It is easy for anyone to get down and discouraged when they are going through the storms of life. In their troubles they can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel or any chance of overcoming that negative situation that is in their path. What we should always remember and keep in mind is that we are promised ups and downs, good days and bad days, much laughter and many tears. We read this in Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” It is important for us to know that we will have good days and bad days so that when the bad days come as they are promised to we will have a proper perspective knowing that the tough times will not always last and after they have been overcome we will again see our peace and joy restored. (Psalm 147:3-11) (Isaiah 54:10)

God will always be faithful to those who trust in His everlasting promises. We don’t have to worry as the world does because our God has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us and that our latter end will be much greater than our former beginnings. The Bible declares in Psalm 37:23-25 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” It is easy for me to write a message like this because I know about God’s faithfulness. I have experienced God in action taking care of me and my family for these past 20 years. Those who know of my situation have no doubt that God is with us and has kept us healthy, safe and sound and not one person can say that we were able to do it in our own strength. It was always in the strength of the Lord that we overcame, that we triumphed and came forth victorious over every obstacle, over every trial and over every negative report that tried to discourage our hearts or steal our joy. (Psalm 20:6-9) (1 Chronicles 16:25-29)

I want you to have that same confidence in the Lord that I have. Don’t worry about the storms, don’t fear the darkness that is before you, but with a bold confidence declare before the Angels in heaven and the demons in hell that you will stand firm in the Lord proclaiming His goodness, His faithfulness, His sustenance, His provision and proclaim your trust in the Lord knowing that in the end after you have been tried by fire you will come forth as fine gold. (Philippians 1:6) (Job 23:8-12)

I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to see the ups and downs of life as learning experiences that will help to equip you to overcome even greater obstacles later on in life.


CRAZY WEATHER

We have been having some crazy weather here in the mountains of my home this summer. The other day, for instance, started out beautifully with a sunrise that could make the heavens' sing. The air was warm and the breezes gently kissed your cheek as you walked outside. The shining sun filtered through the leaves and lit up the world in a thousand different places. Just being outside lit up my own soul as well and I thanked God for another great day to be alive. 

By afternoon, however, the weather had turned hot and muggy. The skies had become partly cloudy and the distant roar of thunder was in the air. As I went to run an errand it started to rain. Driving down the road I could still see the sun behind me but thick, grey clouds lay ahead. After only a few miles a gentle sprinkling of rain became a torrent that rolled down the roads and turned every pothole into a puddle. I stopped to go into a store but was drenched before I got three feet. Lightning flashes could be seen over the hills and I wondered if the storm would ever end. As I drove back home, though, the clouds parted and the sunshine reappeared. I arrived home soaked but safe and looked up to see the most glorious rainbow bridging the sky. I stopped in my dripping clothes to take in the sight and store it safely in the memories of my soul. 

Life too can give us some crazy weather at times. Clear days can suddenly turn stormy in an instant. Sunny skies and gentle breezes can give way to pounding rains and lightening for no reason. Problems, troubles, and frustrations can soak you to the skin and you can find yourself wondering if the storm will ever end. When this happens take heart in knowing that God loves you through every type of weather and that you have enough sunlight in your soul to ride out any storm that life throws at you. Let that rain help you to grow and remember that the storms always end, the clouds always part, and sometimes you even get blessed with a rainbow. 

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Job 23:8-12 “Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him: On the left hand, where He doth work, but I cannot behold Him: He hideth Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him: But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held His steps, His way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”

Psalm 20:6-9 “Now know I that the LORD saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His Holy Heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.”

James 1:2-5 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Psalm 23:1-4 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 37:23-26 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.”

All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.


Today's Selected Poem: HE IS...
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem44.htm

Today's Selected Testimony: DON'T DOUBT GOD'S POWER
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony148.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry