Revived and Renewed

Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and won't become weary. They will walk and won't grow tired. Isaiah 40:31 (God's Word Translation)

I had an interesting discussion with a classmate of mind on faith.  As I was listening to her describe what 'having faith' means to her, it became obvious to me that faith for her was telling God her request and waiting for Him to make it happen.  There was no regard for 'the will of God'.  It was all about 'the want of my classmate'.  Of course I did not totally agree with her.  I asked her one simply question.  "What happens when you tell God what you want and He doesn't do it?  Or better yet, He does something totally opposite of what you asked?  I went on to talk about what happens when He takes His time?  Do you then lose hope?  Turn your back on God?

There is a very specific hope that a Christian should possess.  This hope is an 'expecting' hope.  No matter what the situation you believe that God is going to work it out.  Go ahead and make your request.  Just no that ultimately you want God's will to be done.  There may be some detours in your life.  There may be some dry places along your path.  Those things don't matter.  Because you have placed your security, not in man but in God, you can rest peacefully knowing that the situation will work out for your good.  The past two weeks have been rough for me.  I have been overwhelmed with life.  I know that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)  I know that these are light and momentary afflictions. (II Cor. 4:16-18)  The biggest disappointment I had was that some of my obligations have been keeping me from writing, which is where I get my joy from.  Writing for me is my sanctuary.  I have still been able to give my time to God but there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done that I need to get done.  Sometimes I just want to throw my hands up in the air and give up.  But I can't.  So at this point what do I do? 

I look to the hills from whence cometh my help.  Where does my help come from?  Not the White House.  It comes from the Lord!  I will hope in the Lord.  It is not an option.  It is my only alternative.  It is the advantage I have over those who do not believe.  (Side Note:  You do know that you have an advantage.  It may appear that they are prospering.  That their lives are void of the problems you face on a regular basis.  Let me tell you that they are not.)  It still amazes me how the word can bring life to my dead circumstances. How hope in the Lord  brings about change.  I am revived!  Renewed!  My spirit which was down is now revived.  Once again I am strengthened to run on a little while longer to see what the end will be.  Instead of me looking at my bucket as half-empty, I now see it as half-full.  I could not have done this on my own.  But when I think about the goodness of Jesus....and all He has done for me...I can't help but trust Him.  Life can take its toll on you.  I am a giver.  I love to encourage others.  The sad part about this is that I cannot always depend on others to encourage me.  But I always receive encouragement from the Word.  When I spend time talking with my Heavenly Father, He gives me what I need to make it.  My attitude may have been bad.  I may have been feeling sorry for myself.  No more.  There is nobody but God who can bring about an attitude adjustment. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your Word and the privilege of prayer.  When life takes a turn and my spirit takes a nose dive, I am grateful that I have you as the source of my strength.  Things just don't always work out as I plan.  I may have to spend a little bit more time in a situation than I would like.  But Lord I thank you for the valleys and the mountaintops.  I thank you for those experiences that have grown me up.  I trust you Lord. Have your way in my life.  I submit to your will.  And I will forever give you all the glory, honor, and the praise.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Pay It Forward

If it ain't one thing, it's another. Isn't that the way it seems life goes.  Someone who is uninformed may think that the God we serve is rather cruel for allowing bad things to happen to those of us who are trying so hard to live right.  But as Paul says in II Corinthians 1:8. 'For we do not want you to be ignorant brothers of the affliction we experienced...'  Your pain serves a purpose and the concept that I think was the hardest for me to wrap my head around, was that purpose was not always for my benefit but for the benefit of others. When you lost your job and God provided for you and your family through it all on half the income....this was a way for you to encourage someone else.  When your mom or  dad passed away too soon..it was so you could be that shoulder someone else could lean on.  When your marriage turned sour and you couldn't see it's survival but then God turned it around and now you have a thriving relationship...it was to give someone else hope.  And even for the marriage that didn't turn around but you were able to stop beating yourself up and realize that you were worthy of love and actually found that love...it was also to help someone else.  What about having to put your life on hold and care for a sick child or parent or having to deal with your own illness and those around you still see you praising God and going forth.  Or what about your not so good past, where you did a few things you are not particularly proud of and God forgave you.  Your test has now become your testimony. 

II Corinthians 1:4, 'who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God'. 

Saints of God , we are all survivors.  We have survived our share of life's ups and down.  Tests and trials.  There have been times when I know that you thought you would not make it.  But the God of Comfort stepped in and wrapped His loving arms around you and let you know that it would be alright.  He came right alongside you to help you in the midst of the storm.  He did not take you out of the situation but He got right up in the midst and provided strength and gave you courage and boldness to stand.  I know that you may feel that there is always something coming up trying to weaken your faith.  At times it feels as though it is about to crush the very life out of your body.  That is when, during your journey of trust, you have to know what you know.  There is no room for doubt.  You must believe that the God of Comfort will strengthen and sustain you.  The trials that you face are not just for you to bury deep down in your memory, never wanting to reflect on your past.  I am a firm believer that God provides specific opportunities for us to share our story with others.  Suffering is a part of our salvation.  It helps to be godly patience and endurance.  Stop feeling sorry for yourself and thank God that He chose to use you for His glory. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.  I just want to thank You for the mountains and the valleys.  Thank you for every test and every trial.  Help me to remember to count my blessings in the midst of it all.  Help me to carry it forward and be a blessing to someone else always.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.