Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Psalm 103:11-12: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

When undergoing a trial, often the enemy will come and attack us in ways we are not on guard about or even aware. We know he uses guilt, shame, frustration, and feelings of failure to attack us and tries to wound us and destroy us emotionally and physically in a different way than he has done in the past. He uses military strategies of surprise, and so often in my own life, I think, “Wow, I didn’t see this coming! But here we go again!”

When I recently had a severe vision loss for several days, I realized more than ever how important it is to hide God’s word in my heart, because I couldn’t even read the print with my glasses on – I had to use a large magnifying glass. How convenient that our smartphones can read precious promises of Scripture to us with our Bible ap when one cannot read it yourself.

Assurances to recite and verses to say out loud when undergoing a trial:

• God has forgiven my past. He sees me in what I will become. Psalm 103:11-12. The east and the west never meet. When God forgives sins, He doesn’t hold them against us because that is what forgiven means. God has wiped the record clean like an empty whiteboard. I need to forgive others as God has forgiven me.
• God will show compassion. Ps. 103:12. He is our heavenly father. As a parent, I have an abundance of sympathy, empathy, concern, sensitivity, love, and I want to relieve any suffering my children are experiencing. Every trial will, in the end, demonstrate God’s power and love for us.
• The LORD’s mercies are new every morning as it says in Lamentation 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.” God is faithful to His promises.
• Lastly, God rescues. 2 Peter 2:9: “Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.” Every trial has an ending at God’s appointed time and not one day sooner than what God’s ultimate purpose is designed to be. It may produce another defining moment in our relationship and walk with the Lord.

When struggling with the enemies arrows of guilt, shame, frustration, and feelings of failure, fight back with David’s prayer to God in Psalm 25:20: “Do not let me be put to shame; rescue me.” Then remember God’s forgiveness and compassion is as big in depth as the east is from the west. We cannot fully comprehend this fact, so just accept it and march on with your spiritual armor on and stay active in the divine power of God in your life. You have no cause for alarm. He is the great I AM!

Do you have a favorite Psalm you read or sing back to the Lord in worshipping and praising Him when a trial has ended? Mine is Psalm 145, a Psalm of praise of David. Listen to Travis Cotrell’s YouTube of Psalm 145, at Brentwood Baptist Church video, on August 7, 2016. Listen to the orchestra and the words sung. May your heart sing along with thanksgiving of God’s abundant goodness and compassion forever and ever!

Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow. For you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

Two weeks ago I wrote a devotional Blog to be posted this week entitled “But I Can’t See It Yet.” I had no idea God had a separate lesson in store for me with this title, but a different verse and message than I originally had written was appropriately right before my eyes – literally.

Last week I noticed the whites of my eyes were going from blood red to deep pink. I felt extraordinarily fatigued but kept on pursuing needed tasks with my job that were necessary and important to get done.

My plans for last Saturday started out with a once a year women’s ministry training at 8:00 AM at church. Then there was needing to be available for helping out with our son’s and daughter-in-law’s infant twins and our daughter had a special birthday on Sunday. However, all of these had to be pushed aside due to pain increasing within my eyes and vision was deteriorating drastically. I could barely see and that ended with me having to go to the ER at our hospital. My physical condition was diagnosed as a particular infection in both eyes that can cause blindness and prescription eye drops were prescribed. I kept thinking of all the work appointments I had to cancel and reschedule that were already on my work calendar for the upcoming week. As I waited in the hospital bed in ER, I realized my health and my plans are not in my control. God was choosing for me to rest (Ps. 23) as I couldn’t do anything else. After being released from the hospital my day all I could do was put in the prescription eye drops every two hours and sleep – nothing else.

As I was texting my daughter about God seemingly had other plans for me during this particular Saturday, she put it so correctly in her text back to me: “Well-apparently this IS how your day was supposed to go. ”

I have criticized my husband in the past (he has had two strokes) for not stopping his CAD work on his laptop during his first stroke (had no idea it was that at the time) in meeting a deadline for a client, despite incredible severe pain in his head and eyes, and I did the very same thing I criticized him for doing. I kept working despite the pain in my eyes and lack of vision on that particular Friday. We both said “Deja Vu.” Step one of being humbled.

Now every morning I write out a list of “my plans” on a sheet of paper. I share them with God. I ask for His input and does He agree? I also now have a better appreciation of Proverbs 27:1 and applying it to my life. This is what I would like to share:

• Ask God about your plans for the day. Write them out and then ask “God, what are Your plans for me today? Ask Him to give you direction in your projects for the day you think you must accomplish.
• Jesus is saying “Focus on me rather than your pressures or deficiencies. Wait in my presence.” Ps. 131:2 and Ps. 23:6.
• Rest in your Christian community praying for you during any time of need. Prayers of family and friends are vital.
• Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”
• “Write your plans in pencil and give God the eraser.” Oz Hillman.

The Message version of 1 Corinthians 12:1 is very apropos: “We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it as clearly as God sees us. Knowing him directly, just as he knows us!”

 

Listen to Casting Crowns w/lyrics song “Just Be Held.”

Favim.com-1597133 image.

 

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Do you ever struggle with feelings of failure? Do you have those times when you feel you are hopeless and have lost your dignity? When you have prepared a presentation, and it didn’t come off the way you had intended, or maybe you said something that you didn’t articulate clearly enough, and you feel like you have blown it – and that you are a failure?

The Old Testament gives us several examples of great men that were used by God that had problems with a lack of self-confidence in their leadership abilities. Moses was one, and then Joshua. They both had a fear of being a failure:

• Moses in Exodus 4:1;10-15 had felt he was not “eloquent” in speaking. He had a fear of speaking before a group of people and regarded himself as inferior in that arena. He spoke three to four languages and his original language, spoken by the children of Israel, he had not spoken since he was perhaps three years old.
• Moses overcame his fear of failure in speaking, however, by relying entirely on God helping him through it all since it is reported in Deuteronomy 34:8;10-12 that when he died the people mourned – wept for 30 days!
• Joshua, God’s appointed and commissioned successor of Moses, had a fear of failure repeatedly regarding his leadership skills and winning battles of war. Joshua struggled with lack of self-confidence in being the army’s military leader, and God had to tell him three times to “be strong and courageous,” and then God even told Joshua not to be frightened; “do not be discouraged (Joshua 1:9).” God reassured Joshua more than once of his value in leadership as Joshua led the Israelites to capture towns west of the Jordan River and 31 kings were defeated under Joshua’s command (Joshua 12:7-24)!

What can we learn from Moses and Joshua in fighting against our fears of failure?

• Obeying God’s instructions was the key to success for Moses and Joshua.
• Obedience is what we can control although we can’t always control our understanding of the facts surrounding our circumstances.
• We can control our choice to obey God.

Questions

What lie(s) are you being tempted in when you have felt discouraged and less than good enough this week? Discouragement can lead to sin such as anger, bitterness, and resentment. Search your heart and be aware. Confess to God what is needed.

What promise of God can you recite to yourself, so you remember God’s compassion and faithfulness despite any feelings of frustrations when you feel you have blown it? Was it due to any lack of obedience to God? If not keep on keeping on for God’s glory.

Our responsibility is to obey God and continue to serve Him in all that we do and say. God will provide his ultimate and divine and astounding outcome, no matter who or what gets in the way. Commit your battle to God. He cares. He knows. He loves you more than you can comprehend.

Matthew 8:24-27: And behold there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying: “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey him?”

Last week I quoted Mark’s account of Jesus calming the storm at sea when the disciples were in the boat. I looked at how the disciples struggled with faith versus fear. I want to take this a step further today and look at Matthew’s account. Matthew was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Once he was a despised tax collector, but his life changed when he became a follower of Jesus.

These experienced sailors that were the disciples of Christ panicked in the storm. It is not unusual for exceedingly violent storms to suddenly appear sometimes with waves as high as 20 feet on the Sea of Galilee. Their fear centered on what they knew could happen – they could drown. Naturally, they were not reviewing in their minds all the miracles that they had just witnessed Jesus do. No, their fear centered solely on this immediate extreme crisis- waves were crashing into the boat, and Jesus was asleep. They needed to be rescued by Jesus so fear consumed them. They accused Jesus of not caring. I admit I probably would do the same thing in my first reaction.

The lesson here for us is that we (I) need to remember that Jesus is always in control despite any trembling circumstances. I don’t understand that completely, but it is true. He is in control of nature because He is the creator of creation. He is in control of circumstances and outcomes (Eph. 1:11 and Romans 8:28); He is in control of my life because He created me (Psalm 139:14; Jeremiah 1:5; Job 33:4; Ephesians 2:10).

Yes, I admit when a burden comes up I may panic and think God isn’t working anything out and become impatient and wonder why. But when I truly understand who God is (as the disciples failed to follow in that boat), fear is vanquished. I should never discount God’s power. He is the giver of peace – Jehovah Shalom.

 

What is in your boat today? Ask Jesus to astound and amaze you and rest in the fact that He is in control. Then place your trust and pray the words of Psalm 23:2b-3: “He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Questions

What has God so gifted you in your abilities that you might be overconfident or too self-reliant on your skills and not rely on Him in your life? Remember the 12 experienced sailors, that were followers of Christ that panicked and had a real fear of drowning. There is a lesson here.

Storms of life may come even when we are obedient and not disobedient, as Jonah was. May our “little faith”  be turned into great faith in learning to hear the voice of God upon our life.

God upholds it all even in our weaknesses.

Listen to Newsboys “You Hold It All (Every Mountain)” (Official Lyric Video)

Mark 6:50-52: “For they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”

When I read in Mark how twice Jesus rescued the disciples from literal life-threatening storms on the sea, I have been impatient with these men. Jesus rescues them in Mark 4:35-41 by merely rebuking the wind and declares: “Peace! Be still!” Jesus portrayed His divine power over nature right before their eyes!  Mark 4:39 then states: “And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”  The disciples struggled with faith versus fear.

Then these same men were caught in another storm at sea, in Mark 6, just two chapters later. The ESV says in verse 50 that Jesus told them “Take heart.” The NIV says “Take courage!” In this verse the Greek word tharseo is used and means “be of good cheer.” It has to do with having strong confidence. Jesus was telling the disciples to be emboldened with courage – unflinching courage. They needed to have that inner, bold courage, empowered by God, that comes from standing firm that God has this! These men had already witnessed and forgotten the miracle of Jesus feeding over 5000 people just minutes before, let alone being saved from a previous storm at sea (Mark 4). They saw it but didn’t get it because they were insensitive to the truth concerning the deity of Christ, despite witnessing miracle after miracle that Jesus performed. They were shocked that the wind suddenly stopped by Jesus’ command, and the water was calm. So now they struggled with fear plus hardened hearts. My reaction is, “Come on! Don’t you get it? How can you forget so quickly? What is wrong with you? You witnessed miracles that Jesus executed right before your eyes, and yet you don’t even fully know Him! You were involved in Jesus’s teachings, healings, and miracles performed yet you still did not fully believe in Him. How could you forget so quickly? Really?”

I have to now point the finger right back to myself. I am no different. I need to take hold of the spiritual lessons that the disciples failed to learn regarding knowing God more fully and abiding in Him one day at a time. How many times hasn’t Jesus astounded me too with His provision and protection despite my shortcomings?

Questions

How can Romans 8:28 (God works out everything for our good), help in fighting against discouragement? Review how He has shown that to you in the past.

How can you know God better today than you did yesterday?

Often after experiencing a high mountain experience of spiritual blessings, a new burden will arise unexpectedly, and it is easy to fall off the cliff. Each unique experience of testing demands more faith and courage – even just the size of a mustard seed. Take courage. Remember what you too have forgotten of the miracles God has completed and demonstrated in your life.

“Even a disciple of Jesus Christ can develop a hard heart if he fails to respond to the spiritual lessons that must be learned in the course of life and ministry.” Warren W. Wiersbe.

Notice that two words have the same letters but are spelled differently: SILENT & LISTEN. There is a time to do both before the Lord as we remember past blessings we have forgotten.

Listen to Lauren Daigle’s “Wordless” Lyric YouTube video.

Matthew 17:20: “He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move, from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

When I was nine years old, I received a mustard seed necklace as a birthday present. The symbol of a mustard seed is one of the most potent symbols used in the Bible. It signified having faith and hope. The mustard seed, which is minuscule in size, grows into a tree that is 8-12 feet high. Therefore the mustard seed represents even if our faith starts out small, it can be used by God to grow and increase our awareness that God has no limits to answer our prayers. It just takes a little amount to start out with of faith in God and trust God enough to do what he says. It is always about obedience. We can then be of benefit so that other people can depend upon us for needed encouragement and reassurance.

But sometimes our faith falters or is weak. We start out with the best of intentions, but then in creep fear or doubts. Peter had that same experience and reached out to Jesus in Matthew 14:30-31: “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” I am there with Peter many times. I have to remind myself of God’s name– El Roi – He sees me. Next, Jehovah Shammah means He is ever present. I need a broader awareness of God’s presence and His greatness. Then my apprehension will be replaced by the peace of God giving me unclouded tranquility – Eirene – peace.

I no longer have my mustard seed necklace, so I looked on Amazon to see what I could find. I found mustard seed earrings that I liked better. They were the same design as the necklace I wore as a child and excitedly ordered them. I wanted to remind myself when I wear this symbol of faith, that it only takes starting out with a small amount of faith, being obedient to God, and then watching Him providing solutions to my circumstances that are out of my control.

Questions

1. What is on your list of things out of your control that are heavy on your mind this week? Is it your work schedule, a relationship gone wrong, something new you are trying to learn, or something physically, or a financial problem? Maybe a combination of all five?
2. If God handed you His “to do list today” what would it be? Would you get it done? Think about what would be on God’s list for you to do today. Then let Him handle the rest.

“Stress accentuates the presence and power of God.” Taming the Lion’s Roar. Handling Fear in the Midst of a Trial. Lesson 8: Resisting Fear, page 39. May our mustard seed size of faith today grow, so we may take hold of the victory God has in store as we watch with anticipation God’s intended benefit and reward in our lives for His glory.

Listen to Jordan Feliz’s Lyric Video song “Witness.” He wrote this after struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. He came to realize that our future is the inheritance of God and He has reign and sovereignty over it all.

Do you ever feel like you are all alone and not understood? You churn your situation over in your mind and need to hear God’s voice. A woman named Hagar, in Genesis 16 had felt that way. She was mistreated and all alone. The angel of the LORD spoke to her face to face. He asked Hagar “Where have you come from, and where are you going?” Genesis 16:8 NIV. Then it says “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi.” Genesis 16:13-14 NIV. El Roi means God sees me. This is the only place in the Bible where the name for God, El Roi was used.

Hagar was running away from her problems. But God saw Hagar’s need and responded. He told her to go back and submit to Sarai (Hagar was her servant). God had a plan for her life. Hagar was astounded at God’s gracious attention. Hagar felt the full pain of rejection along with being pregnant without a husband. Her future circumstances did not look to be filled with any hope of happiness and she was afraid. The lesson is God saw her and knew all about her problem. God’s messenger gave Hagar the name of her unborn son, which was Ishmael, which meant “God hears” so she could never forget God heard her cry of misery. The truth of God’s character is our lesson in this story. God’s omniscience is always to be remembered – He sees and knows everything.

• When I am mistreated – God sees, knows, and hears.
• When I feel overwhelmed – God sees, knows, and hears.
• When I sin – God sees, knows, and hears.
• When I am feeling insecure and awkward– God sees, knows, and hears.
• When I feel alone and forgotten – God sees, knows, and hears.
• When I am exhausted – God sees, knows, and hears.
• When I need more courage – God sees, knows, and hears.
• When I feel I lack in stability – God sees, knows, and hears.
• When I need the chaos to turn into calmness – God sees, knows and hears, for He is Sar Shalom – prince of peace.

Questions:

What comes into your mind when you think about God?

How do you think God sees you today?

“Every trial has an ending. God has a special purpose for you right now, holding your hand during each humanly fearful trial. He is your refuge; He is your sufficiency; He is your fortress of protection: He is your shield, and He will deliver you. “Taming the Lion’s Roar. Handling Fear in the Midst of a Trial” – excerpt on page 36 from Lesson 7. Linda Killian.

“El Roi, you see. I ask you to act on my behalf when you see me wronged unfairly. I ask you to defend and vindicate me when you see me accused unjustly. When others toil less and yet receive more reward, I ask you to see the diligence and tenacity of my heart and open doors for me that only you can open – because you see.” Praying Through The Names Of God. Tony Evans.

May you remember God’s name, El Roi – God sees me – and fully know the God who sees you.

Listen to Lauren Daigel’s new song -You Say (Official Music Video).

Deuteronomy 1:21: “See, the LORD your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

I have had several circumstances in my life that caused me to feel threatened and have anxiety. The first major one that I remember was when our son was three years old, and a Pediatrician at Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, MN, told us he might have Osteomyelitis and that his legs could fall off, so admitted him to the hospital for tests. Then there was the major event of God leading us in moving from Minnesota to California. That had many frightful ups and downs of circumstances that demanded a lot of courage economically, and newness about everything.

What are your biggest fears? Why do we so often initially forget past answers to prayers when another crisis unexpectedly appears? My hand is raised – I am often guilty.

I wonder what miracles of provision did God provide for my parents when I was growing up that they haven’t shared with me? I need to hear those God things that my parents experienced in their generation.

You and I are not the only ones that have short memories regarding past answers to prayers. In Deuteronomy, Moses is giving his farewell words of instructions to the Israelites, that the LORD had given him to relay. He knew he did not have much longer to live, and the people were encamped waiting to go into the promised land. The people were facing war, temptations of many kinds, and a new way of life, all under the unproved leadership of Joshua who also lacked confidence in his new role of replacing Moses’s leadership. These people were not of the generation that personally experienced the miraculous deliverance of escape in walking through the dry bed of the Red Sea. The need to be reminded of God’s power and God’s laws were prevalent and burdensome on Moses’s heart. That is the setting of Deuteronomy 1:21.

Moses reminded the people that God had told them not to be: scared, afraid, anxious, distressed, intimidated, discouraged, hopeless, disheartened, or depressed in their situation regarding entering the hill country of the Amorites. He focused on convincing the people to trust and obey and to conquer the land.

Lessons to remember, from the book of Deuteronomy, when needing to fight against feeling discouraged, dismayed, and perhaps afraid:

• The Word of God is still sufficient for our needs.
• God’s Word provides the guidance for any situation.
• Moses told the Israelites that they needed to respond to their wanderings in the desert with gratitude and obedience. Still true for us today.
• God’s plan is always to redeem and restore and to give you peace.
• “It is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deut. 31:6b.

Questions:

What is God telling you to be steadfast, unwavering, and courageous in currently?

How can we have keen insight for accomplishing success in our challenging circumstances?

God will use your hidden scars. Fears can cause discouragement and despair, but wisdom gained from any pit can only be shared with those who feel the same emotional pain you have touched. They need to hear from you, “I’ve been there – done that. I don’t know it all, but let me tell you what God taught me and how I survived. I have a Red Sea experience too.” That is the glory of God being revealed to others even though our weaknesses may still be present. The lessons are clear. Do not fear or be dismayed. Remember God’s incredible faithfulness in the past. Be encouraged – God has a plan and has gone before you. Learn to listen for His voice as you read God’s Word today seeking His help, strength, and guidance. You are not alone.

Listen to King & Country – joy (Lyric Video).

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Do you feel like you have it all together? Don’t you envy those women who seem to always have the right outfit, right responses, never run out of something intelligent or witty to say, and never embarrass themselves by later regretting what they have said? I envy those women. They have a handle on being physically and mentally organized and are very talented and gifted. They appear to not have any conflict in their life and have it all together. They seem to always be calm and peaceful.

In the Old Testament there are eleven Hebrew words used for peace found in the KJV. The one that we are most familiar with is, “Shalom.” It means freedom from disturbance either from war or within the soul. This Hebrew word was intended mainly for health and prosperity, in human relationships and with God. Psalm 122:7 is one example: “Peace be within your walls and security within your towers.”

In the New Testament, there are ten words for peace found in the KJV. “Eirene” is one of the ten Greek words for peace, and is found in Philippians 4:7. Eirene means to join or bind together what has been separated and set at one again. This is where our saying “Having it all together” comes from. It does not, however, mean the absence of trouble. It is a freedom of disturbance within the soul. Has to do with quietness, rest, and harmony. The root of the English word “serene” comes from the Greek word eirene. Unclouded tranquility. Eirene is the word that Jews used when they met together in NT times.

How do we get the peace of God? These are the conditions according to Philippians 4:6-7:

• Do not be anxious about anything. Really? How can I do that?
• Pray about everything while also giving thanks and praise to God. Thanksgiving contributes directly to receiving inward peace from our heavenly Father.
• Let God know about your requests as you pray. Be specific. Do not generalize.
• Pause – hush (Chashah-pronounced kha-sha- Hebrew word for peace)- be still. Ecc. 3:7: “There is a time to keep silence and a time to speak .” Trust and place your hope in God’s faithfulness, and then expect His divine peace to fill your heart.

The highest form of energy of action upon the heart is a result of deep calmness. Our souls rest in the peace of God while He moves behind the scenes. We are never able to see the whole completed jig saw puzzle picture of our lives– but He does.

Questions:

What recently is robbing you of your sleep at night?

What do you need God to show you today? Is it His will – direction – provision? Tell it to Him specifically and then praise Him for as many things you can think of as David did when he wrote Psalm 145. Read out loud Psalm 145 on a weekly basis.

“In Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of his salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot of whatsoever sort that is” is Strong’s definition and application of the Greek word for peace,  “Eirene.” Quietness, rest + set at one again.

Rejoice in God’s blessings and goodness. Relax by purposefully worrying about nothing, and rest in the peace of God that is guarding your heart like a sentry of soldiers around your mind and emotions, calming your soul, setting it at one again.

Now you have it all together! Eirene!

Have some fun, listen to MercyMe -“Happy Dance (Official Music Video)”.

Next, listen to “Word of God Speak” YouTube by MerceMe.

Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists, and that he rewards those who seek him.”

We all experience trials in life. Don’t feel you are ever alone or the only one experiencing that queasy feeling when faced with uncertain details of fate. There can be fear in the unknown. We like to know the answers so much that we may become enslaved to the uncertainty of a future outcome to a specific circumstance. We may fall into the but “what ifs” and “not fairs” attitudes too long.

My mother who is 92 years old, recently told me she is surprised that at her age she has to trust in the Lord more and more. She is still experiencing uncertainty in life even at her age and the need of total dependency upon God. Don’t we all see that to be true in the global complexity of our world today?

I have been reminiscing over the memories of our recent visit to  family in the Midwest. As you drive you see large farms with their crops growing along the highways. It is green everywhere. But the farmers must depend on the weather for the outcome of the harvest in the Fall for their crops. Their yearly farm yields are unknown at the beginning of each planting season. Just last week in Sibley, Iowa, where my brother and other relatives live, they have been experiencing the worst flooding in the history of the county. Torrential rains poured forth flooding causing safety issues and harm to the corn and soybean fields. Farmers fields and many of the town streets are under water. Some people had to evacuate their homes. City officials issued the following warning last week:

“Do not drive over flooded roads. Not only do you not know how deep the water is, you don’t know if the road is okay underneath.” That is a vivid explanation of the word “uncertainty.” By the way, the rains have still been continuing – on Wednesday, 6/27/2018, it was raining again, thus flooding is continuing.

I may not know the answers to my current problems and burdens. I cannot see what the future may unfold, but I am certain that God loves me, is ever present, and if he can deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:17-28) from the burning fiery furnace, I will trust in Him to do the same for me. Their lives were not harmed physically, and they were rescued through God’s power by unbelievable circumstances. Their trust in God never waivered.

Questions to ponder:

Make a list of everything you can think of that is uncertain in your life right now.

Now think back on past answers to prayers that God has provided in your life. See the contrast? What have you learned?

Write out one or two verses on cards to carry with you to remind yourself that God is in control. He understands your pain, your sorrow, your needs, and desiring to make the right decision. Be strong. Seek communication with Him intently and dilgently. Don’t give up, even when your faith is faltering. God’s glory will come forth and be shown in the end.

Satan is the author of confusion. Trust in God to supply courage, confidence, and resources at the right moment to all of your unfulfilled expectations for your future and your dreams. God never forsakes those who pursue Him. That is a promise and certainty you can count on.

Listen to Jeremy Camp’s- Same Power (Lyric Video).