We Can’t See It, But That’s Alright

Raise your hand if you know exactly how everything in your life is going to turn out.

Yeah, so now that we’ve established that no one falls in that category, I’ll just share this with you as someone who relates to you.

God does.

“But, why can’t I?”

You may be saying that right now. I hear you. As someone who likes answers and has very little patience, I always want to know everything. But sometimes, well…many times, it doesn’t work that way.

These are times when God gives us the opportunity (even though it may not feel that way) to increase our faith and trust Him more.

It can be pretty tough in the middle of that, but looking back at times in my life where this has been the case, I see how God was working on me.

He is still working on me. I just have to choose to believe He is in control during those times. After all, that’s what faith is all about, right?

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Nothing is Hidden/Approach with Confidence

Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

We’ve been doing a family Bible study and Hebrews is where we started. Some good stuff in there, and the two verses above stood out while we were reading it together the other night.

As we told our kids, even if you think you might have gotten away with something at some point in your life…you really haven’t. Everything finds its way to the surface, sooner or later. Secrets are revealed, misdeeds are made known, and on and on.

But, the story doesn’t end there…

Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

What a great message of hope and encouragement in these verses. Wow.

We’re going to stumble. We’re not perfect, nor will we ever be…but Jesus is perfect, and He has never stumbled, even though He was tested just like we are in our lives. His love and sacrifice are sufficient for us. He paid the price so we could have the opportunity to get to Heaven someday.

So, let’s be confident in God’s grace. It’s there, and it always will be there. Let’s come to Him with humble hearts and admit our wrongdoings, seek forgiveness, and then live in freedom, knowing our debt is no more!

Thank you God for sending your Son to take our place on that cross. Thanks for giving us a chance to be free. Amen!

Have a great day.

Keep on Knocking

Matthew 7:7
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

I like this translation of this verse. It’s a good reminder of the effectiveness of prayer, plus the need to be persistent about it and to expect a positive outcome.

Too often (myself absolutely included) we forget that God hears prayers. He’s listening. We just don’t talk with Him enough about what’s going on in our lives, or when we do talk with him we don’t do it with any confidence.

But God wants us to be confident, bold, and to believe in the absolute best when we pray. (Mark 9:23)

So go for it! Believe that good things are coming your way. Believe that the doors that have been closed in your life will open. He will open them for you at just the right time. It might not look that way to you now, but His timing is always perfect.

Have a great day.

Confidence & Peace

‘If you’re not at peace with yourself then you’re not gonna find peace, no matter what you do in any area of life.’
-Joyce Meyer

Truth.

Here’s a great message about building a ‘confidence habit’ and choosing peace for your life instead of worry and self-pity.

http://www.joycemeyer.org/BroadcastHome.aspx?video=Discipline,_Confidence_and_Building_a_Better_You_%E2%80%93_Pt_1

Have a good day!

Strong and Brave

Yep, that’s what God wants you to be.

I’ve shared this verse before but after coming across it again, thought I’d share it once more today:

Joshua 1:9
I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.

Are you needing a confidence boost or some encouragement for where life has you right now? Hopefully that provides it.

Be strong. Be brave. Remember, you have the support and strength of the One who made you…kinda makes whatever you’re feeling weak about or fearful of not seem quite as intimidating, doesn’t it? I know it’s true for me.

Have a great day.