Even In This; Finding Joy & Peace

Today's post comes from Kassie of Cypress Ministries

http://www.cypressministries.com  and  http://www.fromalisteningheart.blogspot.com

~ From my heart,
just something to think about today:

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.

Do you believe this?”

She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ,

the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

(John 11:25-27 NKJV)

My friend I don't know what your "this" is... but I know I am going through one. The thing is, I just keep calling it "this" because I don't know what it is or how to even describe it. I don't know if it is my faith being tested, if I am "birthing something new" or maybe it is just simply God trying to bring me through something. All I do know is that "this" hurts, and it is a struggle, and it is difficult... And it seems as if God keeps leaning down to ask me, "will I love Him even in this?"

Even in this where I can't see my way clear, there seems to be no answers, no understanding; just an expectation that there is so suppose to be so much more, but it is just out of grasp... and the question is, "will I trust Him even in this?"

And each time I find myself taking a breath with a strange sort of "weight" inside of me and saying, "Yes." I still believe that God is God. I still believe that God is good. I still believe that God is faithful. "Even in this" I believe.... it is really weird because I keep looking at my hands to see the rope burns, because part of me feels like I am haning on by shreds, but at the exact same time, there is a calmness inside of me. And when I am very still I can feel -- that it is NOT me. Or better yet; it is NOT coming from me.

This is what Jesus wanted to know from Martha in the face of the death of their brother; did she believe? And Martha said "Yes Lord, even now I believe...." And I truly believe that God still comes to us in times such as that to see if, "Even in this, are we still His?" Can we (do we) still love and worship Him when times are hard, or when hurt and sorrow have come?

I think this is where true faith is revealed. I think that when we get to a point where we have nothing left, where we are simply just wrung out and hung up to dry; that we see what our faith is really made of. But even more importantly-- SO DOES EVERYONE ELSE. Anyone we have come in contact with during our walk where we say, "Oh sure, I believe God is God..." is there to see when it comes right down to it-- what is inside.

My friend, how are you wearing your faith? Are you grumbling? Or are you still maintaining stride even in "this?" Any one can shout from the mountain tops, but how are you standing on your faith in the valley? Because this is where true witnessing comes from. This is where you put your faith where your mouth is. And it is in times like this that our faith has a chance to grow and be strengthened-- and when we reach the other side we can look back and be amazed at seeing the hand of God that has brought us through.

I say that because Jesus told His disciples "go to the other side" He did not tell them to go half way across and come dead in the water. I know He doesn't expect us to either. So I know that some way or some how, I have to be able to come to the other side of my "this." I will-- and you will too.

I may have to make a circle in the desert a few times-- OK I HAVE circled the desert a few times, but I know that there will also come a time that God will bring me to the edge of the river and say, "Now go up and take the ground I am giving you." And when this time comes for me (and for you) let it NOT be unbelief that keeps us out.

And do you know that for all the "hardship" I can honestly say there HAS been joy and peace inside. That even in this, when I take the time to just stop and listen, when I come to a place where I just "wait" I can feel strength rising in the very depths of my heart that can ONLY come from God. And then I can feel a peace budding in me, and that brings joy because though on the outside nothing has change, I know that God is still there, He is still by my side, and THAT brings a smile to my face. And I think that is what we need to do-- to seek out and find the joy that is there that comes with the peace in knowing, even in "this." I believe that is where we will truly find God. That it is in the "loving Him even in this" where we will experience His mightiness, and willingness to work on our behalf. I believe that when we lean into Him in times of "things we just can't explain;" that is where we will see that He really is there walking with us, and will bring about things for us to smile about.

My friend I want to encourage you today. God is still the same God as before. The same God who parted the Red Sea, is the same God now. Times have changed. People have changed, the way we eat, dress, and play have change... BUT GOD has not changed. My prayer recently has been "Show that God to me. Come in and be THAT God for me, and in my life. Please step in and make Your presence known. Knock me off my feet with the unimaginative. Show my children, show my family, show those around me that YOU ARE GOD."

My friend, will you join me?


I wish you well, and may God shine upon you in all of your endevors today.
Kassie.

On our spiritual journey: Keep calm and carry on

Today's post comes from Anita at Scattering the Stones

 

'The Lord went ahead of them.

He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud,

and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire...'

Exodus 13:21 NLT

On our spiritual journeys we walk hand in hand with faith and trust. We learn dependence on the One who gives us life, who directs and guards our path.

The closer we walk with Jesus, the stronger the pull; as we feel the strength, call, and direction of the Holy Spirit.

As the Lord spoke to Moses and the Israelites, and directed them on their road, we see a story of pain, fear, mercy, grace, trust, faithfulness, and victory.

What can we learn from the story of Moses and the Israelites, on their journey through the wilderness and the Red Sea?

1. Sometimes short cuts are not necessarily better

As the Israelites followed the guidance of the Lord, in His wisdom He knew that if they faced a battle they may be tempted to change their minds and go back to Egypt (Ex 13:17-18). Because He knew them so well, He brought them through the wilderness, the path less travelled. His protection guarded their footsteps. They did not know the way, so they had to fully trust and depend on the divine presence through the smoke by day and fire by night.

How often do we try to take the short cut, only to find that if we had listened to God, it would have been so much better, even if it had taken us longer?

2. In Him we find rest

Not only did God plan how He would direct His people, but He also pointed out places for them to rest! As we know on any journey, taking regular rest is one of the most important things we need in order to complete it.

We can be so focused on our time short tasks that we exhaust ourselves physically and mentally and either ignore the oasis that God provides for us because we 'must' finish a task, or we just don't see it.

Rest isn't just for the weak, it is recognising that we need it to keep us strong, in Him.

Have you spent time resting in God's presence lately?

3. He provides us with all that we need

The Lord provided everything that was necessary, considering their needs each step of the way; He provided a covering for His people to protect them from the day's heat, as well as providing light at night (Ps 105:3).

When we are looking to Him for His provision, it tests our faith. Do we really believe that God will provide all that we need? Let's place our trust in the Jehovah-­‐jireh - the Lord will provide!

4. God displays His glory through His perfect plan

In order for the Egyptians to see that He was indeed the LORD, His plan considered how best His message could be seen and heard through the path travelled by the Israelites. God hardened Pharaoh's and the rest of the official's hearts, and the force of their assault was huge, as they got ready to attack! Understandably, the Israelites were frightened, and questioned both Moses and God about this supposedly great plan that in their eyes didn't make any sense, for they didn't see the larger picture!

I think we can all relate to the confusion that the Israelites felt, confused by God's plan. The very essence of faith is by not leaning on our own understanding, but by placing our complete trust in God and His ways (Prov 3:5).

In their humanity and their fear, they pushed back against God's plan and complained, asking why they had been brought on this journey. Suddenly their familiar past (even though it was painful) seemed much more comfortable, than what they were facing.

Moses replied -

'Don't be afraid.

Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.

The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.

The LORD himself will fight for you.

Just stay calm.'

Exodus 13:11-14 NLT

5. He will protects us from our enemies

Our enemies may try to harm us, but we belong to the Lord; as His Spirit dwells in us.

God's glory shone brightly as He sheltered the Israelites from their enemy at night (Ex 14: 19-20) and twisted the Egyptians chariot wheels to stop them in their tracks -

' "Let's get out of here - away from the Israelites!"

the Egyptians shouted.

"The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt." '

Exodus 14:25 NLT

As God protected the Israelites from their enemies, He will do the same for us, as He is our strength and shield (Ps 28:7).

6. The Lord's great plan can never be defeated.

Moses was required to stand in faith and follow the instructions given to him by God; to pick up his staff and divide the sea for the Israelites to walk through on dry ground (Ex 14:16) !

This journey was not an easy path to take. Yes the Lord had faithfully guided, protected, and provided for His people each step of the way through the wilderness, but when it came to stepping out in faith again into what seemed impossible, fear started to dig deep and creep into their hearts.

We may look at this story through familiar eyes, be in awe of God's glory and how He used Moses and provided for His people, but we need to remember how God does the same for us daily.

As God said to Moses -

'I have planned this in order to display my glory...'

Exodus 4:4 NLT

As Jesus brought us from a place of death to everlasting life. Our lives display the glory of God, by what He has done for us.

As we depend on God for His strength for whatever we are going through, we can place our trust in the footsteps already trodden by the One who goes before us; the King of Kings.

As Moses was used to divide the waters, and the Lord directed and protected the Israelites on their journey, everyone saw God's power and that His plan could not be stopped, so they believed that He was the LORD, and placed their faith in Him (Ex14:31).

Let's remember together

Whatever we are facing today - whether we are struggling in a valley moment, or praising Him on top of the mountain, we have a God who turns the impossible into the possible (Lk 1:37); who commands the seas to divide and moves mountains, who defeats our enemies and guards our path.

For our journeys display the glory of God! So let us remain calm, for the LORD will rescue us and is fighting for us!

Just as He took care of the Israelites, He will guide us along the best path for our life, as He advises us and watches over us (Ps 32:8), because He loves us! :)

Let's pray

Lord we are in awe of your Majesty!

We praise you for your great purpose and plan.

We thank you for your great love, mercy, provision and protection.

We come before you, asking for your rest and refreshment for the journey you have called us on.

Help us to remain in you, placing our complete trust in you for all that we need.

May our hearts be willing to hear your calling.

May our lives glorify you today!

May your love shine brightly through us, so that all may see that you are the King of Kings.

In Jesus' name

Amen

Anita x

....................

I hope today's devotion has blessed you.

If you would like a copy of the above image as a free PDF, please visit my blog :)

Don't Let Your Obstacles Become Giants

Today's post comes from Kassie at Guiding Light From His Word

“Earth, shake with fear before the LORD,
before the God of Jacob.
He turned a rock into a pool of water, a hard rock into a spring.”
(Ps 114:7-8)

This week, if you come up against obstacles that try to become giants in front of you-- remember, it is "the almighty God”  alone that makes the earth tremble. As long as we are steady in Him, then the obstacle remains simply that-- an obstacle, and God Himself gives us the strength to handle them, (or) to go through them, to withstand them, and to get past them.

If you start to fret about, “But, how…” remind yourself, and take heart, that the same God who provided water from a rock to care for His people, still does amazing things now. God has not changed. His Word says, "The Lord says, 'This is my agreement with these people: My Spirit and my words that I give you will never leave you or your children or your grandchildren, now and forever.'" (Isa. 59:21)

Jesus, who came to earth as God in human form, said, "Earth and sky will be destroyed, but the words I have said will never be destroyed." (Mark 13:31)

Hold to the promise that  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Heb. 13:7)  My friend, whatever "need" you are facing right now, know that you too, (just like the people of Israel) could be standing right in front of a blessing, without you even realizing it.  The source you need maybe right in plain sight, it just might have a different exterior than you are expecting. Don’t limit God from the impossible He can perform in your life.  He can provide in many different ways, and in some ways you would never have expected. Nothing is impossible with God when He is about to "pour out water from a rock" when one of His children are in desperate need of supply.  Just remember the Israelites went 3 days before they saw God's mighty hand. He was waiting for them to quite complaining about the "lack of" and to "ask Him."

Whatever "obstacle" you face this week-- let it remain just that-- an obstacle. Stand in faith that you serve a faithful God. Don't let whatever it is become a giant. Know that mountains are merely the size of an ant hill to the one who created the heavens and earth. He is more than able, and we are more than conquerors in Him.

My friend, God will make a way for you-- because FAITHFUL is the one who calls you.

Blessing to you today and this week.


Praying in Faith:
"Father God, thank You for being our God. Lord, I still believe You are a God of wonder, and that You have not changed. I still believe that You are a God who will do a mighty work for those who wait on You and trust You. Lord, I praise You as my God. Lord, not only are You my God-- but You are the God of this reader, and I pray You will open thier eyes to see You in an amazing way.  Lord, I ask You to strengthen them in their spirit. Lord, I ask You to help them to stand firm in their resolve to follow You. 
~In Christ Jesus name, Amen~

I Give You Glory!

This week's post comes from Dawn at The Most Perfect Gift

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1-2

When I read this scripture, I can easily vision myself with other Christians running into the wind with the look of perseverance on our faces. We are running and stripping away at our clothes [sin]. Pieces fall to the ground and we keep on running our eyes fixed on something straight ahead.

We are running to the cross that is in the near distance. The cross is empty. Yet just beyond it we can see Jesus sitting at the right hand of God in the Lord’s throne room. All the while Christians that came before us are sitting up in the clouds cheering us on. “Go Dawn! Go! You can do it! Just keep your eyes on Jesus! He loves you and is waiting for you at the end of the race! Remember what He endured for you on the cross?! You can do it!”

I can remember being a little girl and hearing the story of Jesus’ resurrection. All I really remember is there was a tomb, Jesus was there and a huge boulder. How did He get out of the tomb with a big boulder in the way? I’m not even sure if I remember Him being nailed to the cross or maybe I chose not to remember because it all seemed so gruesome to me. It saddens me that as a little girl I never understood the story. Somehow I missed it.

Thank you God for opening my eyes and giving me the understanding of what You did for me, for all of us who believe! Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

There is so much love at the cross. God gave us [sinners] His only Son so we could have eternal life. “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

I have no words that are sufficient. Why don’t you join me for the next few moments with our hands raised to Heaven and worship Him!

Oh, how beautiful

Are you Lord

It’s Your words, it’s Your love

Oh, how glorious are you Lord

It’s Your power, it was Your cross

That saved me and rescued me

Just a moment there set me free

I give You glory glory!

With a crown of thorns You became a king forever!