Why We Need to Know and Believe God’s Promises


I’m in a season I’m not enjoying. It’s a season of difficulty and looking for answers. But receiving none.

I’m full of questions.

Why God?!?

When God?!?

How God?!?

But I’m not hearing much from God lately.

I know He’s with me because He promises to never leave me, but so many times, I wish He’d be a little more obvious about His presence.

I’ve realized again why it’s so important to be in God’s Word and to know His promises—before a season of waiting on my part and silence on His part.

We must know and believe God’s promises to us before we’re in the desert. The desert ground isn’t fertile for much, but it’s the perfect environment for doubt and disobedience.

The Israelites learned that the hard way. When they refused to enter the Promised Land with God’s blessing the first time (after 40 days), their time in the desert became 40 years. (Numbers 14:34)

Not much grows in the desert, except doubt—it flourishes.

So, before I start doubting God’s presence, I must know and believe the promises He’s made to me. And to you.

Before fear takes hold, God tells us…
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Before discouragement sets in, God says…
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Before we decide we can’t do what God asks, He reminds us…
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
When the situations seems impossible, Jesus assured us…
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV
Before hopelessness can grow, God’s Word blesses us…
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
And when we think we just can’t do it anymore, we are promised…
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Philippians 4:13 AMP
There are so many more promises God has made to us. These are just a few I’ve been praying and reminding myself of.

Oh, and this –

God keeps His promises. Always.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. Psalm 145:13-14 NLT
What promises from God do you know and rely on? Would you share them here with us?

In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: K. Rath ©2016]

Recommended Updates


Last week, I had two computers in my office, neither of which I could work on. One wouldn’t let me log on. The other with a program that was causing problems.

I didn’t want to bother someone in IT…meaning, I didn’t want to wait for someone to come help me. So, I was determined to get one or both going myself.

While I uninstalled and reinstalled the program on one, I downloaded updates to the other. Enough updates that I let it run all day. And the next day.

Meanwhile, the reinstalled program was still doing its own thing. I wondered if it was time for a newer version. And that’s when I saw the little notice about updates.

Apparently, updates are something I don’t think about often enough. Or at all.

By the end of the week, I was patting myself on the back for getting everything working again. Thanks to the recommended updates.

Updates that fix the glitches and get everything back on track.

And I realized that computer updates aren’t the only ones I forget about.

I’ve been stressed out and stretched thin for months, and I tend to forget about my connection with God.

I ask Him for help. A lot. Like all day long. But really connecting? Not so much lately.

Like computers need updates, I need re-fueling. I need the connection with God to get me back on track. To fix the glitches that have gotten me out of sorts.

While I have been praying, it’s often one sided. I do a lot of talking, but not so much listening.

While the computer updates ran, the screen reminded me to not turn off the computer. It sat quietly while it was resupplied with what it needed.

I think I need that. To sit quietly, clear my mind, and just listen. To let Him renew me. To get reconnected with Him. To receive His recommended updates.

How about you? Do you struggle with a weak connection to the One who renews?

In Christ,
Laura 

[Photo credit: FreeImages.com]

For the Caregivers


Many days you wonder. You wonder if anyone sees all you do in caring for someone else.

The days that seem endless. The tasks that feel monotonous.

Let me remind you...God sees. He sees it all. What you do for someone else, you do for Him.

That someone else sees it too. It may not be acknowledged. It may seem unappreciated. But it is felt.

And that matters.

Some days you feel the blessing. Other days you feel exhausted. It is okay to care for yourself too. No, it's more than okay—it's necessary. Feeling drained leaves little to offer to others.

You may never hear a thank you—but how wonderful it is when you do. To know your work matters inspires you to keep giving.

But know this...caring for another is some of the most important work there is.

You are making a difference in someone else's life.

An impact that won't be forgotten.

A lasting impression that will have a ripple effect.
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 NIV
In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: Freeimages.com]

Linking up with: Give Me Grace, #RaRaLinkup, Sharing His Beauty, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Faith Filled Friday, Faith 'n Friends