When I wake up in the morning and I am still tired...God says
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
When I struggle to get out of bed because I don't feel inspired...I say to God
Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.(Psalm 143:8)
When I can't find anything to wear and I look in the mirror to see that my eyebrows need waxing...God says
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.(1 Peter 3:3-4)
When I am running late and the house is a mess..God says
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
When I am frustrated with my children because they always want my attention...God reminds me
... the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. (Mark 10:14)
When I am home alone at night and I hear a strange noise...I remember God says
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)
When we need money for the rego, rates, insurance and mortgage all at the same time...God says
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. ( 1 Timothy 6:17)
When I am hurting from the harsh words someone has said...God says
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
God's Word, the Bible, is the handbook for life. There is nothing that will happen to you in your life that will come as a surprise to God. Therefore all of the answers needed to life's questions can be found in the Bible. If you are looking for a reason to fault God, I'm sure you could come up with all sorts of questions that you would say there is no specific answer for. For example I do not know specifically why Sam was born with half a heart. But God's Word does tell me:
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.. (John 9:1-3)
Translation: It is not your fault that Sam has half a heart. He was born this way so that I can heal him and bring glory to my name.
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed (Psalm 139:13-16)
Translation: I knew Sam, I know Sam, and I will know Sam forever more. I love him more than you will ever know.
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (Matthew 15:28)
Translation: Keep on believing! I will heal your son.
The Bible is full to the brim with God's works and promises. So when tumultuous times come, I know my feet are planted firmly on a solid foundation, one that can never be moved. The world has no absolutes to offer, no solid ground on which to stand. And more than ever, people's lives are being shaken and stirred up, the reasons are endless; relationship breakdown, illness and disease, disasters, financial difficulty...
Look down at your own feet. Where are they planted? Are you standing on unshakable ground?
I love this post Nicole! God's Word really does hold the answers we need, no matter the problem. Thanks for the reminder. :)
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