cause all things to be used for our good. I pray for marriages to be mended. I pray for peace to fill those who have been hurt. I pray for your protection and provision for single mothers trying to make it in life. I lift up those who are facing a serious illness. May they know that you are with them and that they have nothing to fear when their trust is in you. I pray for those dealing with financial difficulties and those who may be losing their homes. Please provide for them the help they need. I pray for you to give your strength to those who are weary in a battle. May you be the power to those who are in bondage to drugs, alcohol and pornography. I pray for you to comfort those in painful circumstance and who feel there is no way out. I plead that you rescue those who are considering suicide and let them know that you can work out their struggle. Let them know they have a reason to live. I pray for your help for those who are being persecuted for their faith. Give them the joy of their salvation and protect their families during this time.
I intercede for all who do not know you personally as Lord and Savior. I pray, dear Jesus, that you will unveil their eyes to the truth. Let them know how much you love them. Help them to see that they could never fall so far that you cannot bring them back to where you are.
I pray for the peace and protection of Israel.
I present these requests to you, dear Jesus, and know that you will hear and answer. Amen
Note: For those of you struggling, Debra Aiken has a wonderful site called, Tell The Lord Thank You, that you should check out. She gives uplifting messages and reminders of the truth that we are conquerors no matter what we go through because Christ always intercedes for us. Check her out at: http://tellgodthankyou.wordpress.com She will bless your day.
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.
”Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22)
I know that times are tough and everyone is being hit with seemingly endless trials and tribulations. As the devil realizes that his time is growing short, the furor of hell has darkened this earth. We are living in a time of deception when many are compromising the truth. In an attempt to mollify those who just want to hear what tickles the ear, false teachers have watered down the gospel to the extent that even the devil isn’t offended! It is no wonder that as life’s storms grow fiercer, many people are having difficulty trusting that God’s power is enough.
The absolute truth to this is that Christ will always have the authority over everything that touches your life. God does not take a walk to the other side of heaven and forget about your pain and heartache. He sees each tear you shed. He has a full view of all that concerns you. All the storms in a believer’s life are permitted for an eternal reason. You are being made stronger and powerfully equipped for battle as you grow in your understanding of God’s limitless power.
It was with this knowledge that Job was able to cry out , “I know my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth” ( Job 19:25). Despite losing his children, his fortune and his health, Job still believed that God was with him! He said of God, “When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:9-10) You don’t have to see God to know that he is with you every second and leading you on the path that he has chosen for you long before the foundation of the earth. The devil himself can see God’s presence and protection surrounding you. One thing I have said before but is important enough to say again and that is that everything that comes against you MUST bow to the will of God for your life! You have nothing to fear for God will be with you to the end.
The perfect love of Christ breaks the bondage of fear. You belong to Christ and his will for your life cannot be hindered by any of your problems or weaknesses. Neither the world, the flesh nor the devil can alter the purpose and plan of God for you. There are no impossible situations for God. You need to look past the fiery furnace of every affliction and see the presence of Christ who is there to protect you. He alone has the final word on what happens to you in every circumstance. Problems increase when you start doubting that God will help you. It always leads to failure when you can’t wait on God and try to work things out your way. Nothing will prevent Christ from completing the job he started in you. Your pain will not crush you and it has no power to destroy you. When you shrink back in fear over your problems, you allow the lie of Satan to rule in your life.
I know that you may be feeling overwhelmed by all that is causing you pain right now, but don’t give up. You need to remember that Jesus paid the price for you to have an abundant life in spite of all the troubles you face. As he was dying on the cross for us, he cried out with his last breath, ”IT IS FINISHED!”. That means that nothing on this earth can keep you in bondage! You have been set free. Anything that opposes God’s will for you has now been rendered powerless. The impact of those words should stay in your heart always. Victory is living within you and the power that raised Christ from the dead is now your strength. The trial you are in cannot take you from God’s sight nor stop him from helping you.
In order to defeat the enemy, you must know the truth. In James 4:7, we read, “Submit yourselves; then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you“. The main command is to “submit yourselves to God” first. It is by humbling yourself before him and trusting that he will help you that you get all the strength that you need to make the devil and his schemes flee from you! The forces of hell shudder at the sight of one believer in prayer who trusts that God can do all things.
YOU are that believer! Let go of the lies and begin to trust in the power of God. He will keep you in his perfect peace beyond your power to understand. You can take God at his word who says: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” ( Isaiah 26:3)
God is with you and I will be praying for you. You are never alone!
