There's So Many Of Them

As I was thinking of what I should share today, this photo that I took came into my mind.  My thought was, "there's so many of them".  I wondered what am I supposed to share based on that?

So, I continued to pray all day, about this picture and what I was to share.  Here is what came to me.  So many of us are struggling with the problems that are coming up in our lives.  We are seeing more and more of them crop up, as we take care of one.  Like a hydra's head, that is chopped off, but then three more crop up, so that the heads begin to multiply at a very fast rate.

I thought, what encouragement comes out of a message about problems?  Here is what I can share.  Jesus is Lord.  He is not surprised by our problems.  He is not overwhelmed.  He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, so if He gave the Israelites good health, long lasting clothes and shoes, and food and water each day, will He not do the same for us?  He told the disciples "not to worry about what they were going to eat or drink, because if God cared about the sparrow, and the lilies of the field, how much more would He watch over them, for He knows what they needed."  He knows what we need too.  He counts the number of hairs on our heads.  He knows that!  I don't know how much hair each of my kids has.  I know its a lot of hair between all four of them, but how many?  No way could I count them all.  And don't we think, "why does God number the hair on our heads?"  Because He cares about even the tiniest detail of our lives.

So, you may have many problems, but remember, you have a Champion who cares.  He knows what you need.  He is here to help you each day.  Be encouraged.  Look up, for your redemption draws near.  That is the key, you know, looking up to God for the answers.  Waiting is the hardest to do.  Waiting for His answers.  Waiting for Him to come through, but He always does answer and He does come through.  Not always the way we want, but He does not leave us alone.  We are called over comers.  I guess that means we have to overcome problems that come our way.  I think God allows us to experience problems so we have a testimony of His love and care through it all, if we hold onto Him.

I have read a few books on people who have come through tremendous challenges, and how they determined to trust God and keep their joy through it all, and you know, their testimonies are powerful because of it.  What we choose to do with our problems, praise or complain, changes us. " Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."  That is line from a hymn I love.  It helps me when I am in a split road place.  Go to the last place God asked you to do something, and start there.  Trusting and obeying Him.   Step out in faith to that place God has asked you to go.  A friend mentioned in church on Sunday, "God doesn't always call the equipped, He equips those that are called."  So, you may not feel like your faith is very big or very strong, but just step out in obedience and watch what God will do for you.  I pray you will be blessed with the new adventures He will take you on.  I love you all.

When The Storms Roll In

When the storms roll in your life, it is time to fluff up your wings of faith.  Like the eagle that looks forward to the storm, so he can fly higher and longer.

Don't look around you at the problems, but look for the glimmer of God's Presence in the midst of your storm, ready to take you on a flying lesson, like you've never had before.  Think of how those storms are an opportunity for you to rise to new heights, to enlarge your territory.

We see through a glass darkly, because we don't have heaven's eyes to see with.  We see all the problems, but God sees the solution.  He is never surprised.  He knows what it is going to take to get us to the next level.  So, as the waves crash around you, look up, for your redemption draweth nigh.  Your hope is not in the arm of flesh, but God's strong and amazing arms.  He carries those burdens for us, so we are free to explore and learn and grow.

My dear ones, be encouraged today.  As that storm brews around you, think of Philippians 4:8 "For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]".  Take your thoughts captive, and Philippians 4:8 them.  God bless you.