I Can't, But HE Can...

Isaiah 49:13 – 16…Shout for joy, you heavens;rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. But Zion said, “TheLord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.”“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

Lord I’m tired; I’m frustrated; I’m stressed; I’m afraid; I’m lonely; I’m sad; I’m angry; I’m lost; I can’t do this!

There are many of us who are experiencing many of these feelings and some may even believe that God has forgotten all about you.  However, be reminded of His words today.  God said that He will not forget us!  Trying times are upon us and our faith is being stretched to the max.  In either direction that we turn, there is something going on; however, the Word reminds us to fix your gaze directly before us (Proverbs 4:25).  In this season of life, it’s imperative that we speak life, and that life comes through the Word of God, so get in His presence and stay there.  

It’s easy to complain and call it expressing, but God’s Word is forever true.  We serve a God who has proven Himself time and time again.  He’s made a way for us over and over again, so just because this situation is taking longer to overcome than the last, is no reason to discount His ability now.  You may feel as though you can’t take it another minute, but HE can!

II Corinthians 12:9 – 10…But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

James 1:2 – 4…Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

I Thessalonians 5:16 -18…Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

I Peter 4:12 – 13…Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

God Sent A Man ...

Please be encouraged by this passage from a book called, "God Sent a Man" by Carlyle B. Haynes....

"There is no state or condition into which men or devils may precipitate us that takes us beyond the reach of our heavenly Father. Do not allow any combination of circumstances, no matter how complicated and seemingly impossible, to cause you to believe that God has lost His ability to help you, to bring you deliverance, to change your hopeless captivity into glorious victory. When God's time has come He can make every difficulty vanish. He can cause every barrier to disappear. Nothing, literally nothing, can stand in the way of the carrying out of His purpose, the fulfillment of His will. And God's intervention to completely change the circumstances of a life can come instantly.

It does not matter that you see no way out from a completely hopeless condition. God can see what you cannot see. You may be in, or be brought into, great trials that present what seems to be insurmountable difficulties. They may be caused by the loss of some loved one, by some embarrassing circumstances, or by some other calamitous events. You may come to think your situation is hopeless, and be unable to perceive any way of escape.

If and when such a time comes to you, do not lose your confidence in the God with whom nothing is impossible, even though every human help has failed you. Never is His arm shortened that it cannot save. Never is His ear heavy so that it cannot hear. Your extremity may easily be His opportunity. He is never at a loss for means by which to affect His Gracious purposes."

Pushing or Pulling

Are you pushing or pulling me?  A friend and I exchanged emails the other day and I told her that "crucial conversations" are necessary at times.   We need to evaluate whether those around us, associated with us or connected to us are pushing us into God's presence or pulling us away from Him!  How do you feel when that person enters your presence?  How do you feel when they leave?  Has your faith increased or decreased?  Did they encourage you or discourage you?

My Pastor said something that stuck with me and it was that you don't know true pain till you realize that your spirit, your own attitude caused you to miss out on the future that God intended for you.  There is no one else to blame - just you!  WOW!! Just because a person isn't outright wrong in everything that they do and say doesn't mean that the subtle things that they do and say aren't influencing you and at the end of the day - you're the one accountable.

"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." Galatians 5:9 

Today - make a choice because what you allow will continue.  Make a choice to disassociate yourself from negativity, doubt, depression, self-pity, nay sayers, bad behaviors, unrighteousness. 

"Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." I Corinthians 15:33

 

It's okay to let others know when you disagree with them and its okay to walk away. Just because you've known that person for years and "that's just the way they are.." isn't an excuse for you to continue to allow them to pull on you.  Ask yourself - why is it so hard for me to walk away?  Could there be something in me that is in agreement with them?  Honest self examination!!!

So, are you being pushed in the right direction or pulled in the wrong one?

"Sin will take you farther than you intend to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay." (Thanks LJM)