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Hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)
We are told in Scripture that we are not to lose hope in times of trial. We are to have faith and trust that God has everything under his control. To have true faith, you must take God at his word. In 2 Corinthians 4:18 we read that “We look to things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal”. Why is that so hard to do when we face pain and struggles that that seem to crush our heart?
I have often wondered why I can trust God with my eternal salvation but yet struggle to trust him in the daily storms of uncertainty. The word of God is abundantly clear that Christ has our future in his hands. Long before we were born, his eyes saw our unformed substance and he numbered our days to align with his perfect plan long before one of them came to be. No believer dies too young. It is all divinely timed. So what is to fear?
The answer to that is there is nothing to fear but what you allow yourself to believe. Your life is in God’s hands, not the devil’s and not the world’s. The eye of God never leaves you for an instant. Even Job understood this truth. He never doubted that God was with him, he just couldn’t understand why God was allowing him to suffer. He got to the point where he wished he was never born alive. I must admit that there were times I felt like Job but I refused to give up. God has shown me love and mercy when I didn’t deserve it. Surrendering to the lies of the enemy was never an option. Christ has promised the crown of life to those who remain steadfast under trial. The disciple James tells us in verse 1 of his letter, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness…..that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing“.
Now joy might not be easy for you to consider in your times of pain but, by faith, you must trust that God has a purpose for it and that he has promised to use all things for your good according to his purpose for you. To believe anything less is to believe the lie of an enemy who wants you to give up.
My friends, the days are growing shorter and the attacks from the devil will increase. You may be facing unbearable pain and suffering now, but my prayer is that you will hold on in hope. The Apostle Paul endured hardship, pain, and suffering to the point of death, but he considered it worth the cost of knowing Christ and his righteousness. There is nothing greater than knowing that your struggles are bringing you to the point in life for which God has purposed for you. Every pain and hardship is bringing you deeper into the knowledge of Christ. He is revealing more of himself to you.
The power that raised Christ from the dead and that calmed the sea is living in the heart of every believer. He knows what he is doing even when you don’t understand his ways. He will never abandon you in your heartache. He is close enough to you to see your tears. He keeps them in a bottle that is next to his heart. You are never alone to fight your battles when you belong to Christ. Most importantly, you can’t be destroyed by your pain no matter how hurtful it seems now.
Can you wait on Christ? Will you trust him to the end? No matter how big your problems are, they cannot stop the future for which Christ died to give you. Your pain will not last forever. His love for you will not fail. Ask God to give you the strength you need to trust him with all that comes against you. He is faithful to guide you to the end. That’s a promise!
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This is a repost of a message that I wrote 7 1/2 years ago. At the time I wrote it, I had no idea that one year later I would be going through a divorce and that a few years after that, my beloved brother would die. With that said, I had to face many trials since then and yet this message of hope is more relevant than ever. I could not have gotten through all the pain in my life if Christ were not with me. I have always said that if you knew how effective your prayers were against the powers of darkness, you would never get off your knees. Prayer would be the one stronghold that you relied on for peace and strength in every battle. Life is tough and that is not going to change but God is faithful to the end. Please read this message again and let the truth of God’s amazing love and power fill you will hope despite your struggles. There is always hope because Christ lives to intercede for us. That’s a promise that will never fail.
Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard” (Daniel 10:12)
Probably one of the hardest steps of faith is believing that God hears and will help us when we call on him in prayer. We are still living in a world that has dimensions and boundaries and our finite minds have limits to our understanding in difficult matters. We, therefore, need a measure of faith to see past that which is seen and go deeper into that which is unseen. The only way to please God is by trusting him despite the storms that we face in a world that is literally being destroyed by sin. Although it is not visible to our eyes right now, there is a battle that is taking place all around us in the heavenly realms. Darkness is covering the horizons in every corner of this world as evil is seeking to destroy everything in God’s creation. So when we are faced with a painful trial, it is easier to believe what we can see than what we can’t see. Yet, it is at our lowest point of a struggle that we must lift our eyes in prayer and believe that our God is not going to let us be devoured by the enemy of destruction.
It may seem impossible to live with a heart that is breaking but God has promised us in his word that He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3) He is not slow to help and he will never fail you even when it seems that you are being crushed by the weight of your pain. If you could see the very real battle that is taking place all around you, you would understand that you are being guarded by the forces of heaven. Every step you take as a believer is guided by the hand of God who knows the path you must take to victory. Every prayer that you present to Christ is heard and he knows what is right and perfect for you. Your whole life is before his eyes and he is answering you in ways that for now, you may not understand. The solid truth is that Christ never stops working all things out for your good! When you lift up your prayers and petitions, you are surrendering all of your struggles to the will of God. You are seeking his strength and his power to help you stand in faith believing the God who saw your unformed body in the womb and who numbered all of your days before even one of them came to be. Nothing of your life is hidden from him. Your fear and despair in a trial stem from not understanding the power of God and his unfailing love for you. Never will his eyes leave you for one second! Why can you not understand that you are worrying about things that Jesus already has worked out?
I have been through a lot of pain in my life but I can now rest in the fact that the purpose and plan God has for my life cannot be stopped. I can trust that he is right next to me when I pray and that he always hears. No pain can consume my life because my God will always be bigger than anything I face. I believe that God will go ahead of me in every battle and lead me into victory against my enemies. I know that God is faithful and that I can take him at his word. My future is in his hands and he is the joy of my life. At the moment of Christ’ death, the temple veil that enclosed the holy of holies was torn signifying our new access to the throne of God in every prayer! Believers are right there with Christ in every petition that is made to him. The devil can’t stop our prayers nor can he hinder God from answering them.
My dear friends, I say all this to encourage you through the trials you are facing. You can still have a future despite a broken marriage or a relationship that is not working out. Your financial struggles are not going to be forever. Job situations and serious health issues are still under the sovereignty of God. My greatest lesson in God’s love came when I trusted him at a time when I had no strength of my own in an impossible situation. His power is greater than a painful struggle or addiction. His strength is perfected in any weakness that we surrender to him. We can trust our God in every area of life and we can trust him in death. There is nothing good that he will ever withhold from those who belong to him. Never let the silence make you think that God is not doing something for your cause. Remember that Elijah had to wait on the mountaintop for the quiet whisper of God after he faced the powerful wind, the earthquake, and the great fire. No matter how or when he chooses to do it, never doubt that God will show up and fight against that which is coming against you!
Dear Lord, I am lifting up those who are going through a storm in life that is making them weary. They want to believe that you will show up in time to help them but the enemy has been filling their minds with lies. I pray that you will give them your peace that passes understanding and open their hearts to know that you are with them right now. They don’t have to see you or feel you in order to know that you are there. Show them that their prayers are heard by you and you will resolve the issues they face. Let them know that you will never leave them to fight against the battles of this world alone. I pray that they will listen for that small whisper of hope that you are ready to give them. Lord Jesus, I believe your promises never fail. Amen
Picture above post by Diana Simumpande
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Knowing without a doubt that Christ is in the midst of all that you are facing and that He will take you through to victory.
I wrote an article five years ago that I called, “Wounded Warriors” and I remember when I wrote it that I wanted to truly believe all that I said. I was going through a painful divorce at the time and while I struggled to make sense of it all, I knew by faith that in the end, my struggle would bring me closer to the truth of Christ. And at that time, it did.
Recently, I lost my brother to cancer. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, my older brother was my guide, my mentor and someone who watched over me. He always protected his sisters. While in my battles, I would seek the will of God first, but sometimes I just needed to hear my brother’s voice encouraging me and standing with me. He was definitely my gift from God.
I prayed for my brother to be healed for over a year. I pleaded and cried to Christ to save him both spiritually and physically. I loved my brother. I truly would have given my life for his. But God had other plans. His ways are higher. I must trust his will. And through my tears, I do. God did answer my prayer, my brother put his trust in Christ.
For some reason, this article of mine came up and I re-read what I wrote five years ago. The words were made alive to me and I felt like I was truly understanding the truth of what I wrote. My pain is in God’s hands. His purpose shall be fulfilled. I pray that if you are going through a struggle that you also will understand that Christ did not leave you nor forsake you. He is with you right now and if you can hold on and trust a little longer, he will give you the crown of life.
Please read this message and let the truth of Christ’s love fill your heart with hope. I am praying for you.
WOUNDED WARRIORS
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again. (Psalm 71:20)
The battles we face in this world are making all of us weary. The enemy’s attacks are getting stronger as the forces of evil seek to wound and discourage those who belong to Christ. Many believers are crying out for Christ to return soon and save them from all this darkness. We are indeed in the devil’s crosshairs and he is not backing down. His plan is to kill your hope, steal your joy and destroy your future. His arsenal is filled with weapons of lies and discouragement aimed toward every believer. His fiery darts of fear and doubt can pierce the hearts of struggling saints causing some to wonder if God really hears their prayers. We are all suffering the effects of a fallen world as we endure hardship of every kind. As difficult as it may seem, the truth remains that the victory of Christ is at the core of a believer’s every trial.
I read a great quote by Christian singer Wintley Phipps which said:
“It is in the quiet crucible of your personal, private suffering that your noblest dreams are born and God’s greatest gifts are given, in compensation for what you have been through.”
That profound truth should give hope to those who are going through serious trials. Keep in mind that all we fear is under God’s sovereign authority and plan. Our battles have been won, and although we still must fight the good fight, believers are guaranteed the victory. Those who belong to Christ are already standing in the winner’s circle surrounded by God’s angels. We are not alone nor left to fend for ourselves. We are a chosen people who will one day rule with Christ in heaven. The forces of hell and the darkness of this world cannot stop the royal future that Jesus died to give us. He has gone to prepare a place for us so wonderful that our finite minds cannot begin to comprehend the beauty that awaits us.
As great as that promise is, it may sound hollow right now when all you want to do is cry. Your painful trial is causing you to bow your head in sadness. Trouble seems unending. But true believers must trust their God no matter how impossible their situation seems. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:12 that as we face trials we are to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” That is what sets us apart from the world. We have faith that in all things, our God is enough. He will not leave us alone or allow us to perish. In the book of James, we are told, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ” You can have peace even when it seems that all hope is gone when you understand in your heart that in the end, God has the plan! He is not waiting for you to be stronger, wiser or holier before he will help you. He already has the plan worked out. Tomorrow is in his hands and he will accomplish his purpose for you.
In Exodus 14, God led Moses and Israelites away from Egypt as Pharaoh and his army pursued them. As the army approached, the people of Israel feared greatly. They had come to the bank of the Red Sea and had no way to cross . Moses saw the enemy too but he told the people, “The Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent”. God then told Moses to lift his staff over the sea and divide it. After that, God did something amazing. All through the desert, the Angel of God, who was Jesus, led the Israelites by going in front of them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. However, when they got to the Red Sea, the Angel of God, who was in front of the Israelites moved and went behind them. The pillar of fire also stood behind them coming between the army of Egypt and the people of Israel. God had the Israelites back! He protected them as the enemy drew near. There was no way that Pharaoh was going to destroy God’s people. In the end, God led his people to safety from between the parted water and used that same water to destroy the Egyptian army. God made a way where there was none!
Wounded warriors, never doubt that God is going to make a way for you too. He has your back covered! Your impossible situation is under his authority and he knows how to make it work out in his perfect plan for you. I don’t care how bad it seems right now, there is always hope if you will surrender it to Christ to do as he pleases. Be strong and believe. Remember discouragement is a lying spirit which ushers in doubt. Take your thoughts captive and line them up with the truth. We are so close to the glorious appearing of Christ. He is with your right now – you have only to be silent!
Dear Lord, make this truth clear to those who need your help now.
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What to do when God takes you to the end of yourself in order to get you to trust him with your life.
In Psalm 139, King David prayed, “O LORD you have searched me and known me!” He fully understood that God had complete knowledge of him inside and out. His weaknesses were not hidden from God yet he proclaimed in verse 14, “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Too often we let our circumstances rob us of our joy. It is as though we can only trust that God is with us when things are going good in our life. In Isaiah 43:2, God tells us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you.” I can assure you that pretty much covers the pain of everything you can face on this earth. God is telling those who believe in him that he is just as powerful in the darkness as he is in the light. Nothing can defeat you when your hope is in Christ. He can always bring you out of the storm.
We are living in a world that is in great upheaval. Right has been called wrong and evil is replacing good. To stand for truth means persecution and consequence. Your future may seem like a blur when you are uncertain how to take the next step. Take a leap of faith. Now is the time to let the world know to whom you belong. Show your faith in action believing in your heart that God is enough to help you. Anyone can claim to trust God when things are going well. But it is in the time of battle that the worth of your faith is proved genuine.
If you belong to Christ, all that you endure is part of the unspoken plan that has been designed for your victory. You have a reason for hope because Christ lives to intercede for you every second of the day. God will not fail to take you through the troubled seasons of your life. Every one of your tears is precious to him. There is not a step you take or a thought in your mind that is not seen and guided by Christ. He is the light on your path to glory.
The devil of this world cannot overcome God’s authority. Only Christ can complete the number of your days and fulfill your destiny. If he leads you to a mountain or to a raging sea, he has a purpose and he knows how to get you to trust him alone. He is your stronghold and very real help in need. He won’t let you down. Let him finish his work in you. Remember he is getting you ready for royalty in an eternal Kingdom.
When you feel like you have no strength to continue in your life, that is when you must surrender your weakness to Christ and take on his strength.
Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here, I find my rest
Without You, I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart
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Believers are set apart for Christ and the work of his kingdom. We have been made holy because the Spirit of God lives and works in us to do good. We have been made righteous. Why is it then that God continues to allow painful trials and distractions in our lives? Wouldn’t it be easier to do his work if he could make our path clear of the same suffering the perishing world endures?
That is something I have thought about many times. I have seen Godly men and women work tirelessly to help bring the lost to Christ only to watch as they suffered hardship and sickness unto death. Persecution of Christians is increasing and believers are being tortured and killed every day. It just doesn’t seem fair. And yet, Scripture tells us that God must allow anything that happens in the life of a believer. In Psalm 84, we are told that “No good does God withhold from those whose lives are righteous”. All those who are in Christ have been made righteous by his blood. So why then is it good that his people suffer?
My friends, I write this message to give hope to those who are facing a battle in life and struggle to believe that Christ is still with them. The enduring love of God never leaves you for a moment in the midst of your trial. He sees your pain and counts your tears. Your cries for help are being heard. He has not forgotten you. He knows how to heal your breaking heart. He can and will make you whole. But, do you trust him enough to let him do it his way and in his timing? It is not easy to hold on in the battle, but to do anything less would be to surrender to the enemy. Don’t sell yourself short. God is sovereign over all. His plan for your life was perfected long before the foundation of the earth. You were bought at a price. He is not going to let you fail after taking you this far.
Every believer in Scripture had to suffer pain and hardship in their walk of faith. They had to trust that God was always with them even through their greatest fears.
In Genesis, Joseph had to endure over 10 years of bondage in a prison which had no light. He had shackles on his neck and feet night and day. And yet he had to trust that his God was still in control. For all those years, he had to wait on God who was preparing him to be the top Commander in the army of Pharaoh. He had no idea God was making him ready for such royalty. He was a young man when he went into prison and for years he mourned the memory of his family. Why did God allow him to withstand such a test? It was because God’s plans for Joseph were greater than any ideas Joseph had for his life. He had to be molded and shaped into the man of God who had the faith needed to do his will. God was going to use him in a mighty way.
And God had a plan. The royal robes that Joseph wore as ruler in Pharaoh’s kingdom were like rags compared to the robes of glory awaiting Joseph when he died.
When Jesus told his disciples what they would have to do to follow him, many of them grumbled and left. Jesus turned to his Apostles and asked them if they were going to leave also. Peter said to Jesus,
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”(John 6:68) Peter was exactly right. Those who stayed with Christ trusted that he was greater than their doubts.
No matter what black cloud is filling your life, there is no one greater than the God who gave you life and who has the power to cause every second of your pain to be used for your good and for his glory. Even if you don’t see God’s hand in your struggle now, you need to know that he is in full control of all that you face. You don’t have to see or feel God to know that he loves you enough to do what is good for you. Let him finish the work he started in you. Don’t doubt him. Those disciples who walked away from Christ had no idea they were leaving their only source of hope in this world. They left the One who could give them everlasting life.
Your situation is timed. Your pain is being monitored. And you are not going to drown in your tears. Christ has a way to take you through your fears and pain. He grieves with you in your trouble. He has a reason for you to face this mountain.
My friends, we are too close to the coming of Christ to give up now and walk away. Cling to the truth. Let your faith be proven genuine. Keep your eyes on Christ. He will never fail you. Even when things are not done your way, trust him with your life! He gave his life for you.
Who can take from you what Christ has died to give you?
I am praying for all who need to believe that Christ is with them in their pain. If you are struggling with your faith, I am praying that you will have the strength to surrender your doubt to Christ and ask for his strength to believe. May you know that He loves you more than you could ever know. He has promised to never leave you, not ever, no matter what you are going through. God is close to the brokenhearted. His word is true. He is with you now. Let him work this out but trust him with the details. Your faith shows the world that you belong to Christ. May God give you his peace and may you know that you are not alone.
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.(Romans 15:13)
Amidst the chaos of a world that is filled with darkness, it is challenging to focus on the promises of God. In your painful trials, problems can appear insurmountable with the victory through them seemingly unreachable.
The Apostle Paul warned us in 2 Timothy 3 that there will be terrible times in the last days as people become lovers of themselves and not interested in the ways of God. The nightly news is filled with death, destruction and evil as people are turning to their own way of doing things. The enemy is dividing people against each other to cause confusion and doubt and in far too many cases it is working. The hearts of most have abandoned the fear of God. The ways of truth are being blurred by the evil desire of the flesh that is being called “choice”. And as Scripture tells us, lawlessness is on the increase as the hearts of most grow cold.
While that is a sad commentary, we are not without hope. There is a place of rest where you can have the peace of Christ despite your struggle. That promise was given by Christ as he said in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Do you trust that Jesus is true to his word?
Your faith is being tested in every trial you face, but the reward is great to those who do not grow weary and give up. In 2 Kings, the prophet Elisha was surrounded by a great army who wanted to kill him. When Elisha’s servant saw the massive army, he grew greatly alarmed. Elisha addressed his fears saying in verse 6, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” With that, Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened and he was amazed to see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire from God surrounding their enemy. That is the power of God in action. Even now, there is no battle in your life that is stronger than God’s ability to take you through it.
Jesus left us the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness. The same immense power that raised Christ from the dead lives in the heart of every believer. There is nothing that is able to destroy a child of Christ. All that we face is the driving force bringing us closer to God.
Troubles of this world don’t define us. They are the necessary tools to mold us into the image of Christ and perfect us in the plan he has for our life The evangelist A.W. Tozer once wrote: “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has wounded him deeply”. Tozer understood that the trials allowed by God are meant to bless and equip the soldier of Christ for victory against the adversary of this perishing world.The believer must die to self in order to have the fullness of God’s power. Whatever weakness you hold onto in your life will become the foothold that Satan uses to take you down.
The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:17″For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison”.
No matter how bad your situation seems. you must never lose hope. You have no idea what greatness God has planned for your life. You don’t have to feel Christ to know that he is with you. While it is difficult enduring the trials that bring brokenness, God knows the work he must do in your life. He who began a good work in you knows how to complete it. His ways are higher than ours. He knows the length of your days and has your next step prepared for you.
My friends, you need to understand that heaven’s royal army is standing by you right now to protect and defend you. God’s plan for you cannot be hindered by your heartache, struggle, sickness, addiction, divorce or financial problems. You can’t fail. He knew what you would face and the answer to it all is being set into motion even now. His love for you will not stop. Just stand in faith and see what God can do.
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“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away, blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21)
You can have victory in your life despite the struggles that you face when you understand that God is working all things out for your good and his purpose for your life. Too many times we feel that God is unaware or unconcerned with our painful trials but nothing could be further from the truth. He has a divine eternal reason for each and every thing that you endure. He has a timing for it all and if you belong to Christ, it is all part of the perfect plan.
Understandably, it is easier to trust God when things are going well. How much more difficult is it to believe as God allows unfair trials of every kind to happen when he has the power to stop them. How can he look down on the suffering of his people as seemingly he remains silent. But is that really true?
We look in the Old Testament to the trials of Job. He was a wealthy man with a wife, children and servants. He honored God with all he had and held nothing back from him. Yet God allowed Satan to attack Job and take his children, his wealth, his servants and his own health. Job was reduced to a painful existence living outside of his home since he was deemed unclean because of the infestation of boils that was afflicting his whole body. His own wife told him to ” Curse your God and die”. What did Job say to her remark? He answered, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”(Job 2:10)
That is a questions we all need to ask ourselves. Is it okay with us to take the good from God and then turn away from him in times of trouble? Does God owe us anything? It is by his grace, unmerited favor, that we receive all the good that we have. We are in his hands and he has determined the best way to get us from where we are to where he is. He does not look away from us for a second. We always have hope in the midst of the darkest storms because Christ lives to intercede for us. He commands his angels to guard our path and guide our steps. We are not left to fend for ourselves when darkness comes. With Christ, we have all the hope and peace needed to get through the pain as God works through it to reveal more of himself to us. No battle is too big for him because he has authority over everything. The outcome is always in his hands and his will.
When you grow in faith, you get to a place of victory in your life because you know that you do not have to understand God’s ways in order to trust that he always is working for your best interest. For that reason, you are able to have joy through the many troubles in this world because Christ has overcome the world and your enemies have been rendered powerless to destroy your future. Just because you can’t see how God is working in your life through your trials does not mean that he is doing nothing. Heaven and earth are being moved by a faithful God who has already determined the outcome of your situation.
Your pain grieves the heart of God but we are living in a perishing world and believers are being transformed into the image of Christ. Let God do his work in you. Your struggle will not last forever but the hope you have will last into eternity. Fear and uncertainty are weapons the enemy uses to discourage you. Never let his lies steal your hope or convince you to surrender up your joy. Nothing is impossible for the One who holds eternity in his hands.
Whatever you are going through, stay focused on the fact that God can always make a way to help you. God gives and God takes but it all is part of the plan to give you eternal life in a Kingdom that will have no end. And because of that promise, we can praise God in every situation. Christ is coming back soon to make all things new. That is a Hope that is worth waiting for.
Dear Lord,
You never leave anyone alone to carry their troubles. I pray that you will give hope to those who are overwhelmed with trouble and who feel that they have no strength to go on without your help. I pray that you will heal the pain of those going through marriage problems and financial issues. For those who are suffering through illness and serious health problems, I pray for complete healing, and may you give them peace as they wait on you. I pray for your strength to overcome those who are dealing with addictions of every kind.
May you provide for those who need a job. I pray for favor and blessing on those who are struggling to keep their homes. Bless and heal those who are suffering from mental problems and dementia.
I pray for the persecuted all through the world. May God give them his peace to endure. Protect children everywhere who are hungry and sick. I pray for Saeed Abedini and all those who are imprisoned in other nations for their faith. May God have mercy to bring them home and give them strength to hold on.
I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and protection for Israel. May our Lord guide the hand of their leaders. I pray for America to repent and turn back to God!
For these requests and all those not mentioned, may the power of Christ and his love provide for our needs. Amen
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If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night“.
(Psalm 139:11)
These days of evil are growing worse as the light of truth is nowhere to be found. So many people are caught up in the deception as they become lovers of themselves and of the gold of this world. The laws of God are disregarded by those who have given in to the lies. Sin has been dressed up and labeled as choice and tolerance. Abominable acts are not only accepted by this generation, they are now encouraged. And darkness swallows the truth!
As most continue on the wide path to destruction, those who work to stay in the race for the Kingdom of Christ are finding themselves suffering trials and heartache. It is difficult to understand.
We are living in ending times, dear friends. God is allowing believers to be shaken beyond their own strength to find out who truly belongs to him. The days of trouble are bringing to light those who truly belong to Christ. It is for that reason that you must stand your ground and let God do his work of refining you for an eternal kingdom.
In 2 Corinthians, Chapter 1, we read that Paul suffered through depression as he was spreading the gospel of Christ. He said in verse 8-9, “For we do not want you to be unaware brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” Even the apostle Paul had to suffer for Christ to the point of wanting to give up and die. How much more are we struggling in the end times as Christ is coming quickly to take us from this wicked earth? Without a doubt the enemy has stepped up his game as he initiates attacks from all sides upon believers who are shining the light of the kingdom to the lost.
We should not be surprised that we are facing trials of every kind. While the enemy wants to destroy us with his lies and deception, we are being proven to be soldiers of worth in the army of the living God. In the book of James, the disciple tells us that the testing of our faith produces a steadfastness which God is perfecting in us so that we will lack nothing of value. Have no doubt that God’s angels are surrounding you at this moment. They are ministering to you in your heartache and strengthening you in your fears. They have been given orders from the Throne of God to guard your pathway to him. You cannot be defeated.
As the earth gives way to the enemy’s lies, we suffer through financial problems, sickness and disease, marriages failing, addictions and all forms of bondage as danger lurks on every corner. We cannot escape the battle launched by the spiritual forces of darkness; however, believers are guaranteed victory through it all.
Those who don’t give in to the deception of this world have hope that eternity with God will be a reward that will last forever. Don’t allow your painful trials to make you take your focus from the truth. You need to understand that your purpose in God’s plan has been set before the world ever began. You cannot be shifted in your position by the slings and arrows of the enemy. You will never be taken down! Surrender your weariness to the One who always has a way to give you hope through your problems. He can lift you above them all until and hold onto you until he has filled you with his peace.
The darkness is quickly filling up this earth, my friends. The deceiver is leading a brutal attack against believers. He wants you to forget that your destiny has been sealed by the blood of Christ! Stay strong and don’t lose sight of the blessed Hope which never fails. Pick up your shield and let the armor of God be your protection. Nothing of value can ever be taken from you in this perishing world. You have been guaranteed a royal future. The book of life has your name in it! What can flesh do to you?
Take heart, dear friends. This message is for you as well as me. It is the truth from God’s word that he will always be with us in everything and through all the storms we face. We are never alone. We are being sifted like wheat by the enemy but Christ is with us so that we will not fail. No matter what you are going through, it is being seen by the eyes of heaven. You are not alone and never without hope.
Dear Jesus,
I pray for all who need to hear this message. I lift up all who come to this site. May they understand that you care about what they are going through and that you have a plan to help them even if they can’t see it now. May you bring them peace and strength to endure. May you help them to know without a doubt that you are working out the perfect plan for their lives that cannot fail. I pray for those who are facing struggles and who feel like they are alone. Please draw near to them, dear Jesus, and comfort them so that they can feel your Presence with them. Shine your light in this dark world and let your people know that you will soon be with them.
I pray for Israel and her people. May you bring her leaders the wisdom needed in this time of deception. Protect Israel, the apple of your eye, from the evil of her enemies. I pray that the eyes of the Jewish people will be open to the truth of Christ as their Messiah.
May you help our persecuted brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith. Bring them peace through their pain and help them to stay strong and shine the light of your love. Help them and the families of those who are imprisoned for their faith in you. I pray for Pastor Saeed, imprisoned in Iran, and all those like him to be released and brought safely back to their families.
In all things, I pray for America to turn from the lies that have filled this country. I pray for salvation and blessings on this nation. As you changed the hearts of the people of Nineveh and saved them from destruction, I pray you will pierce the heart of America and let her once again be a great Christian nation. That is our only hope.
In the powerful name of Jesus, I lift up these requests. Amen
God will make a way
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Of what value is faith that has not been tested?
It is not always possible to see the light at the end of the tunnel when the darkness of your troubles overwhelms you. How quickly your dreams and hopes can slip away when an impossible situation sends a crushing blow. Will you ever recover? Tough times bring forth tested faith. It is easier to see God in the brightness of day than it is to trust him in the darkness of night.
You are not going to understand why God allows storms and heartache in your life but that should not make you doubt his love. During those times when you are stopped by the furnace of affliction, the sea of trouble and the mountain of despair, remember that it is not a holding place but a resting place. God is keeping you near to his heart and revealing more of himself to you. Only there can you understand that at the end of your weakness is his limitless strength.
In Scripture, we read about the life and struggles of David. Although he was anointed by God to be King, David first had to fight against those who were trying to kill him. For years he was forced to wander throughout the desert and seek shelter in caves. That time of struggle brought David to the understanding that his future was ordained by God and no one could stop him from accomplishing what he started. David wrote in Psalm 28:7, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped.” In the midst of David’s troubles was a faithful God providing all that he needed for victory. The same is true for us today.
God’s plans sometimes work in mysterious ways. A friend and I went to visit a death row inmate this past week whose execution date is set for next month. He told us that he had become a believer shortly after he got to prison. He then explained to us through tears that on the day that the judge imposed a death sentence for his conviction, someone had given him a package. When he opened it he found an engraved bible along with a letter from the mother and sister of a man he had killed.
The writer explained to this inmate that although his actions had taken away her only brother and the only son of her mother, they both had forgiven him. Even while their hearts were still crushed with unbearable pain of loss, they had enough love of Christ within them to not only forgive him but to pray for him to come to the knowledge of salvation! They implored him to seek Christ and receive the gift of eternal life that could never be taken from him.
Imagine the power of that forgiveness! Because of their faith, this family was able to surrender up to God any bitterness toward this man and instead share the hope of Christ with him. It was that amazing love that brought this inmate to his knees, broken and submitted to Christ. For him, he had received a gift of mercy he did not deserve. Such depth of forgiveness can only come through Christ. I cannot remember a more powerful testimony!
When I read the letter that these women had written, it was clear that this all surpassing power was from God working through them. It was faith tested to the limit and yet shining through like light from heaven. That day a new life began in the heart of that inmate all because two believers decided to let the will of God guide them to bring unconditional love to a man who was condemned to death.
There is nothing that God cannot do in your life if you are willing to submit to his will. All the pain and struggles you face are simply the elements God uses to mold you into greatness. He has not forgotten you. Your trial is set for a time and soon your tears will turn to joy. There are no losers in the body of Christ. We are all on a path designed by him long before we were born. He has the plan and it cannot fail. Are you ready to give up your control to get God’s divine blessings? Don’t worry over your circumstance for the outcome has been decided in advance. For believers, the war is won and we are the victors. The devil himself knows that. You now need to know that too.
Dear Lord, I am praying for all who are going through a fiery trial and who may be filled with pain and uncertainty as to whether you will be there for them. I pray that you will draw them near to you and bring them your peace. Please help them to know that their grief is before you and you are working it all out despite the fact that it seems like it will never end. Comfort them, dear Jesus. Show your love to them in a very real way. Give them hope that can only come from you. Amen.
May God’s wisdom and peace be with Israel and her leaders.
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For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
( Psalm 62:5)
None of us enjoy the prospect of waiting on God’s timing when we are in the midst of a painful trial. It is so hard not to look at our impossible circumstance and still believe that God is working all things out. It is especially difficult when the enemy uses our emotions to make us think that we have no hope and that it is out of our control.
In God’s word, we read that being out of our own control is actually a victory. Every time God led his people to victory, he had to first render them powerless in their own might. Job lost his children, his riches and his health but God was still able to bless the second half of his life more than the first. Gideon’s army of 32,000 was reduced to just 300 men who had no weapons, yet with God’s power they were able to take down the Midian army and make them flee. King Hezekiah was no match for the vast Assyrian army who was coming against the Israelites. However, during the night, the angel of the Lord went through the enemy’s camp and struck down 185,000 Midianites. The Israelites rose the next morning to find that the entire army was defeated by the hand of God. Remember that the outcome of every battle you face is always victory when you are in Christ!
You will still have enemies to fight in this perishing world but they have no power to destroy you. All they will do is reveal that you have been declared a conqueror through the power of your God. Because of what Christ has done for us, you have reason for hope knowing that your future is established in heaven.
When Peter saw Christ walking on the water, he spoke out, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ( Matthew 14:28) Jesus told him to come, and Peter got out and began walking on top of the water. Yet when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. What made Peter afraid? The same wind and waves were there when he got out of the boat. Somehow, as he walked on the water toward Christ, Peter took his eyes from him. As the wind blew and waves rose, Peter stopped believing that Christ alone could keep him safe on the water and started to think that he needed to do something to stay up there, too. Once you believe that Christ is not enough for your impossible situation, you begin to sink. You look to your own power and strength to overcome your struggle and it will never be enough. It is only in surrendering completely your weakness that you gain Christ’s strength! Your faith is revealed when you trust that you do not have to see the answer to your prayer to know that it is before the throne of God and under his authority.
Victory over all of your trials comes when you can trust that God’s timing is right and that his will is perfect. Peace comes from knowing that God will never fail you no matter how impossible your situation seems. He takes no pleasure in having you wait but each one of your struggles is a divine appointment with a merciful God who wants to reveal more of himself to you. The testing of your faith produces a steadfastness that will have its complete effect that you may be perfect, complete and lacking in nothing. ( James 1:4) There is a purpose for your pain. It is working out a greater good. It is preparing you to be royalty, reigning with Christ in a kingdom that will never end. Though the days grow dark and filled with evil, believers have nothing to fear for their future is one of power.
We are told in Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” “Although God’s ways may be hard to figure out, remember that he took you this far and he is more than able to get you to the finish line!
Don’t let your heart be troubled by the problems of this world. Christ is coming back soon to make all things new. Keep your eyes on Christ and focus on what is true and right. The lies of the enemy have no power to steal your joy so don’t willingly give it up to him. Hold on to the heritage that you have because of what Christ sacrificed for us. Stand strong to the end knowing that God’s plan for you will work out not only for today but for ten thousand years down the way when you shall still find ways to praise him for all he has done. God’s faithfulness will never end.
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“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people…and I have come down to deliver them..(Exodus.3:7-8)
The snow was accumulating here in Ohio and that meant I had to get out and start shoveling it – and I don’t mean just my sidewalk and drive. In order for my 3 dogs to get out into the backyard, I had to shovel pathways in my grass! That is backbreaking work so you know I have to love them to do it. But then, that is a choice I make to keep them happy.
Our lives are a series of priorities. We choose what we will do and what we are unwilling to do. You usually put your best efforts doing what is important to you. As this year comes to a close, you may reflect on all that has touched your life and how it made a difference. Some things were good and maybe some of it was not so good. You may have gone through a trial that still is giving you pain. You can choose to allow your problems to keep you down or you can surrender them to Christ and allow Him to work them out for your good. In this life filled with trouble, the only way to have true joy in your life is by understanding that you are here for God’s purpose and plan and that he alone holds your future.
Without a doubt, the days are filled with darkness and there is evil all around us. The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Thess. 2:9-10 that, “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved”. My friends, we are witnessing the signs that Christ is getting ready to return. To those who have put their trust in him, there is nothing to fear in this perishing world. You just need to keep your eyes on him and know that he is with you. The redeemed of Christ can never be destroyed. We have the assurance of a lasting peace and joy that will never end.
Those who are struggling and trying to carry their own burdens, I pray that you will not let another day go by without asking Christ to come into your heart. He is the answer to every problem and heartache you face and he has a way to bring you joy in the midst of every conflict. Religion can’t save you. Only a relationship with Christ can give you eternal life. In John 11:25, Jesus said, ” I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” Jesus is the only way! ” There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. “(Acts 4:12) Jesus has broken every bondage and chain that keeps you from having victory over all that comes against you.
The man of God, D.L. Moody wrote, “There isn’t an evil within or without but what He will deliver us from if we let Him. That is what He wants to do. As God said to Moses, “I have come down to deliver.” If He could deliver three million slaves from the hands of the mightiest monarch on earth, don’t you think He can deliver us from every besetting sin, and give us complete victory over ourselves, over our temper, over our dispositions, over our irritableness and peevishness and snappishness? If we want it and desire it above everything else, we can get the victory.” Without a doubt, there is nothing to hinder you from having all that God has for you if you choose to take him at his word.
I don’t know what the future holds for you or for me. I just know one thing and that is that Christ has the plan and He is not going to fail us. I am facing problems in my own life but they have no power to take me down or to destroy my future. I hope you understand that God will always be sovereign and in complete authority over all that happens in your life. It might seem like he is not with you but the truth is that in the silence of your situation, the great power of God is at work and he will bring you through it! Never give up hope.
My love and prayers are always for those who come to this site. May the peace of God give you joy and hope through Jesus Christ. He has made you a victor in all the battles you face. Stand your ground – the armies of God are with you now.
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Are you willing to surrender all you have to get all that Christ has ?
God has given me a love for all those who visits this site. I believe that He has a purpose for bringing all of you to the messages that he gives me to write. It is for this reason that I take seriously my burden to pray for each of you.
A few weeks ago, a young man visited my site and then emailed me with a question. He seemed troubled and yet I could see that he had faith. I want you to read what he wrote:
“I was on the internet one night and I came across you. I really liked it. My name is Christopher. You see, I don’t understand life. God says He loves us, but yet, he took away the people I love. I only just started going to church. I enjoy it but life is still tough for me. My heart belongs to God. I know that, but it is so hard to walk away from my friends. I want to serve and give my whole life to Him, but I am going to lose my family and friends. Advise please.”
I responded to Chris and explained about the surrendered life to Christ. When you are a believer, Christ is first in your life and you must be willing to give him all that you have and allow him to work in you. I explained a lot of things to him and told him to keep praying for his family and friends but that he must move ahead with his new life in Christ.
I did not hear from him that month, but last week, I received an email from his sister. She told me that her family had no idea that her little brother was going through this. She went on to tell me that Chris was no longer with us. When I asked her what happened, she told me an amazing story. She said that her brother had made a decision to follow Christ. He stood firm in this decision despite the fact that his family and friends did not like it and thought he totally lost his mind. He even left a girlfriend of three years because she chose alcohol and her lifestyle over a relationship with Christ.
About two weeks after writing to me, Chris was driving on his way to church. Just before he arrived, Chris got into a very serious accident which left him dying. His last words to his family was a plea for them to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. He whispered that Jesus was near to him right then and that he was not afraid to die! With that, he left this earth. What a bold testimony of faith he had! Because of his faith, that 20-year-old young man is now with Jesus in heaven.
By the power of Christ alone, Chris was able to choose to do what was right. He made the hard decision to leave all that he had to get all that Christ had to give him. He was willing to go wherever Christ would lead him. That young man had no idea when he wrote to me for advice that he had only a few weeks left to live!
I am humbled that God brought Chris to my blog. I prayed for him and his family. Christopher’s sister wrote that his death changed everything for them. Now the whole family wants to honor Chris and his prayers for them, so they decided to start attending the local church. One young man with the courage of his conviction and a faith that stood the test was able to impact his whole family with the Good News of Jesus Christ!
After his death, the grieving family went through Christopher’s things and found his diary and the email he sent me. I was sent a copy of something that he had written in his diary. It brought me to tears. My dear friends, please read what this young man wrote from a heart that had been radically changed for Christ:
“ I’ve been in love before, but in love with God is nothing I’ve ever experienced in my life. A friend who I didn’t know existed and who was always around anytime 24/7. I don’t regret my decision. I regret not making this decision earlier. I always thought people who went to church are all perfect and holy. But no, they are just as broken as I am. God knows best. I pray that my family and friends will soon experience the love of God. I don’t have a dad. Never met him, never seen or heard from him. But I stopped looking for him and wondering what a father is because I just found a Father of all fathers—-God! “
My beloved friends, I don’t know where you are right now or what you have done. The truth is that Jesus wants you with him. He has known your name long before he formed the world. His love is true and he is faithful. He has a way to bring you to victory no matter how impossible it may seem now. Your weakness is now made strong by his power. Christ can give you a future with hope and an eternity with him if you will surrender your heart to him.
The power of Christ gave a young man the courage to stand for his faith despite the outcome. He gave him hope for a future and an unconditional love that he had never known before. Chris never met his earthly father. But the God of all heaven was a Father to him whose eyes never left this young man for a second. His life was cut short, but Chris made the decision for Christ that would last into eternity!
Have you made that decision to follow Christ? You don’t have to wonder about it anymore. I am praying for you and I am here to talk to you if you have any questions. My hope is that those who need to hear the truth will be open to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. It is a free gift that is yours for the asking.
I am lifting up Christopher’s family in prayer for comfort and healing. I pray that they will continue to seek Christ and surrender to the only truth that matters! Just as Chris was not afraid to die – no believer ever has to fear death.
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You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again. (Psalm 71:20)
The battles we face in this world are making all of us weary. The enemy’s attacks are getting stronger as the forces of evil seek to wound and discourage those who belong to Christ. Many believers are crying out for Christ to return soon and save them from all this darkness. We are indeed in the devil’s crosshairs and he is not backing down. His plan is to kill your hope, steal your joy and destroy your future. His arsenal is filled with weapons of lies and discouragement aimed toward every believer. His fiery darts of fear and doubt can pierce the hearts of struggling saints causing some to wonder if God really hears their prayers. We are all suffering the effects of a fallen world as we endure hardship of every kind. As difficult as it may seem, the truth remains that the victory of Christ is at the core of a believer’s every trial.
I read a great quote by Christian singer Wintley Phipps which said:
“It is in the quiet crucible of your personal, private suffering that your noblest dreams are born and God’s greatest gifts are given, in compensation for what you have been through.”
That profound truth should give hope to those who are going through serious trials. Keep in mind that all we fear is under God’s sovereign authority and plan. Our battles have been won, and although we still must fight the good fight, believers are guaranteed the victory. Those who belong to Christ are already standing in the winner’s circle surrounded by God’s angels. We are not alone nor left to fend for ourselves. We are a chosen people who will one day rule with Christ in heaven. The forces of hell and the darkness of this world cannot stop the royal future that Jesus died to give us. He has gone to prepare a place for us so wonderful that our finite minds cannot begin to comprehend the beauty that awaits us.
As great as that promise is, it may sound hollow right now when all you want to do is cry. Your painful trial is causing you to bow your head in sadness. Trouble seems unending. But true believers must trust their God no matter how impossible their situation seems. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:12 that as we face trials we are to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” That is what sets us apart from the world. We have faith that in all things, our God is enough. He will not leave us alone or allow us to perish. In the book of James, we are told, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ” You can have peace even when it seems that all hope is gone when you understand in your heart that in the end, God has the plan! He is not waiting for you to be stronger, wiser or holier before he will help you. He already has the plan worked out. Tomorrow is in his hands and he will accomplish his purpose for you.
In Exodus 14, God led Moses and Israelites away from Egypt as Pharaoh and his army pursued them. As the army approached, the people of Israel feared greatly. They had come to the bank of the Red Sea and had no way to cross . Moses saw the enemy too but he told the people, “The Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent”. God then told Moses to lift his staff over the sea and divide it. After that, God did something amazing. All through the desert, the Angel of God, who was Jesus, led the Israelites by going in front of them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. However, when they got to the Red Sea, the Angel of God, who was in front of the Israelites moved and went behind them. The pillar of fire also stood behind them coming between the army of Egypt and the people of Israel. God had the Israelites back! He protected them as the enemy drew near. There was no way that Pharaoh was going to destroy God’s people. In the end, God led his people to safety from between the parted water and used that same water to destroy the Egyptian army. God made a way where there was none!
Wounded warriors, never doubt that God is going to make a way for you too. He has your back covered! Your impossible situation is under his authority and he knows how to make it work out in his perfect plan for you. I don’t care how bad it seems right now, there is always hope if you will surrender it to Christ to do as he pleases. Be strong and believe. Remember discouragement is a lying spirit which ushers in doubt. Take your thoughts captive and line them up with the truth. We are so close to the glorious appearing of Christ. He is with your right now – you have only to be silent!
Dear Lord, make this truth clear to those who need your help now. Give hope to those who are facing battles that leave them wounded and feeling alone. Strengthen those with serious medical issues. Comfort those who are having marriage problems and relationship issues. Bless and provide for those with financial problems. I know, my Lord that you are in every one fo these struggles and you have the plan to work them out according to your purpose. Please Jesus, keep our eyes on you and not on our circumstance. Our hope is in you! Amen
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“Then he said, “Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
We read in Scripture that Jesus was crucified along with two robbers on either side of him. The gospels of Mark and John say little about these men. While Matthew tells us that both robbers insulted Jesus, Luke’s gospel tells us that one of the thieves asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom. Despite the fact that he was dying, the condemned man finally understood that the one who could save him for all eternity was on the cross right next to him.
So many times our problems cause us to think that God has forgotten us. It is hard to understand that the Source of our strength and our Provider in all things is already with us. When a situation seems hopeless, it is difficult to not grow weary and lose strength. But we are told in Scripture to keep trusting and believing in all of our trials even when we don’t see the answer. We read in Romans 8:24, “Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” Our faith must transcend the boundaries of what we hear, see and feel. We must trust that the God we serve is working out his plan in our lives through every battle we face. Faith doesn’t see the future – it trusts the One who holds the future!
Everything that God allows in the life of a believer has been divinely designed. There are no mistakes in the plan that was made for you long before the foundation of the earth. Whatever is happening in your life that doesn’t seem right or fair has been allowed for a distinct purpose. It is never easy to suffer through our painful trials, but it is the working of our faith that gives us endurance to stay in the race and not give up.
We read the account of David in the book of I Samuel. Young David had the job of watching his family’s herd of sheep. It was a tedious task, but David was being trained by God for greatness as he worked alone protecting the flock. It was there that David single-handedly killed both a lion and a bear who were attacking his sheep. During the battle with those dangerous animals, David knew that it was God’s power that was with him protecting him and his sheep from being killed. 
Day after day, working in the hot sun to watch over the sheep, God was preparing David for a royal position. He was never without hope in that field for the God of the universe had declared that he would one day be king!
Alone in the field, David practiced with his sling. This young teen had no idea at the time that all that he was enduring was actually equipping him to defeat the enemy and save the Jewish people. He was being prepared for battle. When the time came, his older brothers and the other Jewish men cowered in fear at the taunting Philistine giant named Goliath, but David ran toward this oppressor armed with the power of God, his sling and five stones and killed the giant! He had no doubt that he would be victorious because he believed in the power of his God. His trust was unwavering. He was a man after God’s own heart.
It doesn’t matter what your position in life is now. Your problems and trials may be heavy but they cannot hold you back from the calling God has made on your life. If your trust is in Christ, you are being called to a regal position in the army of the living God. Your path is set and your future is guaranteed. There is nothing that can steal your inheritance or kill the dream he gave you. In every struggle you face, Jesus remembers you and he has a way to help you through it. In all things, you have been declared a victor. Not even the powers of hell can ever take that from you!
Dear Jesus,
I am praying for all those who come to this site. We are facing problems of every kind and many of us are growing weary. We take you at your word, dear Lord. We trust that you have the power to change our circumstance and to cause all things to be used for our good. I pray for marriages to be mended. I pray for peace to fill those who have been hurt. I pray for your protection and provision for single mothers trying to make it in life. I lift up those who are facing a serious illness. May they know that you are with them and that they have nothing to fear when their trust is in you. I pray for those dealing with financial difficulties and those who may be losing their homes. Please provide for them the help they need. I pray for you to give your strength to those who are weary in a battle. May you be the power to those who are in bondage to drugs, alcohol and pornography. I pray for you to comfort those in painful circumstance and who feel there is no way out. I plead that you rescue those who are considering suicide and let them know that you can work out their struggle. Let them know they have a reason to live. I pray for your help for those who are being persecuted for their faith. Give them the joy of their salvation and protect their families during this time.
I intercede for all who do not know you personally as Lord and Savior. I pray, dear Jesus, that you will unveil their eyes to the truth. Let them know how much you love them. Help them to see that they could never fall so far that you cannot bring them back to where you are.
I pray for the peace and protection of Israel.
I present these requests to you, dear Jesus, and know that you will hear and answer. Amen
Note: For those of you struggling, Debra Aiken has a wonderful site called, Tell The Lord Thank You, that you should check out. She gives uplifting messages and reminders of the truth that we are conquerors no matter what we go through because Christ always intercedes for us. Check her out at: http://tellgodthankyou.wordpress.com She will bless your day.
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I the LORD do not change (Malachi 3:1)
God’s faithfulness is the same today, tomorrow and forever. As he has helped others, so also will he do now for us. His love has no bounds and his mercies are new every day. Though the times change and we change, God is with us in every single aspect of our lives. Although the battle rages on in this dark world, the foundation of Christ who died to give us life will always remain. He is true to his word. The troubles of this world have no power to destroy a believer. To think otherwise is to believe a lie.
I took the picture above in my backyard. It always is amazing to me how the leaves of the trees change into beautiful colors right before they fall down. The Mastermind of this phenomenon is God. He ordained the different seasons and has a purpose for each part of the cycle. While I always wish the leaves would keep their vibrant colors and stay on the trees, that is not his plan. He has a purpose for all things in creation for it was by his hand that all things came to be. Nothing evolved on its own. There is one God who is the Creator of all.
Yet during times of stress and change, it is difficult to remember that God has authority over everything. Each day brings a different problem and sometimes it is hard to keep the faith through our tears. Where is my God when it seems like my struggles are getting worse and the pain is unbearable?
As we watch the darkness of evil growing and filling this world, can we truly trust that the plan of Christ for us is going to succeed? Evil is being called good and wrong is being called right. It is as if the world is turned inside out. If God’s love is unchanging, why does he allow this all to happen?
The bible tells us that God created man in his own image and saw that it was good. He provide us with everything we would ever need and yet mankind still fell into sin. We rebelled against a holy God. That should have been the end of us at that point. But we are told that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God’s love did not change despite our sin. He still made a way to bring us back to him. Although sin and wickedness came into the world and corrupted everything, God’s plan of redemption never changed.
We are still living in a perishing world. You only need to turn on the news to see that most people are on the wide path of destruction. This is not heaven. All things are not going to be perfect until Christ returns to make all things new. We must suffer for a while to prove ourselves as sons and daughters. It is not easy to watch loved ones suffer and die. It is heartbreaking to watch as families are being torn apart as hearts grow cold. The enemy has unleashed his final fury as he knows his time is short. Persecution against Christians is on the rise. And God’s ways are being perverted everywhere to suit the desires of the lost. We are living in the last days.
My dear friends, I write this message to touch those who are going through fierce storms in their lives. You are not forgotten. God has not forsaken you. You are being made ready for a royal position that will never end. God is with you in this battle even though it seems like you are alone. His legions of angels are acting on his command to guard you throughout your struggle. The Apostle Paul tells us: “Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand!” (Ephesians 6:13) Know the God you serve so that you can trust him no matter what happens.
Take time to read your bible every single day. Let God’s truth be your armor that keeps you trusting in him despite your problems. God has not changed. His love for you will endure forever. He will not fail you. Your hope is secure because you belong to him. Nothing in all of creation will ever be able to stop his love for you or his plan for your life.
In the spring, when the leaves return and the flowers unfold in all their beauty, I will be reminded that God’s promises never fail.
Dear Lord, my heart breaks as I hear of the struggles of your people. I pray that they will understand that although the battles of this world are leaving them wounded and weary, you have already declared them a victor. Nothing is going to touch their lives apart from your will and purpose. You will give them your peace in the midst of their struggle. I pray for all to come to know that even though we are living in a fallen world, your plan is still unfolding and we have a reason to be hopeful. The price has been paid and because Christ lives, we can face tomorrow. You hold our future and there is nothing that you cannot do for those who love you. Lord, help them to know without a doubt that this is true. Amen
God's Promises Are Real 