Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12
Keep trusting God!
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12
Keep trusting God!
The Israelites had seen God do miraculous things. He brought them out of bondage, opened up a sea to walk across, sustained then in the wilderness, and time and time again had shown them how faithful he was.
So you would think that when the time came for Him to lead them into the promised land, the land of their dreams, the land of more-than-enough, where struggling was no longer required, that they would boldly go forth boldly knowing that God was on their side.
Yet once again they did not trust God.
They sent out 12 scouts to see who they would have to fight to take over the land, and only 2 came back with a positive report. So the people grumbled and complained (yet again) and…..
“GOD said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me like dirt? How long refuse to trust me? And with all these signs I’ve done among them! I’ve had enough” (Numbers 14:11–12, The Message).
This absolutely breaks my heart. Time and time and time again, God showed his care and compassion for the Israelite’s. And time and again they questioned and let Him down.
God wanted to do great things through them! He wanted to give them the easy life as they fellowshipped with him.
But they didn’t trust him. They yet again took their eyes off God.
As a result they not only kept themselves from reaching their promised time (see Numbers 14:29-30) but they, I believe, did something far more horrible…
God loved them so very much, and was eager to do great things in and for them, but they didn’t love Him enough to keep their eyes on Him.
It pains me to realize all of the times when I have focused on myself instead of God.
It pains me to know that I have hurt to one who loves me so.
God so passionately wants to do things in and through us. He wants us to be so fixed on His face that we do not worry about what is going on around us.
He wants to lead us, because He loves us.
May we, as Christians, make it our determined purpose to keep our eyes on God. To Trust Him!
Like a child being lead by a loving parent, may we allow God to daily lead us to our own promised land.
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Being in God’s will for my life is my number one priority, but providing for my family is right up there as well. But what I am realizing is that if I am in God’s will, no matter how much it looks like I made a wrong turn, then He will provide for all my needs.
Leaving my job did not endear my with my children, who although they believed that I knew God’s call, were a little afraid that it meant no food for them. I knew that if God was leading me that He would not let them go hungry.
So here is the miracle…get ready
ONLY three times, on three separate days, I have prayed for God to give me money for food since leaving my job.
(My prayers being, “God you promised to take care of me and my kids. Well we need food, and I am believing that you will provide it).
And right after each and every prayer I would get a phone call that lead to my working and earning the money I needed for food.
What are the odds? They are God odds….He is 100% faithful, 100% of the time!!!
When you step out and trust God in a huge way, it sometimes feels as if there is nothing under your feet that you are sure to crash and burn.
But when you keep your eyes on God, He will carry you through to where you need to be!!’
NEVER let fear stop you!
Trust Him and see how good He is!!!
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Back about fifteen years ago, I was constantly listening to Christian speakers, as God was changing my thinking and showing me how he could be trusted.
I remember one of the speakers talking about how God had told her to stay home from her job for a period of time. During that time she saw God work mightily through her prayers. One of the things she “needed” was new wash cloths. She prayed for them and God brought someone to her door with new washcloths.
Right after hearing that I prayed to God. I said that I wanted washcloths (notice here that I only “wanted” them, I did not “need” them). I asked Him to send me washcloths.
Well later that day I was surprised to get a knocked on the door and was surprised to find Faith standing at my door.
Faith was a co-worker and fellow Christian. She held out a fairly large cardboard box. She said “God told me to give you this.” She handed the box to me and quickly left.
I brought the box inside and quickly opened it.
I was surprised and a little let down to find what was in the box.
I was surprised because the box was filled to the brim with washcloths, just like I had asked God for.
I was let down because the wash cloths were all old, wore out, discolored, and raggedy with holes in them.
And to top it off they were saturated with cigarette smoke.
I asked, “God I don’t understand, why did you give her new washcloths and you gave me these?”
God quickly replied, “Because you did not ask me for new ones, you just asked me for washcloths.”
I learned that not only can I trust God to hear my prayers, but that He also pays attention to them.
As a result I because more thoughtful about what I prayed for.
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