Truths During Difficult Times

 

Truth #1: He Never Wants to Withhold What is Good for You

” For I know the plans I have for you ” declares the Lord, ” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future “.— Jeremiah 29:11

          As for myself, it's easy to question why God puts me in certain, uncomfortable situations.  The waiting is the hardest part, but I have to remind myself that God has always been faithful to me, 100% of the times that I've questioned Him.  God is good all of the time and all of the time God is good.  Pray in the hallways, until God opens that door of goodness.

Truth #2: He Will Never Leave You to Fight a Battle Alone“

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

— Exodus 14:14

          As for myself, I can often try to figure out ways to try to help my situation.  I am a 'female fixer', but I need to be more of a 'prayer warrior' for my life's circumstances.  God's protection is evident and I am not involved at all.  I recently hired someone as an aide, but had been warned by a friend not to hire her.  I soon found out they had been fired from my agency a few years before and were ineligible for rehire.  Therefore, I am back in the waiting room of life and trying to be patient for God's timing.

Truth #3: He Will Provide You with the Necessary Tools and Skills to Overcome Challenges

“He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.”

— Isaiah 40:29

           As for myself, to say I am weak is an understatement.  I don't have the strength to hold a styrofoam cup, so every ounce of strength to do anything comes from God alone.  This truth about providing tools is evident in my ability to type this blog.  A few years ago, my arm quit working and my ability to communicate with friends was at stake.  God provided a software program and camera that allows me to type without a physical, touchable keyboard.  The program is a vital tool to my life, happiness, and ability to serve others and my church.

Truth #4: God is Our Source of Strength

“but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.”

— Isaiah 40:31

          As for myself, strength is more than physical.  It is spiritual, mental and emotional strength.  It all comes from God, because my hope is in Him alone.  This world is full of disappointment, failures, and strife so we need the renewing strength of God to lift us up time and time again.  I want to live life on God's terms, which enables me to soar and not grow weary or faint.  

Truth #5: He Will Never Give You an ‘Impossible’ Challenge Because He Will Help You Overcome Anything

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

— Isaiah 43:2

           As for myself, I have encountered many challenges that I've considered 'impossible'.  Many of those included surgery recoveries, but my hardest challenge was my recovery from my fall.  I felt like I was drowning in the waters, swept away by the rivers, and uncomfortably hot by the fires of it...but God alone kept me safe through it all.  He is faithful to keep His child from being overcome by too much.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Friendships: What They Mean To Us..Part 5

 

               Today's blog is the final one in my series on friendships.  Have you experienced conflict in a friendship that produced good fruit from it?  Conflict can be tense, unsettling, a test of pride but it can also be a good thing for the both of you.  When conflict arises, it can be a great time of reflection...what did I say exactly, was my response prideful, what does Scripture say about the issue, and are my actions respectful and not hurtful?  Communication from both parties is key to a resolution, but if that's not happening, take the initative to open up the conversation without being pushy or demanding.  Sometimes we all need space and time to think things through, be patient.  Talking it out makes us vulnerable and brings out insecurities in us.  Most conflict is unintentional, but if you point it out then they will know how you feel and harboring bitterness can be avoided.

              For myself, I try to let new relationships know, "If something I do or say bothers you in some kind of way, let me know.  I can't fix or stop something, if I don't know it's a problem.  And I hope, I can feel free to do the same with you."  

             I also want to talk today about 'availability' in friendships.  I believe this is one of the most important aspects of true, godly friendships.  We live in a world where communication is easier than it has ever been.  We can talk in person, by phone, by email, by messenger and we can choose what hour of the day is best for us.  We all have busy, hectic lives, but we also all have a need to talk to someone.  A friend is the best answer to that need.  We must be intentional with our time for friends.  For example, if a friend reaches out just before you're about to go to bed, can you spare a few minutes and delay bedtime for them?  That moment may be their only time to open up, share vulnerable thoughts, and be willing to listen to something other than their own thoughts.  Being available means putting others before yourself and isn't that what God calls us to do.

               "It just feels good to know you belong somewhere."  Friendship is an encouraging  bond that is a blessing and gift from God.  Ecclesiastes 4:12  "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."  Ecclesiastes 4:10  "If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."   Friendships have purpose and they are meant to help us finish this race we're on called life.  Go out today and make a new friend.