Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ( Isaiah 41:10)
When I first got out of high school, I went into training to become an x-ray technologist.  I did not have a relationship with Christ at that time and I constantly believed the worst about myself. I told myself that I probably would never finish my training and be able to pass the registry. I did not consider the notion that my life had any value and so I consistently sold myself short and made many poor choices. The devil couldn’t tell me anything bad about myself that I didn’t already believe. I set myself up for defeat.  I felt alone and worthless. Even after I took my test and passed with high marks, it did little to convince me that my life mattered to anyone –  much less to God! After all, I thought, where was he when I was going through so much pain in my life growing up and it seemed like no one protected me.
That is a question many people ask. Where is God when life hurts?  The truth is that  Christ is on the throne with complete authority over all that believers face in this perishing world. That is the most comforting of all truths and yet so many people still are unable to stand in faith in times of trouble and strife.
Without a doubt, we are living in perilous times. The increase of evil puts us all within the range of attack. We are trying to survive in a time when truth of God has been thrown to the ground and trampled. The hearts of most people have grown cold. It seems that everyday brings more heartache and pain as the forces of darkness have increased their effort to destroy lives.  Yet, in spite of all this, Christ is still our hope.
For believers, the fact remains that we are not alone in our battles.  We may be attacked from all sides but the outcome of assured victory was determined before the battle began. It was the price Jesus paid for us to defeat all of our enemies; we have been made more than conquerors. Our pain and our struggles are working out our transformation into the image of Christ. In the midst of darkness, God’s power is near enough to help us overcome every single weapon of warfare. The enemy has been rendered powerless and ineffective to destroy those who put their trust in the cross. Through it all, the presence of Christ is right by your side in every single storm you face.  His angels have been commanded to guard your life.  He loves you unconditionally just as you are! It is not dependent on what you do or how well you do it. The everlasting mercy of Christ is enough for all your needs.
Your painful trial is temporary. The enemy wants you to believe that things will never change but that is a lie. The truth is that he sees your struggle and is using it for your good. For that reason, you must never let your faith be nearsighted. Trust in God’s long-range plan for your future. You cannot fall so far that the grace of God is not able to restore your life and complete the purpose he began in you.
Sometimes it feels like I am always up against mountains in my life. That might be so but each time God takes me through my troubles, I realize that those mountains never had the power to block my path. My struggles have only served to reveal to me more of the love and power of Christ. I knew without a doubt that I never was alone. All of my battles are being led by the army of God. I am a conqueror because greater is He that is with me than any force that the enemy can ever use against me.
I know that so many of you are also facing problems of every kind. It may feel like you are losing the battle but that will never happen. In the center of each storm is the magnificent power of God who is working all things out for good. He has a divine purpose charted out for everything that touches your life. We read in God’s word in 2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose hearts are fully committed to him”.  He is looking for those who can trust him in the bad times as well as the good times. That is what defines a true believer.
God’s power is not limited by the impossibility of your situation. He knows how to allow your pain to work out the purpose for which he planned. That is why we never give up and never surrender. We are a royal army who are being trained to rule in a kingdom that will never end. Be mindful that your struggles won’t endure, but through Christ, your eternal future will!
Dear Lord,
I am lifting up those who are facing serious problems and feel that they have no hope. They are dealing with problems that are out of their control and some may wonder if you are even with them in their struggles. I pray that you will touch each and everyone who need your help and counsel. I pray that you will bring them peace and comfort as you draw them near to you. May you touch their hearts with the truth of your love. I pray that they will know that you will help them. I pray for healing from illness and disease. I pray for a restoration of broken marriages and relationships. I pray for those struggling with financial problems and have nowhere to turn. I plead for those who have addiction problems or have family with addictions and need your help. Lord, please show them that your strength is all that they need.
I pray for those in persecuted nations who are suffering for their faith. May you rescue them and give them hope. Protect them and their families. May your light shine through them to those who are lost.
I pray for the protection of Israel and the Jewish people. May you show them mercy and keep them from harm. I pray for their leaders to have wisdom, discernment and your favor against those who come against them for evil. And may you open their eyes to know the truth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
For anyone who is not saved or who has doubts regarding their eternal salvation, I pray that you will open their eyes and hearts to know that Jesus is the only name under heaven by which we can be saved.Â
To those who belong to you, dear Jesus, I pray that you bring them peace and hope during these dark times.  Amen
51 comments
Comments feed for this article
March 6, 2013 at 3:39 am
Jeanette Wocker
Thank you for this loving encouragement. I pray that you will be mightily blessed by our our awesome God.
Much love in Christ Jesus.xx
>________________________________ > From: God’s Promises Are Real >To: jwocker@yahoo.com >Sent: Wednesday, 6 March 2013, 8:49 >Subject: [New post] FEAR NOT FOR GOD IS WITH YOU > > > WordPress.com >Marianne Lordi posted: ” Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ( Isaiah 41:10) When I first got out of high school, I went into training to become an x-ray te” >
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March 6, 2013 at 7:57 am
Anonymous
That says it all… God is faithful… Yesterday today and tomorrow… Sometimes we can not always see the tree within the forest.. But as for elijah that still small voice is for us as well.. I pray for all those who come to you for prayer and encouragement that they will see and hear the words of God and know that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them and that they realize just how deep and wide his love is for all of us… It is a good thing that you do.. I pray for the strength wisdom and discernment to continue this ministry.. In Jesus precious precious name…amen
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March 6, 2013 at 8:27 am
Steven Krupka
Very encouraging words,thank you .
Steven
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March 6, 2013 at 11:17 am
Ministry Addict
Good post. Your title reminded me of I John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
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March 6, 2013 at 11:40 am
Faith Works When You Work It | ConquerorShots
[…] Fear Not for God Is With You (mblordi.com) […]
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March 6, 2013 at 1:24 pm
Larry Who
“…I felt alone and worthless…”
I used to be amazed when I heard a woman, especially a beautiful one like you, speak something like this. But over the years, I’ve heard and read hundreds of women say the exact same thing.
What a horrendous lie Satan has been able to sell mankind, not only in America, but also in India and China, where parents murder girl babies because they have no value.
So, Marianne, keep on speaking and speaking the words of Christ, and eventually faith will come alive in your readers and listeners. .
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March 6, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Tanya
I don’t know why i am in your mailing list, I don’t remember signing up. I read this at 4am, because I could not sleep.
all I can say is THANK YOU FOR THE COMFORT.
MUCH LOVE!
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March 6, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Tanya, you must have signed up to be given my new posts. I am so glad you did. I am also so glad that you were comforted by the message. My sister, remember the truth behind this message It doesn’t matter what our situation or the problems we face for God can and will help us to victory through all of them. Keep your eyes on Christ. Read your bible a little each day. His truth is your power. You cannot be defeated nor your dreams destroyed as long as you surrender them all to Christ.
God bless you, dear sister. My love goes back to you, too!
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March 6, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Marianne Bernard
Larry, As always, I thank you for your friendship and enouragement. I speak the truth, Larry because I know how long it was that all I could see was a lie. I believed the enemy who told me that I was not worth anything. I believed him when he said I had no future. I believed him when he said I deserved all the abuse I received. But now, all that has changed through the power of Jesus Christ! He has redeemed my life. He has forgiven my sins. He says I have value and he loves me with an unconditional love. For that reason I write to tell others of his love. He picked me up just where I was and took me to where he was. He has never left me and he never will. I will praise him as long as I have breath.
I am grateful that you are always so supportive, Larry. You are one of my blessings in this life!
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March 6, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Marianne Bernard
Ministry Addict, thanks for stopping and sharing. That quote is a powerful one. It reminds us that all the strength that we need is in Christ so there is never anything for a believer to fear. Our lives have been planned out by the Master. His love will see us through all that we have to face.
God bless you, my friend.
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March 6, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Marianne Bernard
Thanks, Steven. I am so glad you visited and commented. It shows me that God is reaching those he would with this message of hope. Please stop back.
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March 6, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Marianne Bernard
Anonymous, Thank you very much for your encouragement and prayers. You are right, that although we may have difficulty seeing the blessing that surrounds us even during our trials, the love of God and his still quiet voice will always be our strength and guide.
You have blessed my day, dear friend. Thanks for stopping.
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March 6, 2013 at 1:44 pm
Marianne Bernard
Jeanette, I am glad you were encouraged by this message. I have had a difficult time getting these words together. I just finally prayed for help and decided to confess my own weaknesses. I pray that it helps others to see that no matter what you feel about yourself, Christ deems you worthy and valuable and he will always be there to help lift you up. Too many are quick to believe that they can’t be forgiven. Jesus says that ALL who come to him he will receive!
God bless you, my sister.
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March 6, 2013 at 3:11 pm
Linden Wolfe
Every time an email notification from God’s Promises are Real shows up in my box I know it’s going to be a good day. I know I’m going to read words of courage and encouragement, truth in the midst of trials, and faith for the fight. Thanks, Marianne, for what you give to me and so many others by sharing your words and heart.
Peace to you, my friend.
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March 6, 2013 at 5:47 pm
Pat
Hello Marianne it’s so good to hear from you for God always sent us good encouragement through you,and thanks for your prayers.May God give you added strength and wisdom as you deal with your day to day struggles,and may he hold you so tight that you will still feel his Holy Presence many days after. Oh yes the struggles are quiet intense just as God has warned us,so yes we must cling to Jesus like never before,knowing that we are not nor will we ever be alone “Hallelujah”, “Hallelujah”!!
Love you much 😀
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March 6, 2013 at 9:08 pm
missionaryman
A triumph! You have encouraged me. Thank you! I do love you, and understand that you love Christ. He is our victory. Pray for me that i will yield myself more to Him. May He be ever near you my friend.Amen!
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March 6, 2013 at 11:34 pm
Alison
Thank you Marianne for your beautiful message. It’s so comforting to know that we are not like insects scuttling around on the Earth while God watches us from a distance, but that we are all in His personal presence if we choose to draw close to Him – He will draw close to us and give us strength
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March 7, 2013 at 12:50 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Linden, It is always a good day for me when my good friend stops for a visit. Thank you for being so supportive. You always have the right word to say and I appreciate you. Are you finishing up any more of your books? You are a blessing to so many, Linden!
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March 7, 2013 at 12:54 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Pat, I have missed you! I am still trying to get focused on the truth instead of my struggles. We are not alone as you say. It is comforting to me to know that all of my problems are working out for good as God shows me his power and love in all of my trials. Good friends like you, Pat, help me to keep going in spite of my circumstance. I am blessed to have you for a friend.
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March 7, 2013 at 12:57 am
Marianne Bernard
Missionaryman: Hi Charles, it was good to get to talk to you today. I know you always keep me in prayer as I do for you. We are never meant to carry our burdens alone. You are an inspiration to me, Charles. I love your teachings. I am so glad that you moved your blog here to wordpress. Thanks for always being a friend and a brother in Christ.
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March 7, 2013 at 12:59 am
Marianne Bernard
Alison, it is so nice to hear from you. You are right that we are always in view of our God who loves us and draws us near to him. It is his strength that helps us to stay in the race and to not give up even when we are broken. I pray all is going well for you, my sister. I am so glad you stopped by.
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March 7, 2013 at 11:02 am
Linden Wolfe
I am…and thanks for asking. Lord willing, my editor will start work on my manuscript on the book of Colossians in May. That means I probably won’t have a finished product before Fall but I’m trusting God for His timing. Blessings!
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March 7, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Marianne Bernard
Linden, I hope you will let me know when your book comes out. I really enjoyed your book on the Sermon on the Mount. I am praying it comes out soon!!
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March 10, 2013 at 10:50 am
Bruce
Thank you for sharing your hardship and encouraging us through this website. I am also going through hardship which I can not control. Please pray for me. Thank you Bruce
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March 11, 2013 at 11:45 am
Rachida
Marianne Hey it is Rachida and I wanted to let you know that you have helped me in more ways than one. I am so glad god is good thanks for everything and I hope I can talk to you in the future….God Bless you .
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March 11, 2013 at 9:42 pm
rascus48
Marianne….Great post and I’m very sure that it hits home with so many Christians in today’s world which is so filled with evil and that many of Gods people wonder how they will overcome the trials that come upon them constantly. I know that it surely hit home with me. Thanks so much I pray the Lord continues using you to reach out to His people as I’m sure He will!
Blessings always…..Frank
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March 12, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Frank,
I am so glad that you stopped and commented. It is nice to hear from you again. I pray you are doing well in your life. We all have problems, Frank, but our God is always going to be bigger than anything that comes against us. That is why we have hope no matter how dark the storm that we face.
Keep in touch, please.
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March 12, 2013 at 5:12 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi my dear Rachida, it is so nice to hear from you. We will definitely have to talk again soon. I pray you are doing well. You have come through a lot but you kept your eyes on Christ and learned that he was enough to help you in every problem. Be strong, my sister. I will be in touch with you.
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March 12, 2013 at 5:15 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Bruce, it is tough to be in a situation for which you have no idea how it will end or what to do. My brother, surrender it to Christ and let him work out the details. He has the plan. And he created you with a purpose. Never give up when things get hard. Learn to trust always because Christ will never let you down. Be blessed, Bruce, and stop back and let me know how you are doing. I am here and I will be praying for you.
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March 12, 2013 at 9:52 pm
godsfingers
Hi Marianne,
What a wonderful message. Yes, in Christ we are more than conquerors. What an awesome thought. As conquerors we’ve won, the enemy is defeated, vanquished, no more, yet we are more than that. God is an awesome god who lifts us out of the miry pit and places our feet upon a rock. I continue to pray for you and your struggles, God is your victor, you just need to come along for the ride.
Blessings to you sister,
Dan
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March 13, 2013 at 6:00 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Dan, it is always so nice to hear from you. You truly encourage me and help me to look at the bigger picture instead of just my circumstance. You are a blessing, my brother. Thanks for stopping by.
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March 15, 2013 at 1:22 pm
Marianne Bernard
HI Steve! Thank you for that beautiful song of truth. It reminds me always that no matter what struggles I face, I never heard this song before but I do know God is always there next to me working them out. I don’t have to strive to win for I am already declared a winner despite my circumstance. I need to keep that in mind when the enemy tries to take me down with his lies. I have to focus on the truth of the power of God that is in me. Nothing can stop the plan that Christ prepared for me in advance. I simply have to keep my eyes on him.
You are always a good friend, Steve, and I appreciate you. Friends are God’s greatest blessings!
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April 4, 2013 at 12:37 am
rascus48
Marianne…I stop by your site I just don’t always comment…..Ive found that Ive commented on a few articles that were a couple years old….oh well guess it don’t matter as someone may find the post was what they were looking for….hopefully….I will keep in touch…..and I trust you are doing fine too…. know as you we all have our trials and you remain in my prayers….Many blessings Sister…..Frank
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April 4, 2013 at 12:54 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Frank, people still come to the messages that were written years ago. Thanks for adding to the comments and for being such a good friend.
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May 7, 2013 at 1:18 pm
kareem adeola
i believe dey will make a way were dere seems to be none
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May 30, 2013 at 12:45 am
Ralph Reevey jr
Hello, to whom ever may concern i have been and still going through such a critical timing at this time in my life. Not just me but my whole family. I been crying out and trying to reach out to anyone that can help and that would listen i do belive in god and know what hes capable of its just that it has been hard for me to keep my faith and hard for me to stay focus do anyone hear me? Please help me
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May 30, 2013 at 9:37 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Ralph, Whatever you are going through, I know it can be tough just trying to understand why God is allowing it in your life. I pray that you will keep your eyes on him and stand in faith. It may be difficult to do but it is the only way to victory. God knows where you are. He is not going to fail you. You have come to the right place. I will be lifting you up in prayer and I ask anyone else who visits here to do the same. God is with you,Ralph. You don’t have to see or feel him to know that is true. Please keep reading your bible every day and let the truth of God’s promises fill you and give you hope. He will speak to you through his word. You are not alone, my brother. Your pain is always before the throne of Christ. His angels have been sent to minister to you and your family. Don’t give up. Let the truth be your guide. Christ has taken you too far to let you go now. Trust him. I will be praying.
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June 9, 2013 at 6:08 am
Flames
I have always trusted GOD all my life,i know he is faithful nd reliable but i need him to make my life worth living,i need to settle down,enter into school nd help ppl,impact into my generation,pls help me GOD,i am happy for dis article nd may GOD bless u also in JESUS MIGHTY NAME,AMEN.
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June 19, 2013 at 3:31 pm
sivu
Hello, you wrote such encouraging words. I wish they could make me feel better, I’m going through so much that it feels like God does not love me anymore, I try to understand why am I going through what I’m going through and I find no answer. I’ve been praying for so long but God does not answer. I feel like I’m hitting a hard wall. I feel its enough, I’m tired and worn out. And when its like this I even lose the power to pray or read the bible, I feel so hopeless.
Sivu
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June 22, 2013 at 10:25 pm
Marianne Bernard
Flames, God is with you. You need only wait on him and trust that he has the plan for your future. Be blessed, my friend.
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June 22, 2013 at 10:28 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Sivu, Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. God never stops loving you, my friend. Do not look at your situation through your own eyes. You will never understand God’s ways. By faith, you must just trust that he is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do. Please don’t put time limits on the grace of God. He knows how to meet you in your need at just the right time. I am praying for you. Keep reading the bible even when you don’t feel like it. You will get the power you need from his word. You are not alone, dear friend. Stop by or email me anytime you need to talk.
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June 25, 2013 at 8:16 am
naomi
The message is so powerful I am so blessed and humbled,knowing the Lord is always here.May the good Lord continue to use you to bless others.
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June 26, 2013 at 11:27 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Naomi, I am glad you stopped and commented on the message. Keep in mind that God always has a perfect plan for your life. Your difficulties are only the tools he uses to mold and shape you into his image. Be blessed, dear sister.
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September 26, 2013 at 12:16 am
Deb
I love the faith you have and your words of encouragement. I am ready to give up. I am not going to make it. God has not answered my prayers. My circumstances are beyond any hope at this point. The only way out I see is death.
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September 26, 2013 at 2:35 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Deb,
The only way out is NOT death! You are listening to the lies of the enemy, dear sister! You are weary and you are letting your discouragement cloud your thinking. My friend, I want you to email me at mbernard4477@gmail.com as soon as you get this so I can give you my phone number. Deb, you are depressed and you are letting your fears make you believe that nothing will ever change. That is not true. I can show you how the promises of God are already working in your situation. Just because you can’t see it does not mean that God is not doing something or that he has left you alone. I assure you that is not true. There is an answer. There is a way out. Nothing is impossible with God and he loves you way too much to let you be destroyed by all this. Whatever your pain, he will help you. I know what I am talking about, Deb. I have been where you are and decided to trust God even though nothing seemed like it would help. He helped. He was with me and he still is. He will do the same for you. Please email me so we can talk. I care, my friend. I do care. I will be praying for you. You are not alone.
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November 21, 2013 at 6:43 pm
jocolia
Thanks Marianne I was down yesterday. I was on fasting I could pray did have strength and someone at work just shouted at me and I end up exchanging bad word with her. Thanks God for this story I have managed to pray and I believe that god is on my side I should not worry. The Lord is my sherperd I shall not want. JHe was with me in all the challenges that passed throught. He is the my provider. No weapon formed against me shall prosper.
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November 21, 2013 at 6:48 pm
jocolia
Thanks Marianne I was down yesterday. I was on fasting I could pray did have strength and someone at work just shouted at me and I end up exchanging bad word with her. Thanks God for this story I have managed to pray and I believe that god is on my side I should not worry. The Lord is my sherperd I shall not want. He was with me in all the challenges that I have passed throught. He is my provider. No weapon formed against me shall prosper.
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November 21, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Marianne Bernard
Jocolia, I am so glad that God brought your here tonight. I re-read this message and it actually ministered to me also. God’s word is powerful and it puts all things in the perspective of eternity and the power of the God we serve. Too many times we let the little things bring us down. That is sad because Christ died to render all of our enemies ineffective to destroy us. Every battle believers face daily in this perishing world have already been won for us. Take heart, my friend, for when you feel weary, the strength of Christ takes you through. He isn’t going to let you fight alone. He is with you and his plan for your life and eternity has victor guaranteed all over it!
God bless you and be in peace.
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March 7, 2014 at 7:06 pm
Viviana
Thank you for this message.
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February 25, 2015 at 12:54 pm
hannah
Very encouraging we are going through financial difficulties surrounded by debts and I thank God for his faithfulness. I believe in God promises. Remember me and my family in your prayers
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February 25, 2015 at 3:20 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Hannah, I am so sorry you are facing financial problems. We are living in difficult times and it is becoming hard for most of us to meet our bills. But we serve a God who owns it all. He is the Authority over all things in heaven and earth. He can make a way to provide for your needs. Trust him, dear sister. It looks dark right now but you have no idea what plan God has for your life. If you belong to Christ, he is working all things out for your good. Your problems are the vessel he uses to bring you closer to him and to reveal more of himself to you. You will see.
I will be keeping you and your family in prayer. I am trusting that God can alleviate your fears and give you his peace as you wait on him and the solution he is working out right now for you. Be blessed, Hannah!
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