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In the difficult times of life, it is important that we dig our heels in
and prepare ourselves for the challenge ahead. We should not find it
surprising that obstacles are in our path because Jesus forewarned that in
the world we will have tribulation, but He also reassured us to stay in
confidence because He has already overcome the world for us. We are to
put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness and let the Lord
know that our confidence and trust is steadfast in Him. Never go to God
telling Him how big your problems are, but rather tell your problems how
big your God is. In Him there is joy, comfort and peace that surpasses all
understanding. If you are going through a difficulty that seems impossible
to overcome, rest assured that God has the answer and in His sight All
Is Well. (Psalm 41:1-3) (John 16:33) (Isaiah 61:3) (Philippians 4:4-7)
I hope you are encouraged by this message to have a renewed determination
to never give up and never give in. With God's help we can push through
until victory is ours.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
It was Valentine's Day. I was in a new job.
My boss walked up to me and handed me a red, heart-shaped balloon, “Happy
Valentine's Day, Mike!”
My cubicle is one of hundreds in an acre of cubes. If I go to the bathroom,
the lunchroom, or am just coming in to start my day, I'm lost. Every
cubicle looks the same.
I tied the balloon to the wall of my cubicle, "There!" I thought to myself.
“Now I'll be able to find my cube.”
An hour later, I stood up and looked around. Every cubicle had a red,
heart-shaped balloon tied to it.
For a short time I thought I was different, but I was wrong. I was not the
only balloon. Memories from the past came flashing back.
“Stop shaking the floor!” Dad yelled. We were three boys in a four room
house. I was the youngest of the family. Our house was so small, it was
impossible not to bother our father. We tried to walk softly, but the
floor shook and upset him.
I was 18 when we got an indoor bathroom. Before that, we used an outhouse.
We were poor and knew it. My friends had indoor bathrooms, but we went
outside to use ours. We trudged through the snow to do our business, even
when it was -25 degrees or lower.
Years later, I had my own home and family. Our house sat on the side of a
hill, with a great view of the cove below us. The ocean currents filled the
cove with fresh water and provided for the osprey and bald eagles who fed
there. They were wonderful to watch.
The company I worked for at that time made major changes. After fifteen
years of service, I was let go. I had to move. It was another hard time in
my life. I was separated from my wife and kids. It was a year before we
were back together.
We weren't separated because we wanted to be, it was the circumstances of
my work. Later, we moved again and then again. Life wouldn't allow us to
stay in one place.
Years later, my wife passed away due to illness. I always seemed to be in
a maze, alone, struggling to find my way.
In every case, I thought I was the only one, but I was wrong.
There were other kids who used an outhouse, other people who moved, and
other spouses who lost loved ones.
We feel like we are facing unique problems, but in reality, we're not. No
matter what we face or how lonely we feel, there are always others
suffering the same.
I thought I was the only balloon. I was wrong.
By Michael T. Smith
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Psalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of
the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law
doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the
rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf
also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
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.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
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 |
