Refuge for a Single Mom
Every Single Mom Needs a Refuge. This is Mine. In the Natural Atleast!* A Blog Dedicated to Struggling & Hurting Moms of Every Walk of Life.
As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Through
Daniel’s Friends Protected [Daniel 3:19-30]
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath, and his facial expression was altered toward Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.
20 He commanded certain valiant warriors who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in order to cast them into the furnace of blazing fire.
21 Then these men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps and their other clothes, and were cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire.
22 For this reason, because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace had been made extremely hot, the flame of the fire slew those men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.
23 But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up.
24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, “Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Certainly, O king.”
25 He said, “Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!”
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire.
27 The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king’s high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.
28 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God.
29 “Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way.”
30 Then the king caused Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego to prosper in the province of Babylon.
Often, (very often, in fact) I fall back on God’s promise to get us ‘through’ adversity … That really sparked my interest of the word ‘through’ and I started thinking about how very deep it really is!
We must go ‘through’ hardship, ‘through’ difficulty, ‘through’ danger, ‘through’ trials, not over, around or under, but THROUGH!
From there, I got to thinking about how we could overcome adversity ‘through’ Him and pass ‘through’ it OR we could let the adversity go ‘through’ us and potentially destroy us! Provocative? Yeah, I thought so too! *wink*
Through
The bible often talks about how we can get ‘through’ trials and tribulations by going ‘through’ the Lord.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. Hebrews 11:29
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36
Through God we shall do valiantly, And it is He who will tread down our adversaries. Psalm 60:12
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. Isaiah 43:2
He led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He brought water for you out of the rock of flint. Deuteronomy 8:15
Serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews. Acts 20:19
Simply put, when we share a deep and profound relationship with God, we are better able to trust in Him. We can filter our problems, grievances, sadness, confusion, etc. ‘through’ Him and come ‘through’ our circumstances with something much more manageable.
Every bad thing in your life can produce something good if you’ve learned and grown from it. Just as gold must pass ‘through’ the fiery kiln to become beautiful, we must pass ‘through’ the trials and tribulations of this world to fulfill the amazing plans that God has for us!
But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10
So that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7
“And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ And they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9
Labels: Adversity, Perseverance, Strength, Tests, Trials, Tribulation, Victory
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Armor of God
Sometimes, the weight of the world can be very overwhelming. There seem to be constant struggles and obstacles. There’s always something to worry about.
Thing is, as we learn to fully rely on the strength and protection of the Lord, as we learn to trust His plan, His timing, His wisdom and His love, we will be better equipped to live happier, healthier, more joyful and peaceful lives.
I have been learning this lesson for a very long time. I am one of the most impatient, paranoid, speculative people you will meet. In fact, I remember my mom coming home from 6th grade parent conference. The teacher told her that although Christina was an excellent student, she worried more than any other 6th grader he had ever met.
Over the years, my heavenly Father has been teaching me to be a bit different. Although I am still struggling with these things, I’ve learned to catch myself. When I feel the anxiety hit, I just stop and pray. I give it up to God and quit with the worry. I know, deep in my soul, beyond a shadow of a doubt that He will take care of whatever it is. I know that He cares more about my family and me than I can even grasp. He will bring to pass the best scenario possible!
When we look to the Word for guidance, we see that there is something called “The Armor of God”. Obviously, this is spiritual armor, but as you can see, our Almighty Father has all the bases covered.
As time and circumstances allow this week, I’d like to explore each part of the armor. I think it is so important to fully understand the protection that God has to offer – if we’ll only let Him!
The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-24)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;
16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.
22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.
Labels: Adversity, Anxiety, Armor of God, Diligence, Perseverance, Positive Thinking, Strength, Way of Thinking
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Nothing to Fear?
In light of recent events, just within my son`s school district, I wanted to reflect a bit about fear and what the Word says about it.
Just this week, there have been at least 2 bomb threats and 1 shooting threat - within a 25 mile radius! As I write this, my son is at school under `lock down`. I only know this because my ex-husband was kind enough to call and inform me! The school however, does not tell us what in the world is going on! Rumors and assumptions fly all over the place! What is a parent to do?
Well, for now, I`m not even going to vent or complain about my views on this for a few reasons! 1) I`m currently attempting to overcome the complaining `addiction` (see previous post) and 2) After several situations, like this, this year, I`m learning to `let go & let God`! (Both are equally as challenging!)
`Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.` Isaiah 41:10
It is times like these that I have to rest securely in my faith - in my God! He is bigger and more powerful than anything that comes against my son or anyone in my family! I have to believe that whatever the outcome, whether it be intended for good or evil, my God will use it for His glory!
11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.
12 For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12
I mean, I would just crumble if anything happened to one of my kids! But I have found myself worrying to the point of physical illness! Enough already!
God promises to protect us! He promises to have our best interest at heart! Granted, evil rules this world and it is made more and more obvious to us with each and every terrorist attack and school massacre!
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. Psalm 140:4
But, for those of us who choose to believe in God`s Word, in His promises – we can have hope and faith in better things!
1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
6 They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.
8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
9 And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory. Psalm 64:1-10
Labels: Adversity, Believe, Choices, Decisions, Determination, Perseverance, Way of Thinking
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Learn and Grow ~ It`s a Choice!
So, we`ve talked about forgiving and being loyal, passing tests and surviving trials. Those are conscious choices we make. Tough ones too!
When adversity rears its ugly head, what do we do? Well, personally, I used to go back to bed! *smile* Seriously! Things were so bad at one time, that after I got my son to school, I crawled my behind right back into bed and stayed there until he got home at 4:00! A strenuous day included watching `Judging Amy` and `Law and Order` back-to-back-to-back!
Conquering adversity is a conscious decision we make to push on! He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. Psalm 10:16
It says NEVER girls! Never be IN adversity! It may come! It may be nasty! But you don`t have to stay there! You can consciously and willfully choose to overcome it!
What conscious decisions are you making? Well, thank God, I now get up at 6:00 am and I`m awake AND working until Midnight! -The same day! I barely watch any TV, unless it`s `Blue`s Clues`, `Backyardigans` or `Spongebob Squarepants`! I now chase after a 3 1/2 year old pre-schooler, run my own home business and run my household!
I decided, chose, willed, and PRAYED A LOT to persevere! I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities Psalm 31:7
Our Savior knows our hearts and souls! He knows our pain and suffering and mostly, He feels it! He wants nothing more than to comfort us and bring us through whatever it is that we face! Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.II Corinthians 1:4
Trust in Him! He is the only one that is there for us ALL the time and EVERY time! If you don`t believe me, say a prayer around 2:00 am! He`s listening! *wink*
Love, Hugs and Prayers to my Sisters! Have a Great Weekend!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Trials ~ Victory is Mine!
Along the same lines as tests are trials. (A fine line indeed.) We learn and grow from our trials too. Strength, Patience and Faith all grow from the trials we face. (As long as we trust in the Lord and seek guidance from Him.) But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37
What is the difference? Well, in my `humble` opinion, a test is something initiated more by God. Something that is intended as a lesson.
A trial, on the other hand, is initiated by the enemy; it`s a result of the world we live in, an attempt to break us down. It is more relentless and merciless. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
For born again Christians, this isn`t bad news. Consider it a `challenge`. A challenge to rise to victory and prove that you are a conqueror. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. I John 5:4
I mean, are you really going to let any device of the enemy have power over you? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35
Or are you going to have firm roots planted in the Word of God? Those on the rocky [soil are] those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no [firm] root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:13
Don`t get me wrong. All adversity, tests and trials are uncomfortable. The Lord does not promise us that there will not be discomfort. What he does promise is that the rewards will far outweigh the sacrifices. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have [its] perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which [the Lord] has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
WOW! `Perfect and Complete` and `Lacking in Nothing` – I`d say that`s a worthwhile result. What about `Crown of Life`? Yeah? Me too! I want nothing more than to spend eternity with my Heavenly Father!
The world we live is full of sin and trials, girls. Most of us, single, married, widowed - we`ve seen a lot. (Many of us more than we`d like too.) Some days it simply amazes me at the sin and filth that lies in wait to overtake me, my children, my family, friends, etc.
How awesome is it to know that there is a better place? We do have refuge in our Savior! We have hope and promise. We can dream and aspire to be great women that make a difference! In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:6-7
Ladies, no matter where you are in life, no matter your position. You are someone to God! With Him you can be a perfect woman, a fantastic Mom, clever businesswoman, invaluable employee, reliable daughter, thoughtful sister, loyal friend – the list is endless. And don`t for one minute think that what you do is lacking by any means. Being a Mom is a huge responsibility! Minister to your children! Be a wonderful example for them! Right now that is where God has you. I`m sure it`s for a reason!
All My Love
Labels: Adversity, Conqueror, Discomfort, Distress, Trials, Victory
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Tests
~There Really is Something to Learn of All This!
Yesterday, we ended with this verse: In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other. So that man will not discover anything [that will be] after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14
Ouch! God created adversity? Looks that way! Well, why might He do that? I mean, what good could come out of adversity?
I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14 If you look back over your life, and consider the times most adverse, did you learn something? Did you grow? Did you run to God? Did you wash your robes?
So that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ I Peter 1:7 Chances are you sought the relief of Jesus Christ. You probably prayed, asked your church and friends to pray! You exercised great faith and belief!
I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:9-10
It all boils down to this, you will face a series of `Life Tests`. You certainly can`t bumble around in life ignorant and naïve as the day you were born! The Lord wishes for us to grow strong in mind, body and spirit! He wants us to become more like Him. In His image! Now the truth of the matter is that we will NEVER be as good as God! NEVER! And anyone that attempts to tell you otherwise is way off! We are human, we are sinners and we are continually trying to grow closer to God. To become more God-like! Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
With each test you `pass`, you move to a higher `level`. For example, I tried and tried to overcome `cussing`. I thought it was so awful that I cussed; I knew it was a sin and I didn`t think I`d ever beat it! No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13
I used to backslide a few times a day. I gauged myself on how many times I said a bad word per day. Eventually, with much willpower and the grace of God, it slacked off to days per week and now I only cuss once in a blue moon! Don`t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Now that I`ve `graduated` past this sin/addiction the Lord is dealing with me regarding gossip. (Gossip in and of itself is a whole other can of worms! So for now we`ll just deal with the sin/addiction in general!) Regardless of the level I am at or the amount of this I do, it is a sin! My point here is, I never realized I had a problem with gossip, I was focused on overcoming the cussing.
As we proceed further and further along, the Lord fine tunes us more and more. First it is the more `huge` and obvious sins and as we grow, He reveals the innermost workings of our minds and souls!
For to this end also I wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. II Corinthians 2:9 Ultimately, we show faith and obedience by listening to God and making the necessary changes to become the best Christian we (each one of us in our own capacity) can possibly be!
Labels: Adversity, Growth, Learning, Tests, Tribulation
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Deterrence by God
~When Good People Want Bad Things!
Sometimes, we pray and pray, yet nothing happens. Why is that?
Yesterday, I told you that God hears our prayers. He should answer them too! Right?
Well He does HEAR all of our prayers! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Sometimes, however, He does NOT answer them and praise God for that! Why? You ask. Oh please, DO let me tell you!
After my divorce, I was involved with `the love of my life`! Or so I thought! I thought he was the perfect man. I thought he loved me! I was a FOOL! I prayed and prayed for this relationship to work out and things never did. Eventually this man was so deceitful and hurtful that I had no choice but to end the relationship!
Although, I do NOT believe that the Lord allowed my awful circumstances to take place, I allowed them to exist quite well on my own, I DO believe that He did not answer the prayers or bless the relationship for a reason. He knew this man`s heart and intentions and He also knew that this was NOT the relationship for me! Therefore, He surely did nothing to help it along! Looking back, I praise God and thank Him every day that He DID NOT answer these prayers!
This was also a time in my life when I was not right with the Lord. I knew God, I knew about Him, I knew what was right and wrong. BUT I was choosing to live sinfully. I went out `clubbing` with friends and drank often. The Lord was NOT going to answer my prayers then! Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is the man who reverently and worshipfully fears [the Lord] at all time [regardless of circumstances] but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.Proverbs 28:14 Basically speaking, without Him we are nothing. If we are seeking satisfaction from the people and the things of this world, we don`t stand a chance.
There is nothing in this world that will satisfy like the love of Jesus Christ! When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them.Deuteronomy 4:30-31
We are to choose God, first and foremost. He needs to be our most important priority! In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other. So that man will not discover anything [that will be] after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14
With Him we are blessed! With Him all things are possible. And looking at [them] Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
Have faith and pray! If things seem `off` – it just may not be the right situation for you!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Deterrence by the Enemy
~When Bad Things Happen to Good People!
Have you heard this phrase? (A little over-used in my opinion.) To an extent it`s true, nonetheless. It`s used mostly when someone dies or tragedy strikes. For our purposes today, we`ll consider any bad occurrence, thought or feeling a `bad thing`.
So, why DO bad things happen to good people?
If you truly are a good person, if you are following the path of the Lord, if you are growing in the Word you are glorifying God. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not [in] vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:57-58
This makes the enemy furious! That is the LAST thing he wants. He wants us to be miserable, hopeless and desperate. He wants a vulnerable, empty human being to manipulate and have control over! Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. II Corinthians 2:11
But You, O LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up, That I may repay them. By this I know that You are pleased with me, Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And You set me in Your presence forever. Psalm 41:10-12
Recently, I shared with you that we were looking for a house. Well, we have indeed found a house and although there is a lot to get in order, it appears that we will soon be moving! Yippee! Right? Yeah, I guess. I mean, I`m feeling a lot of anxiety and I`m very stressed out!
Because it`s a bad decision? No, I really don`t think so. There are several reasons we need to move and this house meets the majority of our needs. We will be using the proceeds from another real estate sale to buy the house outright and won`t even have a mortgage payment! It`s in the same town, so my children won`t have to change school districts. Commuting distances are the same. Very little change overall!
Why then? Well, personally, I believe it`s the enemy. Yeah, it could be a convenient excuse, but you see even when the Lord IS trying to make a point, He isn`t going to make us feel sadness, guilt, fear or anything that would bring us distress! For out of much tribulation and distress of heart I wrote to you, with many tears; not that ye may be grieved, but that ye may know the love which I have very abundantly towards you. 2 Corinthians 2:4
Girls, I have to tell you, I am touchy, short, nauseous, I`ve got a headache, etc. This isn`t the Lord`s way. It`s the enemy`s way! He is filling my head and my heart with so much doubt! He will persecute you any way possible in order to keep you from God`s blessings.
It is at these times as much as ever, that we need to go to our Lord and Savior in prayer. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7
Continue to pray over the situation and seek clarity and discernment! O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1
He DOES hear your prayers! Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31
Why do YOU doubt? Have faith Sisters! Seek out the blessings and the favor that our Savior has for you!
Monday, January 22, 2007
A Bottomless Lake
According to Wiktionary, `Adversity` is defined as:
Adversity
1. (Parody): A bottomless lake, surrounded by near-sighted friends. - 1904, The Foolish Dictionary
2. state of adverse conditions; state of misfortune or calamity
3. event that is adverse; calamity
It can be translated to mean: `A bottomless lake`
WOW! `A bottomless lake`? Pit of despair? Hopelessness?
Have you ever had one of `those days`? That`s a loaded question, isn`t it? How about one of those weeks or even months? Nothing seems to go your way or everything seems to go wrong?
When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice. Deuteronomy 4:30
You make your minimum credit card payment, only to realize that they/you didn`t figure in interest and now you`re over the limit? Or you didn`t realize that your payment date fell on Sunday and if you don`t pay the extra $12.95 you`re going to be late? The neighbors that come and go 50 times a day (mostly during your toddler`s naptime or bedtime) have lost their muffler! You get in the car to run your child to school because he missed the bus and you`re out of gas or have a flat tire? The neighbors in your apartment building are loud and obnoxious – but they have the nerve to turn you in for parking in `their` spot? Friends, mentors, people you trust lie to you?
What do you do? How do you handle it? The Bible tells us: Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer Romans 12:12 Another translation puts it this way: Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.
We`ve all been there and the list of terrible situations we face goes on and on. (Some even tragic!) It never ceases to amaze me how bad things can get, and all at the same time! If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Proverbs 24:10
The enemy is constantly whittling at us, at our faith and devotion. He wants nothing more than to break us and drive us away from our Heavenly Father! Away from Salvation! He will use whatever means possible, our families, our finances, our health, our friends...
There is so much to say on this topic, I think we`ll discuss it all week. We`ll approach different views each day. Please stop by often and leave comments! I look forward to hearing from you gals!
All my love and prayers for a great week!
Labels: Adversity, Distress, Tribulation



















