Going God’s Way

 







by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16: 3

As an adult, there are times when I make a decision to go my way.  When I was a child I remember being told to sit down and do homework. Sometimes I would play around, then hurry up and do it quickly so I could have more play time. I would always get in trouble, but doing it my way still seemed right to me. The price for being disobedient as a child was frustrating, and even as an adult, the consequences are unpleasant today.  However, I have learned a valuable lesson doing it my way.  Yep, you guessed it.  Going God’s way is the better way.

How do you respond when things that happen in your life make you want to do things your way instead of God’s way?  Do you respond joyfully or do you resist in stubborn rebellion?  I’ve learn to trust God and relax and today I want to challenge you to commit to do it God’s way.    God has promised to bless us when we walk in the path he has planned (Psalms 37:4).  When we decide to follow God’s way willingly, wonderful things can happen. I am a living witness today. I am learning to lean and depend on him. There are still times I doubt being on the right path, however I now realize that I must trust him, and be willing to walk on. Things are going great!

Let’s Pray:
God, I want what you want for my life.  Help me to know you heart, and submit to your path without wanting it my way. Please give me courage when my spirit is weak. Please give me the ability to commit to you and your way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take the next Step:
Learn to relax and trust God. Give up control and commit to him.

Mountaintop Experience

 



by Shelia Gaines

Verse for Thought:
He replied, Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, 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 (NIV)

Last fall, my husband and I went to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains and the third highest peak east of the Mississippi.   There is an observation tower at the top that provides a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of  the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Simply breathtaking! It made the trip up there worth it, but as the old saying goes; the trip up there is not for the faint of heart.  Although it is a beautiful drive up the mountain, you can only get to the trail that leads to the tower by car.  The rest of the trip is a half mile hike.  Straight up the mountain!  There are benches available for resting along the way and signs advising you to take advantage of them should you become tired or faint. We met a lady who had had knee surgeries and made it as far as the bottom of the observation tower but did not go the rest of the way up the ramp to the top of the tower.   While I sympathize with her condition, it saddens me that she came that far and missed out on the whole point of the trip.  As someone pointed out, the long walk up the winding ramp was nothing compared to the half mile hike to that point.

How many times have you gotten so close to a goal only to fall short at the very end?  What are you doing about that?  Are you trying to have a mountaintop experience without climbing the mountain?   As we walked back down to our car from the tower, we overheard someone tell his friend that it was a good thing he wasn’t told of the half mile hike it would take to get up to the top.  He would have said no and missed out on an opportunity to “see God.”   The reward was definitely worth every bit of the effort.

Let’s pray:
Lord, when there are mountains in my life, please give me strength to climb them, but keep me mindful of my own times I spent in the valley.  Let me consider others who struggle in the climb.  Let me lift them up in prayer and not judge them.  Amen

Take the next step: 
Instead of asking God to remove every difficult situation from your life, why not ask him to show you where he is in the situation, what you need to learn from it, and how he wants you to overcome it.  Why not make a list of your ‘mountains” and cross them off the list as you allow God to help you overcome each one?

Choosing the Right Words on our Walk

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for thought:
We speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2: 13 (NRSV)

Sometimes we face trials in our lives or the lives of others we know, and find ourselves wondering what to say or do. At times like these the Bible is the only source that will guide us.
When we are familiar with the Bible, we can quickly find words that will help and inspire us. It will lead us to the right path and a course of action.

"Sticks and stone may break your bones, but words will never harm you.”  This is a saying that I have heard many times in my life.  I believe that is so unfair because words are harmful and once you say them, the damage is already done.  I know from experience that words spoken in anger can affect you in many ways. As you go about your walk, you remember what was said to you.  Especially if it leaves you hurting and thinking that maybe what was said is true. That is why we must realize words are powerful and can tear down or build up.

Choosing the right words are important. We want to speak those things that would be pleasing to God. Sometimes it is ok not speak unless you are speaking words of affirmation and love.  Words that convey encouragement to those we speak and not hindrance.

Today, there are so many living up to what someone said they would be.  Even though it was negative, they believed every word spoken.  Therefore they have no hope, joy are peace in their life. What if someone had instead told them that the main thing that matters is what God says about them and shared Bible Scriptures that bring healing and guidance daily?

Let’s Pray:
Father God, please help us to replace negative words with positive ones that you have been spoken. Father it is your words that bring joy, health and healing.  Help us to apply it to our lives daily and share it with your people. In Jesus’ name, amen.


Take the Next Step:
Don’t let the enemy steal you joy when others say untrue things about you. Apply God’s word and walk in it.

A Wake-Up Call

 




by Shelia Gaines

Verse for thought:  
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and will remind you of  everything that I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV)

Although the conveniences of cell phones have made them less popular, wake up calls are usually requested by hotel guest who needed to be up for a meeting or on the road by a certain time.  A wake up call can startle you out of a deep sleep.  Even if you are an early riser, that first call in the morning can still be a little irritating.  However, the thing to remember is you don’t receive a wake-up call unless you request it. What you do after you receive the call is up to you.  The hotel employees will not come to your room to get you out of bed, but they will give you a call to let you know that it’s time for you to wake up. You have a choice when you receive the call.  You can say thank you and go back to sleep or you can go ahead and get up and get about your business.  If you go back to sleep you run the risk of over sleeping and missing an appointment.  It’s possible that you will wake up on time anyway, but you still take the risk.

An article in the Experiencing God Study Bible, Amos is described as “a prophet who spoke God’s words faithfully to a people who had grown complacent in their life styles and asleep in their faith.  He was sent to wake them up.  They were doing well, enjoying the king and everybody was prospering, but they were spiritually dead.  Have you ever found yourself at a place like that?  Maybe things seem to be going well, everybody seems to be happy, but something seems to be missing for you.  Well, maybe God is nudging you to “wake up”.  Often we are going through the motions but we don’t have a real relationship with the Lord.  If this is where you are today, why not wake up and take to heart the words of one recording artist who said, “I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking, what if I had given everything instead of going through the motions?”  Sometimes God has sent us someone to give us a wake-up call, but we are just saying thanks and going back into a complacent sleep.  

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing your Holy Spirit to “wake us up” when we get on the wrong track.  Help us to answer your call willing, trusting that you always have our best interest at heart.   Thank you for your unconditional love.  Amen

Take the Next Step: 
Give yourself a wake-up call. Ask God to show you what you need to do to grow your relationship with him. Look around at the people he has placed in your life.  Is there someone who needs a wake-up call?  Why not listen to what God has put in your spirit and give them a ring?

The Stars Are Still There

by Stephanie Gaines

Verse for Thought:
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

I’ve always been one to enjoy a simple night under the stars. The beauty of a vast universe created by an awesome God never ceases to amaze me. Whenever I have a stressful day, there’s nothing more calming than looking up at the stars. I remember a particularly long day when I went outside to de-stress, but the sky was cloudy and I couldn’t see any of the stars. In my mind, my horrible day ended on a depressing note! I was telling a close friend about this and he said to me “Even though you can’t see the stars they’re still there.” This statement rings true in our walk with God. There have been plenty of times that I’ve failed to see God, but he was still there.

There are days and even weeks when I feel God is nowhere in sight. Recently I’ve been trying to transition into the “real world.” It’s really not that much fun at all. Especially since trying to maintain a relationship with God at the same time can be stressful and confusing. I may not have to deal with “grown up” issues like mortgage, light bills, full time careers, or kids driving me crazy; but the stress of trying to figure out the next step in life while barely, and I do mean barely, managing to pay the rent every month has made me lose sight of where God is in all of the mix. Time and time again I want to just give up because I don’t see the point of it all.

My stress level seems to cloud my vision. I don’t tend to see how God will bring me out of all this mess, and when he does I feel that the only lesson I’ll learn is financial struggles aren’t fun. Still, in the back of my mind I have to keep reminding myself that there will be better days and more blessings to come.  And no matter how cloudy my starry night is, the stars and God are still there.

Let's Pray:
Dear God, I pray that you continue to give me strength through all the hard times in life. I know I may doubt you and continually question where you are and what your plan is for my life.   However, in the end I know you’re still there watching over my life. Help me to continue to trust in you even when my life doesn’t make sense. Wrap your loving arms around me and continue to show me your grace and mercy. Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Take some time to truly take in the glory of God. We get so wrapped up in the business and drama of life that we tend to forget that God is there. Find a quiet place where it’s just you and God without any distractions. Tell him your fears, stress, hopes, and dreams. Then let him speak to you. Sometimes we think God’s not there because we won’t take the time to listen.

You Determine Your Attitude

by Belinda Blevins

Verses for thought:
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, but for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:10, 11 (NIV)

Your attitude is not determined by circumstances, but by how you respond to your circumstances. You can respond positively or negatively. Your reaction to events, not the events themselves determines your attitude. I heard someone say once that your attitude determines your altitude. Many challenges face us daily. They are not as important as your attitude towards them, and they will determine your success or failure. Things generally turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out. It is not your position but you disposition that counts. I'm thinking of a time when my life seemed filled with worries and anxieties. It was the kind of day when I wanted to pull the covers back over my head and forget everything. Have you ever felt that way? I dare say that we all have felt that way at one time or another. Thankfully, that day I read Philippians 4:6. "Do not be anxious about anything," I was reminded that if I open the door to worry and anxiety, it will not work. All I need to do is pray and remember that God is near us and his peace surrounds us. My heart and mind can be renewed for the day and become once again fresh and alive. I can see clearly again and become more determined to have a good day. Having that peace within that surpasses all understanding is better than worrying.

Let’s Pray:
Father, thank you for another day! Thank you for power in every part of my life. Today, renew us mentally, physically, and spiritually as we face the challenges ahead. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Take the next step:
Encourage someone as you set out to face another day under the care of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is near you.

God’s Presence in our Life

by Belinda Blevins    

Verses for thought:  
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139: 1-2 (NIV)

God’s active presence is with us daily wherever we go. He knows my name and yours. He knows when we stand up, and knows our habits. Oh yes he knows how many hairs we have on our head (Luke 12:7)   Psalms 139:4 tells us he knows our words even before we speak. God knows and understands us better than anyone. God loves us unconditionally. His love is personal and everlasting, no matter who we are. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. His love for each of us is as though there is only one of us to love. That is so wonderful!! Can you think of anyone in your life that loves you like that?  When I was a little, I wanted to be daddy’s little girl.  I wanted so much to hear those words that he loved me also. It is sad to say that I was 37 years the first time I remember hearing him say “I love you.”  This was at Christmas time.   I know now that there were things that happened in his life that kept him from being the loving father I had him portrayed to be. Today we can both say I love you to each other. It is a good feeling. We know the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy relationships if we allow him access. It is good to know that Jesus came that we would have life to the fullest. Feeling his love for us is the greatest.  Because of his love, we can live with certainty that his grace for us is sufficient. We are bound together in God’s love.    

Let’s Pray:
Father God I pray and thank you for your love.  Thank you that you gave your best that we could be free to love each other. I pray for you to help us realize that your love, peace, and joy draws us closer to you so others will feel the love coming from us. In Jesus’ name amen    

Take the next Step:
Walk this day as if it were you and God walking hand in hand. There is nothing greater.

We Walk by Faith

by Belinda Blevins  

Verse for thought:   
"‘If you can’? “  said Jesus.  "Everything is possible for him who believes."  Mark  9:23 (NIV)

God is ever seeking to teach us the way of faith.  In our training there must be room for trials of faith, the patience of faith, and the courage of faith before we realize what will lead us to victory.  Being disciplined!!  Have you prayed to God and the answers not come?  What do you do?  Do you continue praying, believing, and being steadfast even if you can’t see or feel God moving?   At times like these we know we have the power because we have experienced God move in the past.   As we develop our walk of faith, the word of God is working on our behalf.  Our faith is getting stronger everyday even though the answers to our prayers are delayed.  Often God delays on purpose.  It may not be what we are looking for.  However, in times like these our soul is being trained.  Growth and development is taking place.  Just like Elijah.  Elijah is one whom God used.  In the beginning his faith was not great; consequently through the discipline and his position to which God called him, he stayed faithful.  It is hard at times but through courage and discipline, it is possible.  We just need to be still and trust.  

Let’s Pray:
Father God, as we walk by faith and believe today, help us to trust you.  Help us to trust that you are working on our behalf for our purpose and plan, for your good.  Father, help us to be still and realize that you are God, and with you all things are possible. In Jesus’ Name, Amen  

Take the next Step:
When you are out today on your journey, if you see someone who is weary, take time to stop and show love.  If you can, give them a word of testimony on how God is working in your life.  It can’t help but encourage them to walk on.

Committed

by Shelia Gaines  

Verse for thought:

The pilot radioed back and said “We are committed!”   I remember a pastor sharing this with us as he told of an opportunity he had to ride in the cockpit of a plane during a flight.   He said that once they were airborne and had reached a certain altitude, they were committed.  That story resonated in my spirit and I have never forgotten it.  “We are committed!”   In other words, there is no turning back now.   The plane was already in the air. The time to make sure everything needed for the flight is onboard and the plane is flight ready is before you leave the airport.  You can’t turn around in the middle of the flight to go gas up the plane or stop and let someone off before you get to the next airport.  If something goes wrong, the pilot can’t go all the way back to the airport, he has to know what the emergency procedures are and be confident in his ability to execute them.  A good pilot realizes that the people who have boarded the plane have put their faith in his flying ability. The pilot made the commitment to learn how to fly the plane before he ever flew with passengers.   Choosing any profession in which you are responsible for human lives takes great courage as well as commitment.   How reliable is our commitment to those things God has entrusted us with?   When you choose to follow God, you take on a great responsibility because you are accountable to not only God, but your fellowman.  However, you do not have to be afraid.  Just as flight school and other training prepares a pilot before the passenger board the plane, the word of God lets us know that Jesus has already prepared the way for us before we were even born.  Furthermore, he has made it clear that we do not have to walk alone.  Meditate on Joshua 1:9.  “Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”   

Let’s pray:
Father, I commit this day to you. Pour into my spirit everything I need in order to give today everything I have got.   I have committed my life to you.  Help me to walk in victory and not fear what the future holds, being confident in the fact that you hold the future.   I praise your name and lift you up.  Amen
 
Take the Next Step:
Make a list of thing that you are committed to.  Ask yourself when was the last time you made a selfless sacrifice for anything or anyone on the list.  Ask God to show you ways to recommit to those things in a way that will be pleasing to him.

Finding Strength in Weakness

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:
Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Oh Sovereign Lord, remember me. Oh God, please strengthen me just once more, Judges 16:28a (NIV).

I wonder what would have happened if Samson had turned to the Lord before he found himself entangled with Delilah. I think the outcome would have been different. We are often confronted with sin daily. How do we resist temptation? Sometimes I turn to family, friends, co-workers, or spouse. Other times, I follow what I think is best for me, forgetting that my only defense is to turn to a Holy God. When I turn to him, the Holy Spirit teaches me and guides me so I will not lose hope. Personal situations distract us, causing our mind to be our own personal battlefield. We must put on the Helmet of Salvation daily for protection (Ephesians 6:17). When we go to God first, it is less painful. I know this week he was with me and I thank him.
If only Samson had called on the Lord before his flesh took over. Just remember our flesh is weak and carnal, wanting its own desires. Do you remember how your life was before you were saved? I know I felt like I was “looking for love in all the wrong places.” Remember King Solomon tried everything under the sun. He built beautiful building, bought slaves, and spent money on the finest wines and other fleshly desires. None of those things satisfied him. In the end, he realized he only needed to reach out to Jesus. Remember others are watching you. It is so important that even in weakness, we share what God is doing and has done for us on our journey. There is no compromise with God, only obedience to our ABBA. The Best is yet to come! Praise God!!

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank you for being strength in our weakness. Thank you for allowing us to come to you for strength, help us to continue to trust you as we call on you. I pray that we find peace as we wait. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Find someone to pray with today. If they are weak, encourage them that there is hope and strength. Share what God has done and is still doing for you. God Bless.

The Company we Keep

by Stephanie Gaines

Verse for Thought:
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. I Cor. 15:33-34 (NIV)

Being a Christian in high school or college can have its challenges. In high school, our Christianity may take a backseat to popularity. Even at a Christian college, busy schedules can overshadow spiritual commitments. Confident in our faith and determined to do even more for Christ, we immediately connect with a church home, hoping to maintain our passion. We start out with good intentions, but pretty soon we become faithful members of Bedside Baptist (a.k.a. sleeping in on Sundays with Pastor Pillow and Reverend Comforter; Jlet the church say Amen!) and we substitute watching a sermon on television and listening to a few gospel songs for attending services. I, myself have fallen victim to such behavior and I know what you’re thinking. How can I break this cycle that’s so easy to slip into? I’m glad you asked. Put on some comfy walking shoes and journey with me down the path of the company we keep. I’m sure many of us can think of a close friend or group of friends that we tend to gravitate to. These friends tend to relate to us and are often there during darkest times. That said, we could all agree that these same friends can also have a negative influence on our actions. It’s so important to surround ourselves with others who will not only push us to remain steadfast in our walk with God, but also be there to encourage and lift us up during our moments of weakness. It’s always great to have a plethora of friends with different personalities, but I want to challenge you to examine the company you keep. Are they building you up or pulling you down?

Let’s Pray:
God, thank you for friends that you have placed in my life and for the chance we have to influence each other. I pray that we would have a godly influence on each other. Give me wisdom to know how to deal with difficult friendships and to know which friends I need to separate myself from.

Take The Next Step:
Take some time to evaluate the friendships you have. Ask yourself if you are being influenced in a positive or negative way. If you are being influenced in a negative way, take some time to rebuild and regroup your morals and values. Think of ways you can influence these friends more and create a healthier friendship.

The Face of God

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for thought:
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.   John 13:35 (NIV)

“When we love someone, we are really loving God.  Look in wonder at those you love, for they are the face of God.”  These lines are from the movie, The Preacher’s Wife.   The character in the movie did not just wake up one day and have this revelation.  He was a pastor who had gone through a very difficult time and was faced with losing his church.   He was struggling with his faith because many things were happening that made him feel like his work was somehow in vain.  After he prayed, God sent help through an angel.  The troubled pastor did not immediately accept that God was indeed answering his prayers.   An angel in human form was not how he thought the answer would come.  I think this happens with us sometimes.  We think God has not answered us when the answer does not come as we think it should.  Just like the character in the movie, we continue to search desperately for what God had already provided.   By the end of the movie, the pastor realized how much he was taking for granted.  As a matter of fact, he reminded us that sometimes we forget to cherish the ones we love most.

I was reminded of that line from the movie as I watched my grandson sleep.  There is something so pure about how a baby touches you.  You see all goodness and beauty and it draws you in a way that nothing else can. God’s love can do that for you.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you, God for all the love that you have placed in my life.  Thank you for your unconditional love for us.  Help me to model that agape love for those who need it the most and not take a single day for granted.  Amen

Take the next step:
Why not take the opening quote literally?  Take a few minutes today and look in wonder at those you love.   See some of what God’s love has shown you.  If you are not blessed to be able to do that in your own home, take a walk through the mall or sit in any public place and marvel at the beauty of human nature.   No matter what is going on in your life, or what circumstances or difficulties you may be facing, God’s love is all around you.

Prayer Changes Things

by Belinda Blevins


Verse for Thought:
Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thess. 5:17, 18 (NASB)

Have you ever prayed and felt like your prayers were not going any further than the ceilings? It gets hard when we pray and the answers don't come right away. However, there is only one thing that can change our walk. That is in our praying time. We need our secret place and a chance to be still so that we can hear God and he can hear us. God tells us to keep on praying. He already knows our every need, he is just waiting to hear us voice that need, so he can free us from the anguish we go through in our daily walk. In times of confusion, weakness, and doubt, he tells us he will be our strength and fortress. He would never leave us or forsake us (Joshua 1:5). God wants us to be specific about what we are praying for. It brings praise and honor to God when we pray believing that he will do what we ask. Specifically, we can pray to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in any situation. It is not enough to just know his will; we must apply it to our lives. Godly wisdom is nothing like the world’s wisdom. When we pray to do what he desires for us, it can change every situation. Even when you don’t see results, just praise him until your break through comes. I have found that my hands are weapons against spiritual warfare when they are lifted up in praise. It reminds me of the prodigal son coming home and seeing his father waiting with open arms to receive him back. Remember David said, “My lips will praise thee.” God does not want our hearts to be troubled, he wants us to cast our cares on him! I am amazed at all the thing that he has done in my life and is still doing today. Gospel recording artist, Dottie Peebles’ signature song tells us “He is an on- time God. He may not come when you want him, but he is always on time.”

Let’s pray:
Father God, please help us to trust as we pray to you. Open our hearts to you and you word as we pray. Help us trust your desire for us. Teach us to praise you as we wait for change to come. Father we bind our mind to your mind and our will to your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Take the Next Step:
It is exciting! Today, I am encouraging you to pray without ceasing. God Bless you as you see what happen when you pray!

Walking by faith

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for thought:
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7. (NIV)

I have been a believer most of my life and I know that we should walk by faith.  However, there are times when I still struggle to hear and apply God’s wisdom. Sometimes when I have been hurt or disappointed, it’s hard to forgive, even though I know that I must.  If I am going to remain committed to God and stay on the right path, I know I must follow God’s word no matter what.  Even when I don’t understand why I have to go through some things, I still have to determine in my heart that I will follow God no matter what.  I know that the best decision in any situation is to do what is pleasing to God, but I don’t always feel like doing it.
It reminds me of a song that refers to life as a “dress rehearsal.”  In order to get to our heavenly home, we must get it right down here with our sisters and brothers.  When that gets difficult, God is there to help us.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you for being a loving heavenly father who honors our commitment to walk according to your will.  You are always there for us as we go through each day. Thank you for each step we take, for holding our hand, for being our peace, and for giving us joy as we go. Father help us to carry everything to you in prayer because we know you are the only one who has the answer, help us to trust you for the answer as we walk with you. Thank you in Jesus name.
AMEN

Take the next step:
Why not stretch your faith today by offering a prayer for someone with whom you have had or still have difficulty showing God’s unconditional love.  If you want to take it a step further, offer a kind word of encouragement to them personally or seek God’s help in offering true forgiveness.

Let Go

by Cynthia Edwards

Verse for thought:
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1

You probably know people who prefer to go with the flow rather than to make a plan.   They have a lot of things going all the time and often will overcommit themselves because they are afraid of letting somebody down.  They end up being involved in or doing a lot of things simultaneously, but not doing anything effectively.  I am learning to let go of some things.    I am also learning that when we let go, all the terrible things we thought would happen, usually don’t.  My focus is now on order and discipline.   Instead of being afraid of not doing enough things, I am trusting God to show me the things he desires for me.  I am living according to Philippians 1:6, confident that my belief and trust in God will lead to completion of the good work that he has begun in me.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me how to let go, how to be at peace.    Show me how to seek order instead of chaos, remembering that you are not a God of confusion, but of discipline and order (I Cor. 14:40).   Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Read the fourth chapter of Philippians.   Ask God to reveal to you things that are robbing you of your peace.  Trust him to reveal these things to you and seek his guidance in releasing them.   “Let go and let God.”

Not What I Expected

by Shelia Gaines

Verses for Thought:

A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:21 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 (KJV)

The doctor spoke calmly to my oldest daughter, “I know you wanted to do the water birth,but I think there’s a little too much stress on the baby.  We need to go ahead and get him out of there.  Are you o.k. with that?” I suspect that my daughter’s quick agreement came more from the pain of labor than any resignation concerning water birth.

As soon as she received my daughter’s permission, the doctor’s calm manner was immediately replaced with medical emergency protocol.  She whipped a cell phone out of her pocket and spoke rapidly into it.  “I need you in here now!”  The nurse she spoke to was coming down the hall at a dead run even as the doctor closed her phone.  They moved the bed so fast they forgot to unplug the IV from the wall.  My oldest daughter was whisked off to surgery as my youngest daughter, my son-in-law and I stood there momentarily stunned into silence.
The next few minutes were difficult ones for us. We called family members and called on our faith.  Our prayers were answers and we saw a healthy baby boy minutes later.  Today’s verse for thought reminded me of the morning my grandson was born.  I was disappointed that my daughter had to experience an emergency C-section and my son-in-law experienced one of the most joyous events of his life in the midst of great danger to the most important person in his life.  However, that precious bundle of joy made it all worthwhile. What a blessing it is that even when circumstances overwhelm us, God stll blesses us with small miracles. 

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for being a loving God and for always doing what's best for us,even when we don't understand.  When things don’t go as expected, help me to turn to you and remember the promise from Romans 8:28 knowing that you have a purpose and will work things out for our good.  In the name of Jesus.   Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Read John 16 and Roman 8.  The next time you find yourself in adifficult situation, meditate on those things and remember that while trials and tribulations will undoubtedly come, you do not have to face them alone as long as you know the overcomer. Don’t make the mistake of allowing the cares of life to keep you from living.