There is a simple sentence that has been stuck in my head all day today, "My God has no limitations!" It is as simple as that. Whatever the situation, no matter what roadblocks others may have built, no matter what circumstances you may have created yourself through disobedience, God can turn the situation around. I know that what you see right now may be a mountain that is too high to climb. But my question to you is "Where is your faith?" I swear sometimes I am my own worst enemy, tying the hands of God because of my own impatience and unbelief. Have you been there? Sometimes all we need to do is believe.
I am reminded of the story of Jesus and His disciples on the boat when the storm arose. What did they do? They panicked. They knew that Jesus was on the boat with them but at that moment when the waves were breaking into the boat and filling it with water, Jesus seemed far away. And besides it was His suggestion that they go to the other side. Didn't He know the storm was coming? I believe He did. I also believe that this was a test of their faith. Apparently the disciples did not yet realize the power of being in the presence of the Lord. And while you and I may not have His physical presence you do have Him living on the inside of You. You also have the promise that 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'. Having God in your corner is better than an entire army on your side. No matter how dark the night, how strong the storm, or how high the mountain, take comfort in knowing that God is with you. Believe that whatever change that you need to happen, pray about it and believe. Your faith should be consistent. Others may count you out but take comfort in knowing that God has your back. In the end He will be glorified. Why is it that You can trust God with your health but take your finances in your own hand by not trusting Him with your tithe? Or maybe finances are not the issue but maybe your marriage has hit a rough patch and you've already given up instead of praying and asking God for restoration. Maybe that's not your story maybe you can't sleep at night because you are afraid of what might happen, you are not believing God for protection. How often, like me, do you put natural limitations on a supernatural God? Doesn't the Bible say, "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. (Isaiah 55:8) All too often I place God in my comfortable box, not believing that He can do the extraordinary. Instead I believe that He will do what is safe and my prayers mimic these thoughts. I make decisions based on what I can see with my natural eye. I give up too soon, when God is just getting started. I forget that there is always a purpose behind the pain. That for every trial God has a reason and I just need to hold on. There is no situation that God cannot work out. One thing you can rest assure is that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you could ever ask or think , but you must have faith.
What have you written off as impossible? Have you decided to accept the doctor's report? Have you made up in your mind that your spouse will never change? Have you decided that you will forever be stuck in this horrible job? That you will never get ahead financially? Whatever it is, my challenge to you today is to pray about it and then believe. Believe that IT IS POSSIBLE. After all the God I serve specializes in the impossible.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word that comes to me in the midst of all my doubts and fears. I am reminded that You know me better than I know myself. You know what I am made of and what I am able to endure. I keep reminding myself that this is a process, a journey of trust where you are shaping and molding me into the person You need me to be so that You will be glorified. I may not understand it all the time but it's not about me. Lord increase my faith. Help me to be strong and find safety and stability in Your presence. I'm giving it all to You Lord knowing that in the end it will all work out for my good. In Jesus' precious name I pray Amen.
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Monday, October 24, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Without Faith
As I was studying today and reading my devotionals I came across this quote. It said, 'Remember it is the very time for faith to work when sight ceases'. And we know that 'without faith it is impossible to please the Lord'. (Hebrews 11:6) These words made me think of my great Pastor during the past year. I watched him come into the church, sometimes in a wheelchair, in order to do the one thing he loved so very much, and that was preach the Word of God. He would come in just to say "hello" and during that time his words of wisdom would ring throughout the sanctuary. Many times he would tell us what he was going to preach if he was feeling better. He would give us the scripture reference, three key points, along with a teaser packed with so much fire that it left you wanting more. That was the kind of Pastor he was. His love for God came across in everything he did. Many times he would tell us that he didn't know what tomorrow would bring but he was going to keep on serving God, trusting and believing each and every day.
As I have stated on many difference occasions, I learned many things from my Pastor. One thing I learned that has carried me through adversity and uncertainty was to have faith in God. I used to wonder about Hebrews 11:6. I wondered why God would say that you could not please Him without faith. I remember Pops breaking it down for me. You see, when you don't have faith you are more likely to take the wheel, trying to orchestrate your own outcome as if you know what is best. You are spending so much time trying to figure out how to fix the situation that you no longer hear the voice of the Lord. You are no longer walking with God; you are walking ahead of Him. Instead of spending time in the Word and in communion with God, praising Him in advance for what is about to happen, you spend your time worrying. Think about it for a second. When you have faith in God , you have the confident assurance that He is going to do what He says He will do. It isn't about what you can see; instead it is about believing in the Word of God and standing on the promises. God is the only one who is able to bring help during our most extreme, difficult moments. The storms of life may be raging and He is able to say peace be still. Your heart may be broken, only God is able to mend your broken heart. Even as I write these words I am reminded of a song that simply says,'I don't know about tomorrow. I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from its sunshine, cause the skies may turn to gray. I don't worry about my future, for I know what Jesus said. And today He walks beside me, for He knows what lies ahead. Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand'. It's time out for putting your faith in manmade things. They can be here today and gone tomorrow. But one thing I know for sure, one who never changes and that is my God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He promised to be with me through it all and I'm holding Him to it. When you pray, pray with expectancy! Know that God hears and He answers prayers. Ask Him to help you with that urge to take over control. He can and He will. Have faith!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Father I thank you for who You are. In a world where there is so much change and uncertainty, Lord you are my constant. I can come to You and I know that everything is going to be okay. I thank You for not always giving me what I ask for but instead looking down the road to see what is best for me in the long run. How many times, O Lord, have I moved ahead of your divine plan for my life to what I thought I needed. Help me not to complain as You work things out on my behalf, instead help me to have faith. I may not know how things are going to works out but I know that they will work out for my good and for Your glory. I believe it and I know that it shall be even as You have said. Thank you for loving me and caring for me in spite of my many faults. Lord I want to be more like You. Show me the way. It is in the precious and wonderful name of Jesus I pray Amen.
As I have stated on many difference occasions, I learned many things from my Pastor. One thing I learned that has carried me through adversity and uncertainty was to have faith in God. I used to wonder about Hebrews 11:6. I wondered why God would say that you could not please Him without faith. I remember Pops breaking it down for me. You see, when you don't have faith you are more likely to take the wheel, trying to orchestrate your own outcome as if you know what is best. You are spending so much time trying to figure out how to fix the situation that you no longer hear the voice of the Lord. You are no longer walking with God; you are walking ahead of Him. Instead of spending time in the Word and in communion with God, praising Him in advance for what is about to happen, you spend your time worrying. Think about it for a second. When you have faith in God , you have the confident assurance that He is going to do what He says He will do. It isn't about what you can see; instead it is about believing in the Word of God and standing on the promises. God is the only one who is able to bring help during our most extreme, difficult moments. The storms of life may be raging and He is able to say peace be still. Your heart may be broken, only God is able to mend your broken heart. Even as I write these words I am reminded of a song that simply says,'I don't know about tomorrow. I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from its sunshine, cause the skies may turn to gray. I don't worry about my future, for I know what Jesus said. And today He walks beside me, for He knows what lies ahead. Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand'. It's time out for putting your faith in manmade things. They can be here today and gone tomorrow. But one thing I know for sure, one who never changes and that is my God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He promised to be with me through it all and I'm holding Him to it. When you pray, pray with expectancy! Know that God hears and He answers prayers. Ask Him to help you with that urge to take over control. He can and He will. Have faith!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Father I thank you for who You are. In a world where there is so much change and uncertainty, Lord you are my constant. I can come to You and I know that everything is going to be okay. I thank You for not always giving me what I ask for but instead looking down the road to see what is best for me in the long run. How many times, O Lord, have I moved ahead of your divine plan for my life to what I thought I needed. Help me not to complain as You work things out on my behalf, instead help me to have faith. I may not know how things are going to works out but I know that they will work out for my good and for Your glory. I believe it and I know that it shall be even as You have said. Thank you for loving me and caring for me in spite of my many faults. Lord I want to be more like You. Show me the way. It is in the precious and wonderful name of Jesus I pray Amen.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Limited Vision
God has a way of showing you that He is in control. Unfortunately for me, I find this out after spending hours, even days, trying to figure something out on my own. I can only imagine how many times He sits in heaven saying, "Will my child ever get it?" Today's roller coaster ride was a prime example. Riding home today after visiting my nephew in the hospital after having emergency surgery I couldn't help but give God praise. Listening to my sister tell me how they visited the ER in Detroit only to be told one thing by the doctor, driving home to Oklahoma City fifteen hours, straight to the emergency room and my nephew being taken into emergency surgery. I immediately thought about how God protects us from dangers seen and unseen. How He drove their car and the cars around them to get them home safely. If they had known this was going to occur, as parents, they would have done everything they could to prevent the situation. However, the limited vision they had could only see so far. Only God knew what would happen and He had the situation under control.
I know how in times of stress it is easy to become so wrapped up in trying to figure out your next move. Rumors at the job about layoffs so what do you do, we start putting our feelers out there. You update your resume. Husband having an affair, you start to make put back a little cash to get your own place. Wife seeming a little distant, you start trying to figure out what to do to bring her back in. Your entire life has been act first, prayer later. Somewhere in your mind you feel that you are helping God out. Well you're not. The God you serve, El Roi, is the God who sees. He see your when the layoff is going to come and if you are going to be affected by it. He sees your marital problems, your financial crisis, your children misbehaving and your very serious health issues. He sees it all. Of course you may be sitting there saying to yourself, "Okay He sees but my situation is still what it is." I can say this because I has this very same conversation with God while riding in my car. You know, one of those "Okay God, now what? Nothing is changing. I am at my wits end. Nothing I seem to be doing is working. I give up." And God says , "Alright my child, now I can go to work." Even though my prayer was a very frustrated prayer, I acknowledged my inability to change my situation. I let God know that I could not see past what was in front of me. I relinquished control. That's all He was waiting on me to do. You see, it is where I end that God begins. I allowed my prayer to activate my faith. I gave up trying to drive in the dark. I decided to let God be God. I was reminded that through this situation, like so many others, God was right there with me. He is there in those awful situations where you cry silently while lying in bed, He hears the scream you let out while riding alone in your car. He sees the anguish in your face. He wants to call out to you...'Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God;. (Psalm 43:5) He is the same God Isaiah talked about when he said, 'He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength'. (Isaiah 40:29)
There is no reason to worry. There is, however, a reason to trust God. Take your burdens to God and leave them with Him. Praise Him in the midst of your suffering. I know that you cannot see past today but I challenge you to prayer about and have faith. Believe that God can see exactly what you need and He is not a stingy God. He is still performing miracles, in His own time and in His own way. Believe it! Expect it! Receive it!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
How long will this storm go on? I was doing pretty good for a while, trusting You. But now my faith is weak and I'm calling on You for help. Help me focus my attention on You and not the situation. I know my vision is limited. I thank God that even though I can't see past today, You see my future and I know that it is in good hands. So I trust You Lord. I am taking my hands off the steering wheel and giving complete control over to You. Thank you for hearing my prayer. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
I know how in times of stress it is easy to become so wrapped up in trying to figure out your next move. Rumors at the job about layoffs so what do you do, we start putting our feelers out there. You update your resume. Husband having an affair, you start to make put back a little cash to get your own place. Wife seeming a little distant, you start trying to figure out what to do to bring her back in. Your entire life has been act first, prayer later. Somewhere in your mind you feel that you are helping God out. Well you're not. The God you serve, El Roi, is the God who sees. He see your when the layoff is going to come and if you are going to be affected by it. He sees your marital problems, your financial crisis, your children misbehaving and your very serious health issues. He sees it all. Of course you may be sitting there saying to yourself, "Okay He sees but my situation is still what it is." I can say this because I has this very same conversation with God while riding in my car. You know, one of those "Okay God, now what? Nothing is changing. I am at my wits end. Nothing I seem to be doing is working. I give up." And God says , "Alright my child, now I can go to work." Even though my prayer was a very frustrated prayer, I acknowledged my inability to change my situation. I let God know that I could not see past what was in front of me. I relinquished control. That's all He was waiting on me to do. You see, it is where I end that God begins. I allowed my prayer to activate my faith. I gave up trying to drive in the dark. I decided to let God be God. I was reminded that through this situation, like so many others, God was right there with me. He is there in those awful situations where you cry silently while lying in bed, He hears the scream you let out while riding alone in your car. He sees the anguish in your face. He wants to call out to you...'Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God;. (Psalm 43:5) He is the same God Isaiah talked about when he said, 'He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength'. (Isaiah 40:29)
There is no reason to worry. There is, however, a reason to trust God. Take your burdens to God and leave them with Him. Praise Him in the midst of your suffering. I know that you cannot see past today but I challenge you to prayer about and have faith. Believe that God can see exactly what you need and He is not a stingy God. He is still performing miracles, in His own time and in His own way. Believe it! Expect it! Receive it!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
How long will this storm go on? I was doing pretty good for a while, trusting You. But now my faith is weak and I'm calling on You for help. Help me focus my attention on You and not the situation. I know my vision is limited. I thank God that even though I can't see past today, You see my future and I know that it is in good hands. So I trust You Lord. I am taking my hands off the steering wheel and giving complete control over to You. Thank you for hearing my prayer. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Just Have Faith
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
I read something today in my Sunday School commentary that said that 'faith becomes a necessity when matters are beyond one's control'. That would mean that faith is always a necessity. Why? Because as a child of God I don't control anything. My life is in His hands. It is often during those times when I attempt to regain control that I find myself messing things up, sometimes even worse than they already were. Faith must not only be expected but it must be exercised also. How do we exercise our faith? By believing in God and His ability to meet our need even when everything around us points to the contrary. You see, faith gives reality, substance, existence to the very things that on the surface seem impossible. When people say I can't, God says I can. It is during these moments that I stand in faith and allow God to meet me where my limited abilities end to make up the difference so that I can achieve the impossible.
In my life I've been told that my faith is unrealistic at times. Don't I see how bad things are? Yes I do. But I refuse to believe that the God who performed miracle after miracle throughout the Bible cannot handle the situations that I have been chosen to face in my life. (Side note: You do realize that you have been chosen to go through certain things. God has deposited in you everything you need in order to make it through. Not only that but He is continuously depositing more and more in you so that you will be ready for the next trial and He will be glorified.) Now let me get back on topic....when I hear people say that I have unrealistic faith, I come back and say that my faith is actually the most realistic expectation I have because it is not in man but in the Almighty God. He has proven track record. It doesn't mean that my life is going to be easy. In fact, my experience has taught me that it means the total opposite. It means that my life is going to be full of ups and downs. There will be times when I may have to take the long route. I may not be able to walk right through every door. It means that sometimes there will be detours and road blocks. Although my experience may say that I am qualified for that position, it may not be in God's plan for me to have it right now. It may also mean that I may receive the position that I am least qualified for. All I have to remember is that in the midst of the adversity that I may have to face, God is with me. Faith is absolute assurance. It is not saying to God, "Show me and I'll believe". It is about taking present possession of God's promises.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the blessed assurance I have that no matter what obstacles I may face you are there working behind the scenes on my behalf. I thank You Father, because no matter what it may look like on the surface, You have the power to turn the situation around for my good, I just need to have faith. So right now Father, I am saying that "I believe". I believe that although things may look dark right now I know that trouble don't last always and that you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all I could ever ask or think. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Above All...
"Lord, increase my faith." How many of you have prayed this prayer? I know I have. As a matter of fact, I have prayed this prayer more than once. A very interesting thought occurred to me regarding this thought. Do I really need to increase my faith or simply exercise the faith I have? What do I mean by that? It is guaranteed that God is going to provide me with opportunities to test my faith. And my responses will usually help to determine the outcome of the situation. I sat and thought about those times I work up and actively put on my shield of faith. The shield that covers me for every event that I am going to have to face in life. It is not about me measuring my level of faith against someone else's. I believe that God has given me all the faith that I need. Romans 12:3 tells me that. "...God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." At the same time I thought about those times that I actively put on my shield I also thought about the times that I neglected to put on my shield. These time coincided with the times I neglected my relationship with God. My focus was on other things. As a result when I was faced with tests and trials I was not able to withstand the pressure.
When you use your faith you take a stand to claim the results God promised in His Word. The shield of faith stops all of those fiery darts that the enemy throws your way. What are some of those fiery darts? It could be an impure thought. It could be a thought of despair. A thought of hatred. These darts are swift and silent. You won't receive any advance notice. That is why faith should be a mindset knowing that all things are going to work out for your good. Truth be told, the rest of the armor will not function without faith. Without faith, the Word of God is nothing more than words on a page. You must believe. Why do you think the Apostle Paul began Ephesians 6:16 with "Above all..." You cannot afford to let your guard down. Satan's primary goal is to distract you, steer you away from what you believe. Keep you out of the Word of God. But you must keep pressing. Stay in the Word. Stand firm and speak life into your situation. When you are under attack you must stand firm on His Word. You must know it in your heart. You cannot afford to be easily swayed. That is why when times are good you can't afford to neglect your relationship with God. I learned this the hard way. Today I want to encourage you not to make the same mistake I did. Read the Word daily. Pray. Ask for wisdom. Seek the Lord. He stands ready, willing and able to guide you into all truth.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the shield of faith. Help me to keep it oiled through prayer and reading Your Word. I want to be able to stand against the fiery darts of the devil. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
When you use your faith you take a stand to claim the results God promised in His Word. The shield of faith stops all of those fiery darts that the enemy throws your way. What are some of those fiery darts? It could be an impure thought. It could be a thought of despair. A thought of hatred. These darts are swift and silent. You won't receive any advance notice. That is why faith should be a mindset knowing that all things are going to work out for your good. Truth be told, the rest of the armor will not function without faith. Without faith, the Word of God is nothing more than words on a page. You must believe. Why do you think the Apostle Paul began Ephesians 6:16 with "Above all..." You cannot afford to let your guard down. Satan's primary goal is to distract you, steer you away from what you believe. Keep you out of the Word of God. But you must keep pressing. Stay in the Word. Stand firm and speak life into your situation. When you are under attack you must stand firm on His Word. You must know it in your heart. You cannot afford to be easily swayed. That is why when times are good you can't afford to neglect your relationship with God. I learned this the hard way. Today I want to encourage you not to make the same mistake I did. Read the Word daily. Pray. Ask for wisdom. Seek the Lord. He stands ready, willing and able to guide you into all truth.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the shield of faith. Help me to keep it oiled through prayer and reading Your Word. I want to be able to stand against the fiery darts of the devil. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Faith over Fear
Some days it is hard to see past the circumstances that are staring me right in my face. It doesn't matter that I am saved or how much faith I have. I am looking at what I can see and it has me kind of down right now. Christmas Day has passed and I am getting ready to head into a new year. I have a new goal ahead of me - getting my Master's Degree and I have no doubt that I can do it. But there are other things that have my mind preoccupied, like where am I going to work now that one of my long-term goals has been completed. I have been so blessed with a supporting family throughout this entire process. But it has always been hard for me to receive. I always feel like I need to be doing something to help out. So I 'fix my eyes on what is unseen because what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal'. That's right Ramona...go to the Word. Point number one: Stop looking at your circumstances!
When I first starting writing back in April I felt a strong desire to get to know the Savior I accepted twenty-four years ago better. This year has definitely been one learning experience after another. God has shown me what I am made of. He has also shown me some not so pretty parts that had to be removed. As I sit here this evening and the devil tries to bombard my mind with thoughts of worry and doubt I am reminded of a verse in Isaiah. It says 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you'. (Isaiah 43:2) This message is a great reminder that God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. There is just a peace that comes with knowing that no matter what you may be going through God is with you. God being with you is better than the whole world against you. I have experienced times when I was surrounded by a plethora of people and then there was a time when I was all alone. During the time when I was surrounded I was too distracted and couldn't hear the voice of the Lord. Too many other voices chattering in my ear. It wasn't until I was by myself that I heard His voice loud and clear. The most important lesson I learned in all this was the truth of His promise. 'Never will I leave you nor forsake you'. (Hebrews 13:5) The hand of God was always on my life. He didn't turn His back on me even though there were times I acted as though I didn't even need Him.
This verse has a way of making your change your thinking pattern. Faced with your own Red Sea, God can part the waters. And even though your enemy behind you may be being swallowed up as long as you are looking forward you will cross over on dry ground. You can have confidence in knowing that when you are in the midst of the fire, God tempers the fire and you will not be consumed. If that doesn't give you something to shout about I don't know what will. 'O ye of little faith'. It's time to face your fear head on with faith. Not faith in the White House, your job, your spouse, your parents, or the economy but faith in God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this time of uncertainty. It is during these times that I realize my limitations and recognize my total dependence on You. I thank You because I know that no matter how dark the night or how hot the fire You are with me. I am looking forward to the lesson learned so that I can be a witness to those around me and You will be glorified. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
When I first starting writing back in April I felt a strong desire to get to know the Savior I accepted twenty-four years ago better. This year has definitely been one learning experience after another. God has shown me what I am made of. He has also shown me some not so pretty parts that had to be removed. As I sit here this evening and the devil tries to bombard my mind with thoughts of worry and doubt I am reminded of a verse in Isaiah. It says 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you'. (Isaiah 43:2) This message is a great reminder that God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. There is just a peace that comes with knowing that no matter what you may be going through God is with you. God being with you is better than the whole world against you. I have experienced times when I was surrounded by a plethora of people and then there was a time when I was all alone. During the time when I was surrounded I was too distracted and couldn't hear the voice of the Lord. Too many other voices chattering in my ear. It wasn't until I was by myself that I heard His voice loud and clear. The most important lesson I learned in all this was the truth of His promise. 'Never will I leave you nor forsake you'. (Hebrews 13:5) The hand of God was always on my life. He didn't turn His back on me even though there were times I acted as though I didn't even need Him.
This verse has a way of making your change your thinking pattern. Faced with your own Red Sea, God can part the waters. And even though your enemy behind you may be being swallowed up as long as you are looking forward you will cross over on dry ground. You can have confidence in knowing that when you are in the midst of the fire, God tempers the fire and you will not be consumed. If that doesn't give you something to shout about I don't know what will. 'O ye of little faith'. It's time to face your fear head on with faith. Not faith in the White House, your job, your spouse, your parents, or the economy but faith in God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this time of uncertainty. It is during these times that I realize my limitations and recognize my total dependence on You. I thank You because I know that no matter how dark the night or how hot the fire You are with me. I am looking forward to the lesson learned so that I can be a witness to those around me and You will be glorified. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
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