1 Peter 3:14, “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.”
We live in a world where we are seeing and experiencing many things that are contrary to the Word of God. When we choose to stand for what God’s Word says is right, we may at times feel weary or discouraged in the battle. Choosing to walk faithfully with the Lord, is not always going to be a simple path. As a matter of fact, Jesus encourages us with these words in John 16:33…
“…Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
I also am inspired by the good news translation that says…
“…The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”
Jesus tells us to take heart and be brave because He has overcome and defeated the world. There is a blessing that rests upon our lives when we choose to suffer for doing what God says is right. And we will never experience any troubles that are beyond His control.
Photo: Julian Jagtenberg of the Netherlands 🇳🇱
1 Peter 4:13, “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Rejoice, knowing that through our sufferings, the glory of Christ will be revealed. We don’t always know what God is up to, but we can take heart and know that His glory will shine through.
So be of good cheer! Do not let fear and worry consume you. Remain faithful and obedient to the Savior, Jesus Christ. And look to Him for daily strength
I remember my 10th-grade marketing teacher, Mrs. Infantino, shared a quote by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “The only thing that is constant is change.” And it’s true; life does constantly change.
No matter how hard we try to keep things the same or “normal,” there will inevitably be times when change is sure to come. Some basic things remain the same, at least for a season, like the car we drive, the neighborhood we live in, or a job we have. But we all know cars eventually have to be replaced, neighbors often come and go, and companies sometimes shut down or do layoffs. And if you do talk to someone who has managed to spend their entire career at one company; you will probably hear stories about the many changes they have seen.
We can look back at ourselves, even one year ago, and find something that has changed about our circumstances, for better or for worse. However, I am learning to be thankful for change. Because with change often comes growth, and our growth can bring new perspectives and opportunities.
Photo by: Eric W. of the USA 🇺🇸
Romans 8:28 (AMP)
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.
According to Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, never changes. He is perfect in every way. His infinite love remains the same. His unchanging nature makes Him one of a kind. Our Lord’s ability to remain constant is amazing. And although it is beyond our understanding, it is part of what makes Him our Rock.
Psalm 18:2 (BSB)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Are there changes you are struggling with?
Perhaps they are unexpected changes that are not good, and you can not understand why God would allow them. You may feel weary and discouraged because of the changes. If that is the case, take heart. The Lord is your strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says: And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Perhaps the changes that have come your way are good, but you feel fear or uncertainty because of the unknown. When God calls us into unfamiliar territory, we can remember that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect. He will equip us with all we need to put our faith into action and move forward. Isaiah 41:10 says: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Photo by: Gui Spinardi of Brazil 🇧🇷
No matter the dilemma, you can take the changes to God in prayer and candidly talk to Him about how He wants you to handle everything. You can share with Him exactly how you feel. He cares about all our concerns and reminds us in 1 Peter 5:7, that we can cast all our worries on Him.
After you cast your cares on the Lord in prayer, take time to listen to what He is speaking to your heart. Spend time meditating on His goodness. Embrace the lessons He is teaching you and receive the strength He wants to give you to endure the changes you are facing.
I pray that God will send the resources or people you need to help you. But above all else, remember you are not alone. God, the Rock, who does not change, is with you always.
Psalm 18:31-32 (BSB)
For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear.
Jude 1:21, “keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”
God’s love is powerful. Remembering that His love can change people and circumstances, gives us hope to keep praying, trusting and believing. As God’s children, we carry His love inside of us, so through Him, we have the power to touch the lives of people.
1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
We often speak of how important it is to “walk in love.” However, we should ask God to help us to do this daily. He will make us aware of the specific ways and relationships where we are neglecting to walk in love.
I have personally been on an intentional journey of learning to understand and receive God’s love as well as learning to apply it correctly in my relationship with others. It is not an easy journey but it has brought me much freedom, understanding and healing.
We should also ask God to show us ways that we are not walking in love toward ourselves. Understanding your own worth and value is vital in having the ability to show love to yourself and others. Learning to love yourself can also sometimes mean removing yourself from circumstances or relationships where you are not being loved properly. It is a reality that some people do not value you and they do not love you. And their inability to love you, is often related to the fact that they do not even love themselves.
Regardless of whatever situation you may be facing, the moral of the story is that, the love of God is powerful and can pull you through anything. It can bring healing, strength and peace to your life and the lives of those around you.
No matter what is happening in our world today, may we never underestimate the power of God’s love to change us, change people, change circumstances, and ultimately change our world. So as the Bible tells us, keep yourselves in God’s love.
Psalms 1:1-2, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
There is so much information available to us nowadays. We have to be careful to make sure the things we are hearing and reading are in sync with the Word of God. His Word is full of wisdom and will guide us into truth.
Photo by: Ben Mack of Australia 🇦🇺
Knowing that God is working in our hearts to mature us so that we can grow in our relationship with Him and help others, brings joy, in spite of circumstances. Following the ways of the Lord will not always be easy, but our obedience will lead to a blessed life.
Psalm 146:1-2, “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”
The words of these verses remind us of the true commitment and passion that it takes to live for the Lord. Resolving to give God praise, for all of our lives, as long as we live, happens one day at a time, as we willingly surrender our hearts to the Him. The Lord will give us the strength we need to trust Him each day. Don’t hesitate to cast your cares upon the Lord today, as you give Him praise for who He is and all that He is doing, right now today, in your life and the lives of those you love.
I recently remembered a time towards the end of last year, when my daughter and I were leaving the hospital after visiting my mom. As we were walking out, there was a woman sitting on the bench. When we walked by she said, “Excuse me. Can I ask you a question?” We said, “Yes.” She said, “Why is it that those addicted to crack (she didn’t put it quite so nicely) are the only ones who want to help you?” She continued on by expressing that the “good people” never want to help you but the crack addicts will invite you into their world and help you anyway they can, even offering you more crack.
Seeing and hearing her frustration that night, I thought of how often her statement may have been true, even in my own life. I wondered how many opportunities I may have passed up to do good and help someone in need.
Photo by: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz
One of my favorite stories in the Bible, is the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, found in John chapter 4. Jesus was willing to go against the societal norms and speak to someone He should not have spoken to. By doing so, He changed her life. Although Jesus already knew her story, He was still willing to listen to the woman. I love the example that Jesus set for us.
It is quite easy to come up with conclusions about a person, but until we hear someone’s story, we don’t know the truth of their journey. Taking time to listen to someone, is not always encouraged nowadays, especially if the person doesn’t meet our standard of normal. But operating in the Spirit of Love, and challenging the “norm,” will open the door for meaningful conversations; conversations that can bring about positive changes that make a difference in the lives of people.
May we be a beacon of hope to those in need; freely giving all that God has called us to give.
3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “LORD, save me!”
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, LORD, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio of Hungary 🇭🇺
The Psalmist was facing death and was in deep distress and sorrow, but when he called out to the Lord, he was delivered. No matter how bad your situation is, the Lord can deliver you when you cry out to Him for help. He is our Protector, the One who knows all and sees all.
I especially love verse 7, when He encourages Himself to return to rest because of the Lord’s goodness. Even in the midst of trials, we can remember God’s faithfulness and goodness and return to rest. We can cast our cares upon Him and know that He sees our tears and will keep our feet from stumbling.
Are you facing tough circumstances today? Call on the name of the Lord Jesus and find the rest and deliverance that you need. Have faith that He is working out what is best for you.
Romans 10:13,“For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
Drawing Closer to Christ 