God Will Make a Way

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NLT

So often life seems impossible.

I find myself thinking there is just no way a person will change, a situation will be different, addictions will be broken, or grief will lessen. From what I’ve seen at times, it’s hard, if not impossible, to believe that change will occur.

But our God is the God of impossibilities. He loves to surprise us and show us a way where there is no way. Ways that can only be of Him.

In the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, we had a perfect relationship with God our Father. Then sin entered the world and our perfect relationship with Him was destroyed. Forever.

We could never be without sin again and live with God the way He planned.

But God made a way only He could make—atonement for our sins through His Own Son, Jesus Christ.

On the cross, Jesus paid our debt. Resurrected, He conquered sin and death forever.

When there was no way humanly possible, God made a way.

In fact, throughout the Old and New Testaments, God made a way for His people.

When it was time for the Israelites to leave Egypt, they saw no way to cross the Red Sea. When the water parted and they crossed on dry ground, it could only be of God. (Exodus 14:21-22)

Young David brought Goliath down with a stone and a sling shot. When there was no way to conquer the giant, God made a way through a young boy with overwhelming faith. (1 Samuel 17:45-50)

Saul spent his time persecuting the apostles and had the authority of the chief priests to arrest anyone who called on Jesus. Surely no one anticipated a change in this man’s heart. But God made a way where there was no way, and upon Saul’s conversion, he took the Good News of Jesus to the Gentiles as Paul. (Acts 9:1-19)

God made a way where there was no way for His people in the Scriptures.

He made a way back to Him for us through His Son, Jesus.

Won’t He surprise us by making a way through the trials and heartaches of this life when we see no way?

I believe He will. And most likely it will be in ways we never imagined.

What feel like impossible ends for us are only possible beginnings for God.

Where we see no way, He will make a way.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 NLT

In Christ,

Laura

I’m joining Bonnie today at Faith Barista for Faith Jam Thursdays. Today’s prompt: God will make a way.

Also linking up with On Your Heart Tuesdays, Just Write, Word Filled Wednesday, Grace Cafe, Life in Bloom, and Faith Filled Friday.

The Shelter of God’s Promises

Welcome! I’m over at 5 Minutes for Faith today talking about God’s promises and the upcoming online study of The Shelter of God’s Promises by Sheila Walsh.

Promises.

If you’re like me, it doesn’t take long to learn who can be trusted to keep their promises and who can’t. After a few times of being disappointed, I become leery of trusting someone when they say something will or won’t happen.

But there is One whose promises can be counted on. Always.

God doesn’t break His promises. His Word is solid, it can be counted on, and His promises are for you and for me.

To read this post in its entirety, join me at 5 Minutes for Faith. And feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to know you stopped by!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Women Living Well Wednesdays and Thought Provoking Thursday.

Temptation {Something to Think About}

For God is working in you giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 NLT

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

We do not have to bend under the weight of temptation. We have a way out—Jesus.

When we turn to Him with our struggles and the temptations that threaten to drag us under, He does not leave us on our own. God shows us a way out of temptation and the Holy Spirit works in us to give us the power, ability, and will to do what pleases Him.

When we feel we can’t do it, God is there showing us that through Him, we can do it.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Spiritual Sundays, Jumping Tandem-The Sunday Community, and Fresh Brewed Sundays.

My Thank You Letter to God

Welcome! I’m joining Bonnie today at Faith Barista for Faith Jam Thursdays, where she offers a faith writing prompt. Today’s prompt: write a letter to God.

“What do you mean, ‘If I can?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”

The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” 

Mark 9:23-24 NLT

Dear Jesus,

I believe…

Everything is possible with you.

You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)

Your promises are meant for me.

Help my unbelief…

For the times I worry, even though I know you are with me.

For my doubt, even though You know what’s best for me.

For the times I lose my temper and act out of emotions; I know better.

Jesus, I thought I trusted You…but my trust in You continues to grow by leaps and bounds. You have allowed things to happen in my life and I’ve asked You why.

Why? To show me…

When I’m at my lowest, You’re the only One I need.

When I cry out to You, You’re already there. You were waiting for Me.

To teach me…

To trust You. In deep, unspeakable ways. With everything.

To thank You. To see Your blessings in everything, everywhere, and every day.

Nothing is impossible with You. You make a way where there is no way.

Forgive me, Lord, for the times I stumble in my trust and belief.

Thank You for your unending patience with me, for showing me…again and again. For knowing when I’m trying. And for getting my attention when I’m not looking Your way.

Thank You for teaching me…for opening up Your Word of Truth to me. For seeing me for who I can be in You and for leading me there.

I love you Jesus, with all my heart.

Love, Your Daughter,

Laura

How about you? What would your letter to God look like?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Faith Barista, On Your Heart Tuesdays, Word Filled Wednesday, Walk with Him Wednesdays, Grace Cafe, Life in Bloom, and Faith Filled Friday.

Isaiah 40:31 {Something to Think About}

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Fresh Brewed Sundays and Jumping Tandem-The Sunday Community.

What I Know Now

Welcome and thank you for meeting me here today. I’m joining Bonnie at Faith Barista for Faith Jam Thursdays, where she offers a faith writing prompt.

Today’s prompt: to write a letter to yourself at an earlier time in your life (any time you’d like to address) and share what you know now about the faith journey…“What I Know Now.”

My letter is to myself in my high school and college years.

Dear Laura,

If I could share one thing with you, it would be this…

Your personal relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship you will ever have.

Right now, you know about Him, but you don’t know Him personally.

I know you don’t know what this means and you’re wondering how it’s possible to have a one-on-one relationship with someone who isn’t with you in person.

Let me tell you…He is with you. Every minute of every day. And He’s waiting for you to want to get to know Him. He won’t force you; He’ll wait patiently for you.

There is nothing you can do to make Him stop loving you. Nothing.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NLT

He knows your actions, what you’re thinking, and how you feel. He is full of love, mercy, and grace, and you can tell Him anything without condemnation. When you confess your sins to Him, you are forgiven and He chooses to never remember it again. It’s a promise, and God never breaks His promises.

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:34 NIV

Talk with Him and study His Word. As you spend time getting to know Him, you will be given greater understanding of God’s character and His Ways. Your faith will grow and you will desire to trust Him, even when you don’t understand.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

Your trust and faith in the Lord will get you through anything that comes your way.

When your emotions get the better of you…spend time with Jesus before you do anything else. Cry out to Him and receive His comfort. Don’t let your actions come from hurt or angry feelings. It only makes things worse. (Believe me, I know.) Instead, ask God for guidance and wisdom, knowing that He will provide both.

When you feel you can’t trust others, even a loved one…you can always trust Him. Verbalize it—“Lord, I don’t trust this person, but I trust You.” Then keep your eyes on Him and let Him handle it.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 NLT

When life is spinning out of control…God is constant. He doesn’t change. You can build your life on the solid foundation of Christ.

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4 NLT

Life will happen, and so often it’s not the way we want or hope for. But when your faith is built on solid ground, God is there to soften the blows of life. Sometimes He will stop the storm, and other times He’ll allow you to go through it, but He will always walk beside you and guide you every step of the way.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NLT

God has a plan for your life. A wonderful, glorious plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

He knows you.

He loves you.

And He’s waiting patiently to be a part of your life. Get to know Him.

In Christ’s Love,

Laura

How about you? Based on what you know now, what would you tell a younger you? 

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Bonnie at Faith Barista, Ann at Walk with Him Wednesdays, Joan at Grace Cafe, Denise at Life in Bloom, Laura at Faith Filled Friday, Always Alleluia Encore, and Allume.

Planting the Seed of Faith

Welcome! I’m over at 5 Minutes for Faith today talking about how the seed of faith gets planted in others. Here’s an excerpt of what you’ll find…

This summer, I have two healthy cherry tomato plants growing in my garden, despite the fact that I didn’t plant them and I’ve done nothing to make them grow.
                   
Long after they started to grow, my daughter heard me talking about these plants, and she innocently said, “I planted them.”
                                     
What?

With a shrug, she said, “I planted two tomatoes last year.”

Apparently, not knowing if they would grow, she took two tomatoes from last year’s plant and buried them. Not seeds, but whole tomatoes.

I thought the extreme temps and very little rain would be the end of them, but my husband started watering them and they continued to grow.

As I’ve been enjoying the fruit of their labor, I’ve been reminded of another seed that grows—the seed of faith.

Will you join me at 5 Minutes of Faith to read the rest of my devotion? I’d love to see you there!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Grace Cafe, Thought Provoking Thursday, Life in Bloom and Faith Filled Friday.

The Light of the Lord

Welcome! I’m joining In Other Words today where each week’s hostess chooses a quote or Scripture verse to ponder on and share our thoughts. This week’s hostess is Karen at In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus. She has chosen Micah 7:7-8. As I spent time reflecting on these verses, I read further and have decided to include Micah 7:9 as I share my thoughts.

As for me, I look to the Lord for help.
I wait confidently for God to save me,
and my God will certainly hear me.
Do not gloat over me, my enemies!
For though I fall, I will rise again.
Though I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be my light.

I will be patient as the Lord punishes me,
for I have sinned against him.
But after that, he will take up my case
and give me justice for all I have suffered from my enemies.
The Lord will bring me into the light,
and I will see his righteousness. – Micah 7:7-9 NLT

Darkness through one’s own sin.

Maybe like me you’ve been through a time when you felt like you were surrounded by darkness. Where you could see no way out, and you knew it was not because of someone else, but by your own mistakes and actions.

Every one of us makes mistakes and struggles through some time in our life. We find there are consequences to our actions, and God will let us face those consequences. He loves us too much not to.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” – Hebrews 12:5-6 NLT

God knows that through the times of darkness and discipline, is an opportunity for us to grow closer to Him. When we repent, He promises to forgive us; when we lean on Him, He gives us strength. When there is nothing else getting us through, we learn that God is there, walking beside us, and He is all we need.

Don’t be fooled by the darkness, and don’t believe the enemy when he tells you he’s won. God is there lighting our way through His Son Jesus. You may not see it at first, for it may only appear as a pinhole of light, but trust Him—it will continue to shine brighter and be easier to see until it’s so bright it’s blinding.

I don’t know how long your darkness may last. I don’t know when mine started or ended, but I do know He was there throughout. When I saw no way, He made a way. When I felt surrounded by darkness, the light was there, no matter how little of it I could see at the time.

Will you wait confidently for the Lord? He hears you and knows what you’re going through. Let His light be your glimmer of hope. For even though we fall, He picks us up and shows us the way. And His Way is always good.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus, Sharing His Beauty, On Your Heart Tuesdays, Just Write, Word Filled Wednesday, and Women Living Well Wednesday.

Psalm 91:2 {Something to Think About}

This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.

- Psalm 91:2 NLT 

Sunday blessings to you!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Jumping Tandem - The Sunday Community and Fresh Brewed Sundays.

Here…

Here is where life happens.

Each day.

Right now.

Here is where the moments we don’t want to miss are…where memories are made.

Here is where He is…with us…every step of the way.

Yesterday haunts us with regrets, but here is where a difference can be made.

Mistakes corrected.

Forgiveness asked for, given, and received.

Tomorrow changed…simply by what happens…here.

There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18 The Message

It’s Five Minute Friday where Lisa-Jo offers a writing prompt and for 5 minutes we write, without editing or over thinking. Today’s word prompt: Here.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Word Filled Wednesday, Faith Filled Friday, and Spiritual Sundays.