Was it good or was it bad?
Did it hurt or did I grow?
Did I quit or did I continue?
We CAN have so many questions when things, especially unexpected things, happen. If you're like me, you may even try to analyze it and try to figure it out. I've learned there are some things I will never figure out! So, I can choose to trust God and His promises, or I can continue to reason, relying on my limited resources and understanding. Let me tell you, that hasn't worked well for me!
When you have moments when the Word, as you know it, doesn't appear to be working in your life, you have a choice to make. You can remember, there are precious promise in God's Word that will keep you anchored, if you choose to keep the Word in your heart, on your mind, and coming out of your mouth!
This Scripture comes to mind when things seem challenging:
"And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." (Romans 8:28 AMP)
Or you can give in to fear and despair which will only make you more burdened. Keep in mind you can combat fear through God's Word.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7 AMPC)
It really is about perspective. Sometimes, a lot of times - in certain circumstances, it's harder to have God's perspective on things.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 AMPC)
Choosing to trust God's Word and His perspective is an act of faith, which pleases God and brings its own rewards.
"But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]." (Hebrews 11:6 AMPC)
This faith walk requires determination and focus. If you lose either, you will stumble!
“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable]. ” (I Peter 5:8-9a AMP)
This faith walk was never meant to be done alone. I am thankful for the three-fold cord, that's not easily broken.
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 3:9-12 NLT)
Hold on to your faith and you will find it easier to see God's perspective.
"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]." (Hebrews 11:1 AMPC)
You can trust God to deliver what He has promised when you stand in faith. Adverse circumstances will not stop God from moving in your life. Choose faith over fear.
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated From the Vault of LWM)