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When difficult times come our way and we feel tempted to lose our peace, we
must remember that God is still in control and holds us securely in the
palms of His hands. His strength is what should keep us strong and
confident in His ability and remind us that in His sight All Is Well. Do
not allow the enemy to steal the Joy that is in your heart, but rather
stand steadfast in your faith knowing that if God be for you, who can dare
to be against you? The Bible says that He keeps you as the apple of the
eye and has graven you upon the palms of His hands. Such love cannot be
understood, yet exists without question to all who will simply receive it.
(John 16:33) (Psalm 17:8) (Isaiah 49:14-16) (Romans 8:31-39) (Jeremiah 31:3)
I hope you are encouraged and strengthened by today's message.
HEIDI'S STORY
It was a beautiful Sunday in January. The temperature had warmed up to
about 40 degrees, the sky was clear and blue and the wind was calm. There
was still plenty of snow and ice around, but Heidi was more than ready to
enjoy the afternoon as she made her daily walk through the condominium
complex. However, thoughts of her 2 sons overshadowed any pleasure she
would normally have enjoyed on an afternoon like this.
Her son, Tom, loved off-roading and monster trucks. The monster truck that
he had loved and enjoyed so much was leaving her driveway today. It had
been there, unmoved, for the last 3 years, since Tom had been struck and
killed by a drunk driver. Heidi's other son Mark now officially owned it.
Mark had installed a new bug shield, with "Gone, But Not Forgotten" inscribed.
Fear and worry gripped Heidi's heart that day. She turned toward heaven and
prayed "Tom, please, watch over your brother, he's in your hands". However
much she prayed and pleaded though was not enough to lift the dread in her
heart. Heidi knew she had to let go of her worries, but how was she ever
going to be able to do this? The feeling of fear made letting go seem an
impossible task. "Oh God" she cried please help me!
Taking a few steps, she looked up and right in front of her was a blind
woman walking with her guide dog. Heidi stopped the young woman and said,
"it must be very hard for you to go out on a day like this, with all the
snow and ice still on the ground". The blind woman smiled back at Heidi
and replied "It would be if I didn't trust my dog". The woman's word hit
Heidi like a lightning bolt! She knew the woman's words were an answer to
her plea for help. A light went off in her head as she realized trust was
the key to conquering her worries and fears. She thanked the woman and
kept on her journey.
As Heidi continued her walk around the complex she ran into the blind woman
and her dog again. They chatted for a few minutes and the blind woman,
whose name was Michelle, shared with Heidi that this trust she had in her
dog did not come overnight. Michelle explained it took some time to be
able to put complete trust in her guide dog. Once she did, though, the
quality of her life soared. The trust Michelle placed in her dog had been
hard earned and very much deserved. Encouraged, Heidi walked on, thanking
the Lord that He had showed her that while trust was paramount, it also
takes time to learn.
Her spirits much brighter as she got closer to her condo she was greatly
startled by a large dog running around, barking quite ferociously. Heidi
gladly noticed the scary looking beast was chained (though the leash was
very long) and his owner nearby. Right then, Michelle and her guide dog
came around the bend. Heidi called to Michelle to let her know that even
though the dog was barking furiously by now, that he was restrained.
Michelle smiled, thanking Heidi for her concern and replied "It's okay, I
trust my dog". Heidi was awestruck. What a powerful lesson she had just
been shown. She had begun her walk heavyhearted, painful memories haunting
her, and with much dread of the future for her remaining son, Mark. Never
had she dreamed that her prayer would be answered so promptly, and in such
a down to earth way. Her merciful heavenly Father not only showed that the
key to letting go is Complete trust, but that it also is not something
easily or quickly learned. Learning to trust takes time and work! But,
once learned, it makes all the difference!
By Eleanor Abramson
Rest in the comfort of the Holy Ghost and know that He will sustain you,
strengthen you and lift you up when you have no will to stand on your own.
The Bible declares in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all thine
heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Trust in God's wisdom
and consider the direction in which He leads you and stray not from it.
We read in Job 23:10 "…He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried
me, I shall come forth as gold." (Acts 9:31) (Deuteronomy 8:5-9)
Be encouraged and know that the God who created you loves you and wishes
for your Joy to be full.
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Psalm 9:1-4 "I will praise Thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew
forth all Thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will
sing praise to Thy name, O thou most High. When mine enemies are turned
back, they shall fall and perish at Thy presence. For Thou hast maintained
my right and my cause; Thou satest in the throne judging right."
Psalm 142:5-7 "I cried unto Thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and
my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought
very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Thy name: the righteous
shall compass me about; for Thou shalt deal bountifully with me."
Psalm 37:1-5 "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou
envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down
like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do
good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of
thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall
bring it to pass."
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: GOD ARE YOU REAL?
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem40.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: GOD'S HAND
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony177.htm
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
