Will You Still Love Him?

A few weeks ago, I wrote about our lower stories and God’s upper story. The lower stories are our day-to-day lives—families, jobs, paying the bills, the good, the bad, the joys, and the trials. God’s upper story is His grand plan of something larger—bigger and better than we can imagine—His eternal plans.

Sometimes, through prayer and looking back, God lets us see how our lower story fits into His upper story.  

Other times, life doesn’t make any sense at all. Prayers go unanswered, dreams die, and we don’t know why.

It leaves us with a question to wrestle with.

If the dream you’re praying for with all your heart is not answered the way you’re asking for, will you still love God?

The quick answer is of course I will.

But think about it. What are you praying for with all your heart?

A spouse?

A child?

A change in a particular situation?

For a child to come home or a loved one to come to faith?

Healing?

I don’t know what you may be going through, or if you’ve wrestled with this question. I have, and I can tell you, it takes continued prayer and looking to Him for all that I need. It takes laying down what I want and accepting God’s Will.

If you never find that perfect someone…

A child isn’t in God’s plan for you…

The situation does not change…

The child doesn’t return home or the one you’re praying for doesn’t come to faith…

If the disease and pain persist and healing doesn’t come…

Will you still love and follow Jesus?

Can you accept God’s Will in your life over your own?

More than just nodding your head and agreeing, will you tell Him?

Jesus, you know my prayers, my dreams, my greatest desire…I lay these before you now. If it is not in your plan for me to have __________, I will still love You. I will still follow You. If my dream dies and my prayer goes unanswered, I will not turn away from You. Even if __________ never happens, I will always love You. Amen.

This is our last chapter “Home…I Have a Future” in our study of Sheila Walsh’s book The Shelter of God’s Promises. Whether you’ve followed the study or visited on occasion, please feel free to leave any feedback you may have in the comments section.

 In Christ,                                                                   

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesdays, Winsome Wednesday, Word Filled Wednesday, WholeHearted Home Wednesdays, Women Living Well Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, Faith Filled Friday, Spiritual Sundays, Hope for Hurting Hearts, and Encore.

The Shelter of God's Promises-Wk 10

Here we are in the last week of our study of Sheila Walsh's book The Shelter of God's Promises. If you've been reading the book and/or following the study here on my blog, I'd like to hear feedback.

What did you think of the book and the online study? 
Was it what you were hoping for when the study began?

I'm planning for a new study to begin around the first of 2013. As soon as I have details, I'll have them posted here on my blog. There are many authors and books I've been looking at, but I love to hear of new authors and authors I may not be familiar with. Feel free to leave a comment, or email me, with any feedback you have on the study and your favorite Christian authors.

Have a great week!
In Christ,
Laura

Week  10– Nov. 4-Nov. 10, 2012

The Promise

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. – John 14:2 NIV 1984

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 10 “Home…I Have a Future.”

Wednesday/Thursday – Work on the Bible study for Chapter 10 (pgs. 203-204)

Friday – Spend time in prayer and reflection. Catch up on the reading and Bible study, if necessary.

During the week
·         Continue to journal your thoughts and make notes in your book. What has this study meant to you?
·         Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith and Discouraged by Sheila Walsh.

God Offers Us More

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NLT

God says…

Keep on asking…because we’re going to go through this together. You and Me.

God wants to hear from us, not just when we’re asking for something, but about everything throughout the day. Yes, we can keep asking, but He doesn’t just give His response so we can be on our way. He wants to spend time with us.

I think there is a difference between what we think about “keep asking” and what God thinks, and the difference is where our focus is.

If I’m focused on my prayers and what I want, then I’m asking and asking for the purpose of getting an answer. Preferably the answer I want to hear.

But when my focus is on God Himself, He offers so much more than just answers. He offers a relationship with Him.

Moses experienced this close relationship with God. Even when God was so angry with the Israelites that He was ready to destroy them, Moses interceded for them.

Then the Lord said, “I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.”

But Moses tried to pacify the Lord his God. “O Lord!” he said. “Why are you so angry with your own people whom you brought from the land of Egypt with such great power and such a strong hand?...Turn away from your fierce anger. Change your mind about this terrible disaster you have threatened against your people!...”

So the Lord changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened to bring on his people. Exodus 32:9-14 NLT

Moses didn’t pray for the sole purpose of getting an answer from the God he didn’t really know. Moses spent time with God—so much time that he knew he could ask God to change His mind. That’s not an easy thing to ask if you have to reacquaint yourself with God first.

In fact, Moses and God were so close, after God told Moses He would go with them, Moses made sure…and then he even asked to see God!

The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”

The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”

Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.” Exodus 33:14-18 NLT

That’s a pretty gutsy request. But the relationship between God and Moses was so close God responded quickly and favorably. (Exodus 33:19-23) How close of a relationship did God and Moses have?

…the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Exodus 33:11 NLT

Moses didn’t keep asking God just because he wanted something. He was talking to a very close friend. He included God in all parts of his life.

That’s what God offers us—not just answers to prayer, but life with Him.

God says keep asking...because we’re going to go through this together. You and Me.

Thank you for visiting here today. If you’re following our online study of Sheila Walsh’s The Shelter of God’s Promises, we are in Chapter 9, “More…I Know There’s Something Better.”

Are you comfortable to keep asking? Where is your focus when you ask? If you’d like to share with us, please leave a comment.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesday, WholeHearted Home, Word Filled Wednesday, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Thought Provoking Thursday, God-Bumps and God-Incidences, Unwrapping His Promises, Winsome Wednesday, Faith Filled Friday, Spiritual Sundays, and Sharing His Beauty.

The Shelter of God's Promises-Wk 9

Have a blessed week!

In Christ,
Laura

Week  9– Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2012

The Promise

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:7-8 NIV 1984

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 9 “More…I Know There’s Something Better.”

Wednesday/Thursday – Work on the Bible study for Chapter 9 (pgs. 201-203)

Friday – Spend time in prayer and reflection. What do you want to remember from Chapter 9?

During the week

• Continue to journal your thoughts and make notes in your book.
• Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith. 

I’m Here for You

Welcome, if you are reading Sheila Walsh’s book The Shelter of God’s Promises, we are in Chapter 8 this week, “Strength…I Feel Things Are Crashing Around Me.”

I struggled as I wrote this post. I knew what I wanted to say, but didn’t like how it was coming out. Every time I went back to my notes, I read them as if God was talking to me. Finally, I decided that’s how it should be written. I believe He wants to share the same with you.

Dear Laura,

I miss hearing from you. Talk to me. Tell me what’s on your mind and in your heart. Don’t be afraid to tell me anything and everything…You won’t surprise me or shock me—I already know and it’s okay. So come to me. Share with me. Let me help.

When you feel weak, I will strengthen you.

When you feel sad, I will hold you and comfort you.

When you are broken, I will put you back together…….better than new.

When you feel you are alone, you are not. I am with you. Always.

Please don’t go it alone. Life is so much harder that way.

If that’s what you choose, I will respect your decision. I will not force myself on you. But it doesn’t mean I like it……it just isn’t what I want for you.

What I want for you is to have a relationship with Me. Personal. One-on-one. You and Me. I know you intimately. I formed you. I know everything about you. Now get to know me.

Know that my promises are for you. All of them.

In this world, you will have trouble. Let me strengthen you. I will walk beside you and help you. (John 16:33, Psalm 18:32)

In the struggles you face, I am refining you. I am teaching you to depend on Me. I have big plans for you. But you need to trust Me. (Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 29:11)

In My time, I will let you see where I am leading you. But don’t rush ahead of Me. My plans work better if you let me go before you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Remember that I will not leave you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. Be strong and courageous through Me. (Joshua 1:9)

Whatever you need, ask Me.

All My love, today and always,

God

What do you feel God sharing with you?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesday, Word Filled Wednesday, Walk with Him Wednesdays, God-Bumps and God-Incidences, Life in Bloom, WholeHearted Home, Faith Filled Friday, Spiritual Sundays, Allume, and Hope for Hurting Hearts.

The Shelter of God's Promises-Wk 8

Have a great week!

In Christ,
Laura

Week  8– Oct. 21-27, 2012

The Promise

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33 NIV 1984

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 8 “Strength…I Feel Things Are Crashing Around Me.”

Wednesday/Thursday – Work on the Bible study for Chapter 8 (pgs. 200-201)

Friday – Spend time in prayer and reflection. What did this chapter mean to you?

During the week
·         Continue to journal your thoughts and make notes in your book.
·         Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith. 

Hope Is…

Hope is confident trust in God with expectant anticipation of what He will do and how His promises will be fulfilled.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Hope is knowing that God’s promises are rock-solid and unchanging, especially when my emotions are all over the place.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 NLT

Hope is knowing I can trust God with and in everything, even as He gives me the strength and time I need to adjust to life’s changes.

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

Hope is knowing that when life is taking everything out of me, He won’t let it consume me.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22 NIV

Hope is knowing that God can and will bring good from everything, even the pain I’m going through.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

Hope is knowing God walks with me through the unfamiliar and unwanted territories in life.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Hope is knowing God will meet me wherever I am, and He loves me too much to leave me there.

You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you. He made the storm stop and the sea be quiet. Psalm 107:28-29 CEV

Hope is knowing that this season in my life will not last forever. He’s already planning the next season.

“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

Hope is knowing God is in control, and I don’t have to be. [Tweet this]

Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10 NLT

Thank you for joining me here today. If you are reading Sheila Walsh’s book The Shelter of God’s Promises, we are in Chapter 7 “Hope…I’m Broken.” What Scripture verse do you find hope in?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesday, Word Filled Wednesday, God-Bumps & God-Incidences, WholeHearted Home, Walk with Him Wednesdays, Unwrapping His Promises, Women Living Well Wednesdays, Thought Provoking Thursday, Life in Bloom, and Faith Filled Friday.

The Shelter of God's Promises-Wk 7

Welcome! If you are studying Sheila Walsh’s book The Shelter of God’s Promises, is there a chapter or topic that has especially resonated with you?

From the last chapter on grace, I especially like the part about Peter. Jesus knew Peter would deny Him three times, but He prayed for Peter—not that Peter wouldn’t do it, but for when He turned back. He prayed for when Peter would return to Him, knowing that He would return. How incredible to know that Jesus does that for us also!

And then at the tomb, when the angel told the women to tell the disciples and Peter. In other words, make sure Peter knows Jesus still loves him and includes him as His disciple. Jesus extends that same grace to us. To you. And to me.

What part has spoken to you? Will you share it in the comment section?

Have a great week!

In Christ,

Laura

Week  7– Oct. 14-20, 2012

The Promise

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” - Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV 1984

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 7 “Hope…I’m Broken.”

Wednesday/Thursday – Work on the Bible study for Chapter 7 (pgs. 199-200)

Friday – Reflect back on the reading and spend time in prayer. Catch up on the reading, if needed.

During the week

·         Make notes in your book or journal your thoughts, Scripture verses, and points you want to remember. What really stood out for you from Chapter 7?

·        Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith. 

Grace and Baggage

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Have you ever had one of those times when you have a topic on your mind and then it seems to appear in front of you?

Yep, that happened to me when I started reading this week’s chapter about grace. Just the day before I started reading, and without even thinking about or remembering the chapter, I’d been wondering…why does it seem easier to extend grace and forgiveness to a stranger or someone I barely know, than to a loved one? It doesn’t make sense. Or does it?

Baggage.

All that “stuff” that follows us from our past—the “stuff” we wish we could forget and leave behind where it belongs.

The baggage of repeated mistakes that make me think the apology I hear won’t be any different from the past ones. The baggage of repeated behavior that makes me not trust that anything will change.

Someone I barely know has baggage. Everyone does. But, the difference is…I don’t know about it. When I don’t know about that “stuff,” I have no reason to think that person isn’t sincere.

But it’s our loved ones, the repeat offenders, that make me hold onto my grace. As if I have a stockpile of it, ready to divvy out when I think the time is right.

Maybe it’s out of fear of being hurt, exhaustion of ongoing circumstances, or even spite, that I don’t want to put myself on the line. But the thing is—I don’t own grace. God doesn’t give each of us each some grace, expecting that it won’t all be given in one place.

Grace is not grace if it is deserved. If I think I deserve grace, then I’m trying to earn it, which means what I receive is not grace.

If I’m waiting for someone to prove they should receive grace from me, then what I’m holding back is not grace. It’s conditional love.

What if God did that? (I hate to think about it!)

The Good News is God doesn’t withhold grace. He showers it over us. He lavishes us in it.

Absolute unconditional love.

His perfect love expressed through His Son, Jesus.

Whereas I’m not sure I can forgive someone because I may or may not know everything, God does know.

He knows every single detail of our lives. Good and bad. Our pride and our shame.

And still He covers us in His grace.

His. Perfect. Forgiving. Undeserved. Grace.

He asks us to do the same. For those we barely know. And those we’re closest to.

And what’s more is when I can’t do it—when I don’t have it in me to forgive and extend grace—He does.

He won’t force me, but when I ask, He’s ready to supply me with what I need. Grace and forgiveness. Undeserved love for another. Over and over, as many times as I need, until my heart is changed.

But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. 2 Corinthians 12:9 CEV

His power is strongest when I am weak.

When I can’t get past the pain to forgive, He has the strength I need.

When all I have is conditional love for someone, He has unconditional love for me and my someone else.

When I am weak, He is strong and powerful.

When I have nothing, His grace shines over me.

And it is all I need.

Thank you for joining me here today. Our chapter this week in Sheila Walsh’s The Shelter of God’s Promises is Chapter 6 “Grace…I Have Failed.”

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Grace Laced Mondays, On Your Heart Tuesday, Word Filled Wednesday, Soli Deo Gloria, God-Bumps and God-Incidences, Unwrapping His Promises, Women Living Well Wednesday, Walk With Him Wednesdays, Come to the Table, Encore at Always Alleluia, and Grace is for giving.

The Shelter of God's Promises-Wk 6

Have a great week!

In Christ,
Laura

Week  6– Oct. 7-13, 2012

The Promise

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV 1984

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 6 “Grace…I have Failed.”

Wednesday/Thursday – Work on the Bible study for Chapter 6 (pgs. 197-199)

Friday – Reflect back on the reading and spend time in prayer. What do you want to remember from Chapter 6?

During the week

·         Make notes in your book or journal your thoughts, Scripture verses, and points you want to remember.

·         Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith

·         Visit A Day of Grace bySheila Walsh

Verses of God’s Love and Promises (Part Two)

Welcome! We are in Chapter 5 this week, “Love…I Don’t Believe That Anyone Could Really Love Me” of Sheila Walsh’s book The Shelter of God’s Promises.

Earlier this week, my post (Part One) focused on Scripture verses that speak of Jesus’s love for us.

Today (Part Two) I’m sharing verses of Jesus’s promises to us…

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’  Isaiah 41:13

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. Psalm 91:14-15

And Jesus’s power over Satan…

For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory! Deuteronomy 20:4

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against might powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

*All verses from the New Living Translation, in no particular order.

What are your favorite Scripture verses when you think of His love for us, His promises to us, and His power over the enemy?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Life in Bloom, WholeHearted Home, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Faith Filled Friday.

Verses of God’s Love and Promises (Part One)

Welcome! This week we are in Chapter 5 “Love…I Don’t Believe That Anyone Could Really Love Me” of Sheila Walsh’s book The Shelter of God’s Promises.

My post is different this week. Instead of my thoughts, I want to focus on what Scripture says in the three areas of this chapter:

-Jesus’s love for us

-Jesus’s promises to us

-Jesus’s power over Satan.

Spiritual warfare is real. Satan will do anything he can to make us doubt God’s love for us, but in Jesus’s name, Satan flees. That’s why we need to arm ourselves with God’s Word, to read it, know it, and believe it. Say it out loud. Personalize the verses with your name. Pray them.

For example:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT

Jesus, I can’t do this on my own. I’m not capable. But I know through your strength, I can accomplish it.

There are many verses I want to share with you here, so I’m going to start today with Jesus’s love for us. On Thursday, I’ll share the verses for Jesus’s promises to us and Jesus’s power over Satan.

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:4-8

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

“For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10

For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:31-32

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Ephesians 3:18-19

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. Romans 8:38

 *All verses from the New Living Translation, in no particular order.

God’s Word is filled with verses of His love for us. Will you share a Scripture verse that moves you? Please leave a comment below.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Sharing His Beauty, On Your Heart Tuesday, and Soli Deo Gloria.

The Shelter of God's Promises Study-Wk 5

Welcome! We are nearing the half way point in our study and have 94 women who have let me know they are participating! I'd like to hear how the study is going for you. Would you leave a comment to share? 

Have a wonderful week!
In Christ,
Laura

Week  5– Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2012

The Promise

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39 NIV 1984

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 5 “Love…I Don’t Believe That Anyone Could Really Love Me.”

Wednesday/Thursday – Work on the Bible study for Chapter 5 (pgs. 196-197)

Friday –Spend time in prayer and review the reading. What do the promises from the first half of the book mean to you?

During the week
·         Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith. Share your thoughts in the comment section.

A Blessing by Design

Thank you for visiting today. If you are studying Sheila Walsh’s The Shelter of God’s Promises with us, we are in Chapter 4 this week “Confidence…I Can’t See God’s Plan in this Pain.”

A blessing in disguise.

Are you familiar with this term? It means something that seems bad now or is unwanted may actually turn out to be a good thing.

I’ve had it said to me before, and I’ve said it to others. But as I read this chapter, every time I thought of someone saying, “Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise,” I immediately thought “And maybe it’s not.”

Now, before you think I’m kind of a downer today, hear me out.

Romans 8:28 says…

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)

I don’t believe in coincidence or luck. I believe God has a plan and is at work in each of our lives. No matter what I’m going through and how many mistakes I’ve made, God can and will bring good from them.

To me, a blessing in disguise feels like it’s left up to chance. Maybe it will be a blessing, or maybe it won’t. Maybe it’s just a lousy situation that has no purpose.

But it’s not without purpose. God leaves nothing to chance. God never says, “Maybe something good can come out of that, but maybe not.” God knows.

He knows the plan and He knows if I’m going to mess it up by trying to do it my way. And if when I do, He knows how to bring something good from it anyway.

“In God’s hands, even the things that have broken us can be used by Him to make us whole again. There are no accidents in God’s kingdom.” –Sheila Walsh, The Shelter of God’s Promises

There is a confidence that comes from knowing God is in charge. I know that if He allows it in my life, then He will get me through it.

That doesn’t mean it will be easy or without pain. And it doesn’t mean it will be something I want to happen (or not happen). What it means is that God will walk me through it—alongside of me, every step of the way.

Through it, He’s working on me, drawing me closer to Him in ways that can only happen when I’m broken. He’s preparing me for His future plans, and teaching me to see His work in everything.

One of the sections in this chapter is titled “Resting in the Confident Assurance that God is in Control.” I underlined it and added asterisks.

I’m using it as a definition of trust.

To trust God is to rest in the confident assurance that God is in control. (Sheila Walsh)

Sometimes the good that God brings out of my circumstances affects someone else, and I might never know about it. But I know that even when I don’t see it, God is in control.

He is at work in each of our lives, and if He allows me to be a part of it by working through me—well, that sounds like a blessing to me. But it’s not a blessing by chance or in disguise. It’s a blessing by the Lord’s grand design.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Sharing His Beauty, On Your Heart Tuesday, Just Write, Soli Deo Gloria, Living Well Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday, Unwrapping His Promises, God-Bumps & God-Incidences, and Walk with Him Wednesdays.

The Shelter of God's Promises Study-Wk 4

Have a wonderful week!
In Christ,
Laura

Week  4– Sept. 23-29, 2012

The Promise

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 NIV 1984

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 4 “Confidence…I Can’t See God’s Plan in This Pain.”

Wednesday/Thursday – Work on the Bible study for Chapter 4 (pgs. 195-196)

Friday –Reflect back on the reading and spend time in prayer. This day can also be used to catch up on the reading and study, if needed.

During the week
·         Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith.

·        Journal your thoughts &/or make notes in your book of Scripture and points you want to remember. What stood out for you in Chapter 4?

Peace Taken, Peace Given

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1 NIV

One question.

One question from the enemy to Eve was enough to create doubt, cause second guessing of God’s guidance, and make Eve justify her actions.

One question ushered sin into the world…and took away our peace.

Think about it. Adam and Eve had no worries. They didn’t have to wonder where their next meal would come from. They had no concerns about clothing, shelter, or making a living. They lived with God in the beautiful Garden of Eden.

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. Genesis 3:6 NIV

They were at peace with God, each other, and within themselves. But one question made Eve doubt, wonder, and want something she thought she didn’t have…and when that happened, her peace was gone.

Peace (as defined in my New Living Translation Bible, Tyndale)

-is a state of tranquility or quiet;

-harmony in personal relationships, especially with God;

-freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.

I think it’s fair to say all of these descriptions of peace were gone when sin entered our world.

Adam and Eve now had the same concerns many of us have—food, shelter, and supporting a family. They now worried about the “what-ifs” and “how-will-I’s.” They now knew the feelings of anger, regret, shame, and sadness.

In one sinful decision, peace was taken away.

And in one loving sacrifice only He could make, God gave us the way to find peace once again through His One and Only Son, Jesus.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NIV

In this life of storms and trials, I don’t understand the way God gives me peace. I can’t explain it. But I know it’s real. And I know it’s from Him.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

Peace comes when we trust God and focus our thoughts on Him.

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

He promises strength and peace…

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 NIV

He offers love and compassion…

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. Isaiah 30:18 NLT

Each time the enemy tries to steal my peace, every time worry and anxiety wrap around my insides, Jesus promises the help I need…exactly when I need it…                                                                 

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 The Message

And that gives me peace.

Thank you for joining me here today. If you are studying Sheila Walsh’s book The Shelter of God’s Promises with us, we are in Chapter 3 “Peace…I’m Afraid and Feel Alone.”

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Sharing His Beauty, On Your Heart Tuesday, Just Write, Soli Deo Gloria, Women Living Well Wednesday, Word Filled Wednesday, God-Bumps and God-Incidences. Worship Wednesday, Unwrapping His Promises, and WholeHearted Home.