The Star of the Show

I need to be reminded of who takes care of me and who is in charge of all the events in my life.  When I'm congratulating myself on my confidence and skill, it's easy to forget who my safety net is.  Fortunately, God doesn't let me be the star of the show from start to finish.  Sometimes he turns things completely upside down so that what is happening does not make sense to me at all!  I'm forced to cling to him and rest in his peace that passes understanding.

You may find yourself in the middle of circumstances that don't make sense to you.  You may be surrounded by people who would never be your choice.  Possibly God is reminding you that "the battle is the Lord's" and the way he wins battles is often through people and events we'd never even think of, much less choose.  Oddly enough, that knowledge takes the pressure off of me.  I can quit striving, plotting, maneuvering.  I am not the star of the show; God is.  That brings me outrageous peace. 

written by Marilyn Meberg

Promises About Faith

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you."   Matthew 17:20


The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  James 5:15


In Christ and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  Ephesians 3:12


Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  Romans 3:22

Pain Has A Purpose

When we realize our days here matter, our pain has significance, and our choices are meaningful, we can step through the darkest of times with hope in your hearts.  It's not that we won't waver, but even our inquiries have the potential, when we are seeking, to lead us to a stronger faith. 

I find that my joy is enlarged by understanding that, as a child of God, even my pain has purpose.  That realization doesn't eliminate my pain, but it makes it more manageable, allowing me other emotions in the midst of calamity, even joy.

The Power of Faith

Everybody experiences difficult situations in life.  Things that make us want to scream out or give up.  Deprivations.  Sacrifices.  Losses.  Misunderstandings.  But isn't there some way for the Christian to respond without getting mad at God?  Otherwise, what's the good of our faith?  There has to be some key to being joyful in the midst of discouraging circumstances and crabby people.  What is it?

It's taking god at his Word.  It's believing he will do what he says, no matter how things look or how we feel.  Nobody said it would be easy.  If you find any Scripture that even hints that life will be easy, call me collect.  Please.  But I can tell you now ... it ain't in there!  However, trusting God with everything we have, everything we are, every problem that is ours, every loss we endure, every battle we face, every person who disappoints us --with thanksgiving-- gives us the grace to come through it with flying colors.

written by Luci Swindoll