KEEP YOUR FAITH WHILE YOU WAIT

You prayed to God and are waiting on Him to answer. Your wait has not been a short one. It has been longer than five minutes, five days, five months, and in some instances, more than five years. In today's world we are spoiled by getting what we want instantly. God does not always move so immediately, which can lead to frustration and times of questioning.

Do you think God forgot about you? Do you feel like giving up? Has the enemy whispered, "It's not going to happen"? If you have been waiting for any length of time, you can probably answer yes to these questions. I want to remind you that God has not forgotten you. Don't give up and recognize the enemy has lied. 

You must not let waiting periods discourage you. Unlike man, He always makes good on His promises. Continue to trust in God. Continue to pray and cry out to Him. 

"But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8 NKJV

Be blessed

THE LORD IS INTERESTED

I was sitting in my office one morning and my the corner of my right eye began to itch. I did not want to rub my eye too much or too hard. I wear contact lenses and the last thing I needed was a ripped contact and a red irritated eye. The nagging itch continued throughout the day. I made it home and settled down and the itch returned. I lightly rubbed the corner of my eye and asked, "Jesus, what is going on with my eye?" Immediately, He provided the answer. He reminded me of the ripped contact I replaced that morning. Let me explain.

I had to throw out the old pair of contact lenses because the right lens was torn. When I removed the right contact, I noticed part of the lens was missing, but had no idea what happened to the torn piece. Well, the piece lodged in the corner of my eye. It remained in my eye throughout the day. It was the reason for that nagging itch.

I tell you this story to remind you that Jesus is not only interested in huge matters or situations that affect us, but also in the small things. The little itch that bothered me caused me to ask the Lord a very simple question. He is interested in me and what concerns me, and although the situation was not a major one, still, He answered me. 

Talk to Jesus about your problems. Talk to Him when you have good days, not just the bad. Tell Jesus your dreams or even better, ask Him about His plan for your day, for your life.  Jesus is interested in every detail of your life.

Be blessed.

THROUGH THE STORM

My Pastor has told us many times through his teaching and preaching that we are about to enter into a storm, are currently in a storm, or have come out of a storm. The storms life brings to us cannot be avoided. Ready or not, a storm is coming.

What are storms of life? They are adversities. Life sends rough winds of job loss, financial hardships, rebellious children, or any situation that causes hurt, disappointment, shame, or misfortune. Storms often hit us unexpectedly. We are left wondering from where did they originate and why are they happening.

Adversity happens as a result of our own actions or lack thereof, is caused by the actions of others, Satan, or the Lord.  Despite the reason for the storm, the Lord will use the storms for our good. 

If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus while going through the storm, He will give us peace in the midst of it.

"Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." Matthew 8:23-26 NKJV

Be blessed.

TRUSTING IN JESUS

When trusting in Jesus, heavy burdens are lifted. When you recognize and understand there is One who truly loves you and is willing to take away your concerns, worries, disappointments, rejections, and hurts, you can live with peace. Peace is priceless. No amount of money can buy it.

Trusting in Jesus means you have faith in Him who has power over death. Jesus brings new life where there is no life. He brings hope when there is no hope. He brings joy when there is no joy. 

Trusting in Jesus means you are relying on Him in every area of life and not depending upon yourself or anyone else. It is through Jesus that we enter into heaven. 

If you are not experiencing joy or peace in your life, think about where you are placing your trust. Are you truly trusting in Jesus?

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track." Proverbs 3:5,6 ~The Message Bible

Be blessed.