So many times because of the trials and tribulations of life we think that we can’t make our life useful again. We think about the past struggles and failings and we no longer see ourselves as a people who are meant to be triumphant in life. What we must all remember and keep in mind is that everybody falls short at one time or another. Nobody goes from victory to victory without facing some sort of defeat in the process. It is normal to fail, it is normal to falter, but what we must keep at the forefront of our thinking is that we will stand up again after we have failed, we will try again after we fall short and we will continue on for as long as God gives us breath so that we can in the end stand in who God envisioned us to be in our creation. (Romans 3:23) (Proverbs 24:16)

If you are feeling overwhelmed because the obstacles in your path seem too great to overcome, I would encourage you to just take it one step at a time. Nobody goes from start to finish in a single step. It is a process, a journey and a learning opportunity to become better, wiser and stronger than we were before those obstacles came our way. Zig Ziglar says “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.” It is the learning that elevates our life to greater heights. It is the failings that teach us what we didn’t know before. We must be humble enough to allow the Lord to shape us and mold us into a better version of our previous selves so that we can be better and do better now and in our future to come. (Psalm 18:29-36) (Proverbs 4:5-9)

Through all of the suffering that Job went through, he still had a trusting and faithful heart because in Job 23:10-11 he says “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.” Job knew that his latter end would be much greater than the trials and tribulations that tried to make him curse God and forget of the many wonderful blessings that he had once been bestowed with. I believe if we follow Job’s example and trust that we too will come forth as gold after the trial, after the trouble, after the heartache and we will receive a double portion of blessing that will make us glad that we stayed faithful to the end. (Psalm 118:8-9) (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I hope this message encourages and inspires your heart to take one day at a time doing the right things that will elevate your life and bring blessings that will make you glad that you stayed faithful no matter what.


ONE SHOVEL AT A TIME 

Another massive snowstorm had hit the mountains of my home. A foot and a half of the white stuff had covered everything. Living on the side of a hill I looked out the window at the task that lay ahead of me. Two cars were snowed in on the driveway. Paths had to be shoveled out to the trash bin and newspaper box. A place had to be dug out for my dogs to walk and do their business. The porches and steps also needed to be cleared. My back ached already from recent days of shoveling. It felt like an impossible job. Still, I knew it had to be done. 

I bundled up in my hooded coat and thick gloves and stepped out the door. The bitterly cold wind instantly bit into my face. I smiled grimly, gave a quick look to the heavens, and grabbed my snow shovel. I bent down, scooped up a shovel full of snow, lifted it slightly, and tossed it to the side. Slowly, one shovel at a time I worked my way down the side of the hill, creating my own walking path as I went. I bent, scooped, lifted, and tossed again and again. Each step needed another shovel full of snow to be moved. 

After a few minutes I would stop, rest, and stretch my sore back. I would look up at the gently falling flakes, breath in the ice cold air, and start again. Minute by minute and shovel by shovel I made my way down the paths, cleaned the cars, and cleared the porches. When I was finally finished I was amazed that I had done it all. It had taken my best effort. My fingers were frozen, but my heart was warm with happiness. I smiled and thanked God for once again giving me the strength to do what I needed to do. 

This life gives us many heavy snows to dig out of. This life gives us countless impossible jobs to do. Still, with the strength God gives us we can get them done. All we need to remember is to do them lovingly and joyfully one day, one choice, and one shovel at a time. God asks for nothing more and we should give nothing less. 

By Joseph J. Mazzella


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 103:1-5 “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”

Psalm 118:5-9 “I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.”

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are Eternal.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Psalm 28:6-8 “Blessed be the LORD, because He hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed.”

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


Today’s Selected Poem: I ASKED GOD...
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem102.htm

Today’s Selected Testimony: THE LORD WILL HELP YOU THROUGH
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony129.htm


In Christ’s Service,

Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry