Have you ever faced something bigger than you? Our new puppy Scooter found himself up close to Brandy the donkey. He was a bit intimidated (to say the least). He had no way to know that Brandy is very gentle and would do nothing to harm him. All he knew was that she looked BIG to him.
Have you had circumstances in your life that looked BIG? Things that you looked at and thought, "I can't go through that" or "I don't want to go through that". Many times we can stare at these big things that come into our paths, but in order to move forward we must move toward them and through them. Staying put or having a stand off is not a feasible solution. We are made to be consistent and move forward with life's changes. A verse to examine in the mist of trials is found in James 1. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
Now, the first thought when we see a trial ahead is usually not joy. But this verse encourages us to look further down the line and see the good which will come forth. The testing of our faith produces patience. Anyone need some of that? It doesn't come cheap, but when it has it's perfect work in our life, it has lasting effects and brings us to a fullness or completeness, no lack of quality because of the work God did in us. There is never pain without a purpose and that purpose is for our good.
But the best news is that God doesn't leave us alone - ever. He is always watching and near to hear our cry. He is our Rock and our Shelter, our Strong Tower. As young David did when he faced a giant, he faced the giant in the name of the Lord.
So as we face big things in our life, do not fear, but move forward in the name and the strength of the Lord, knowing the other side has much promise and blessings!
Encouraging words for joyful living. Thank you for taking the time to bless those of us who read your good words. Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteAmen Sister!
ReplyDeleteWith Jesus it is so easy.
It is so true. Our God is so much bigger than any problem we might have. Thank you for this encouraging post.
ReplyDeleteLovely words of encouragement. thanks. be blessed this Spiritual sunday
ReplyDeleteI'm am so thankful that I have God with me during all the problems that I end up with. And I am thankful for him with all the goodness that comes my way and praise him.
ReplyDeleteThank-for for sharing this great post with us.
Ginger
Ah, that word "patience." I admit that I'm not fond of the word or the the waiting that accompanies it. It seems that I am always enduring some kind of "patience." Something will happen in an exciting way after a period of much waiting. I'm exhilarated! Then I find myself waiting once again. It seems endless and what I see in the natural does little to encourage me. With hindsight, I always see the perfect work that God wrought in the midst of my "waiting." But God...
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. It is painful and there is a price. However, the the waiting yields a far better return than instant gratification could ever deliver.
I happen to be "waiting" right now. There are giants in the land right now, but God is at work in the midst of them.
GREAT POST!
KJ