I
regret that I didn’t learn this earlier. After several years into my Christian
walk the Lord revealed the tremendous joy that comes from studying His Word. I
pray that by the current stage of your walk with Him, you’ve learned that as
well. If so, you know that daily quiet
time sets the stage for peace and walking in victory. It helps us stand strong
and steadfast in the face of adversity. To partner with others in discovering
the Scriptures is a great blessing through the discussion, encouragement, and
practical questions that arise.
If
you’re just learning to recognize how life changing God’s Word can be, hold on
to your socks! I predict you’ll jump out of them with excitement and
celebration as the Lord personally meets you in the pages of the Bible.
As a writer, speaker and Bible teacher, I often
contemplate your stories, your life situations, and ponder how the light that
shines through God’s Word will touch your faith and encourage you in hope. My
aim is to lead you to examine the Scriptures for yourself, seek the Holy Spirit
and his guidance, and draw out applications to use in the day-to-day—right
where you are.
The light that shines through God's Word will touch your faith and encourage you in hope.
Please
know I pray for you and continue to consider your precious lives as I write. I
know you have faced (and may be currently facing) hard times. I have too. What
I want you to remember and keep foremost in your minds is this: God is with
you.
God is with you.
Perhaps
in your current trial, you can’t see evidence of his presence or discern his
involvement in your life. Maybe you pray but feel like you rarely see results.
Some of you walk in the bondage of addiction without receiving the deliverance
you have seen others experience. Some of you face overwhelming family matters
that will be decided in a courtroom, all the while wondering why God has not
intervened as you’ve hoped. This may make you question the presence and
activity of God in your life.
I
encourage you to trust. And when you struggle to trust, decide to do so anyway.
God cares and I believe he’s about to prove it. God is with you and I’ll say
again: he cares. You are his beloved child and he never takes his eye off you
for an instant. He loves you more than you can imagine. He is a God who sees
every smile, tear, and heartache.
Press
on, sweet one, and know that the Lord holds you in the palm of his hand.
Everything that the Enemy of your soul desires to heap upon you is filtered
through the Lord’s loving fingers. He will only allow into your life that which
will strengthen your faith and mold you into his likeness.
You
will get through this season, I promise. And when you trust in God, you’ll get
through it victoriously, whether on this side of heaven or the next. Victory is
coming. As children of God, we will all be victorious.
Reflecting on God’s truth:
Take
a few moments right now to quiet yourself before the Lord. Even if you’re
beginning to run a few minutes late for a task or appointment, this is
important time to carve out of your schedule. Praise God for his loving
character. In 1 John 4:16 the Bible says, “God is love and the one who remains
in love remains in God, and God remains in him.” (HCSB)
A Prayer for Today:
Lord,
your Word says that you love with an everlasting love and therefore continue to
extend faithful love (Jer. 31:3). Will
you help me recognize and embrace your love for me today? Show me all the ways
that you are present and active in my life. Help me to trust you as my loving,
heavenly Father. I need your help to change my mindset. Show me how to stop
seeing myself as a victim of my circumstance and embrace the truth that I am
victorious in you. Even when I face difficulty I know that you are with me and
have a great plan for me. With your help
I will walk in that truth. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Read more in Victorious: Finding Triumph When Hope Seems Lost
If you'd like to receive more encouragement from Strengthened by the Word ministries, sign up for our newsletter.
Be Strengthened Today, By His Word,
Psalm 119:28
Cathy
