Hello ladies,
I am thinking about you today, and I'm wondering how you are doing? We went from a pandemic to racial tension and riots around the world. Many are struggling with job concerns and financial difficulties. Besides COVID-19, many are wrestling with life threatening health issues or have lost loved ones without the ability to even have a proper funeral. So, with all of that going on, I am wondering how you are doing.
Some days are easier than others to remember that even though trouble comes, God is still God. He loves us and wants to guide us through these murky waters. In fact, I believe with all my heart that He wants to lead us to resounding victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). He wants to be our Shelter in the storm (Isaiah 25:4). He wants to provide all that we need (Matthew 6:33). He wants to counsel us in how to move forward (James 1:5). He wants to lead us (2 Corinthians 2:14), and longs for us to follow Him (Mark 1:17).
There is no battle that is too difficult for God (1 Samuel 17:47). There is nothing He cannot do. Nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17). No one is too broken that He cannot fix (Luke 7:22). No one is beyond His redeeming love (Psalm 103:4). Hallelujah!
For months, actually more than a year, God has been speaking these words to me, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) I shared those verses in a post back in April, and they continue to challenge me. As I continue to meditate on these verses, I am reminded that I can rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances because my God is bigger than anything! I can trust Him because He loves me. I can be filled with joy - no matter the circumstances - because I know He is working to bring good out of all the bad situations around us (Romans 8:28).
Today as I was looking up this passage, I found myself reading the following verses earlier in the chapter:
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:8-11
Ladies, I want to encourage you to keep seeking Jesus. Keeping looking to Him for all that you need. Keep loving those He has given you to love. Let's put on faith, choosing to trust His faithfulness. Let's put on love as our breastplate which will guard our hearts and provide what we need to share with those around us. Let's not just cling to the hope of our salvation, but offer it freely to those in our world who are in desperate need.
Need encouragement yourself? We will be having an online meeting on Thursday, June 25 at 7 pm at the following link: meet.google.com/dmb-riqo-qod. Come join us for some fun, fellowship, prayer and encouragement. We'd love to hear how you're doing and pray together as we continue to let God turn our messes into His message.