It’s easy to get excited about planting flowers and gardens when spring bursts on the scene. Everything speaks “life!” This is the time I usually spend way too much on seeds and starter plants, dreaming of the harvest to come.
I’ve learned, however, that life seasons don’t necessarily match nature’s seasons...
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“God is with those who obey him...” Psalm 14:5 NLT Are you feeling alone in life? You may feel abandoned by a spouse who seems distant... or perhaps you’ve gone through a divorce and the initial relief has turned into loneliness.
God is with those who obey him. Another version says, “God is present in the company of the righteous” Psalm 14:5 NIV. Maybe you started on a grand project with others cheering you on and one by one they’ve drifted away to other things... “Can these dry bones live?” It’s easy to fall into hopelessness and despair when it seems life has passed you by. A womb that remained barren, a relationship that never blossomed, a career that never took off the way you expected—your dreams shriveled and dry...
Have you ever come to a bend in the road and hesitated? Not sure what will happen if you take a job in another city or commit to a relationship or share your faith with a coworker—you stall in your tracks.
There may be a fear factor involved or a risk you’re not prepared to take. Moving forward into the unknown can be intimidating if you’re unsure of what lies ahead... “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:22 NLT
Have you ever had a chance meeting that seemed way beyond coincidence? Running into an old friend at the grocery store, meeting someone who is the missing piece in your entrepreneurial venture, or encountering a person who desperately needs God’s love and you just “happen” to be there to share it with them. I call those divine appointments... It can be hard to maintain a thankful heart in the midst of a struggle. But gratefulness can make the difference between sliding down a long hard path of bitterness – and believing in hope for things to turn.
I know. I’ve been there. I think we’ve all been tempted to give in to doubt and depression when things don’t seem to line up with God’s plan and his promises. However... His word is true. God’s promises are “yes and amen.” He is not slow in keeping his promises as some may think... We’re less than 30 days into the new year, but I’m wondering—has 2023 lost its glitter? Have you lost your life purpose? Maybe you started the new year with great excitement but now you’ve lost your bearings or you’re wallowing in the muck of last year’s unfinished business. It’s time to shake off the dust so that you can experience all God has for you this year!
Here are five action steps you can implement today to regain the wonder and excitement of the year. You have a future and a hope in God. Now let’s help you find it... Stores do it often to stay open and do business. Taking inventory of what’s on the shelf and what needs to be replenished. Restocking, facing off the shelves, giving everything a fresh look.
The year is quickly slipping away. Spring into summer, and now the trees show a hint of fall, tinges of color brushing their leaf tips. It can be easy to lose the year's momentum and settle into a “what will be will be” mentality, but if you do the math, we’re only in the eighth month... As the heat wave continues across the world, I’m incredibly thankful for a good, working air conditioner. The house has stayed comfortable and we’ve been able to focus on our tasks versus struggling to keep cool.
Our neighbor’s air conditioner is another story. Bushes had grown around it, choking out the air it needed to function well. It was loud and ran continuously trying to keep up with the heat and complete its mission: to cool the house... What makes faith grow? What can lift your weary heart when you’ve been praying and believing for weeks and months and maybe years for a situation to turn, a miracle to happen?
You may have started out with bold statements of faith about God’s healing power. You may have declared with certainty God’s ability to save even the most lost person in the world. But now your faith is wavering and what was at least mustard-sized seems to be shrinking in fear and doubt and misgivings. You’re in good company. |
Laura WoodworthWhat’s your dream? I pray you will be inspired and encouraged to pursue all God has for you. Now, more than ever, we need people of faith to go, do and become the light for the world. Archives
March 2024
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