Getting Through it

I want to tell you about a few things that have made the last few weeks hard.

- My dog, Jade, got run over last Tuesday.

- I owe $1,500 for my last two classes - in 9 days.

- I've recently taken a pay cut.

- My son is going through separation anxiety - which in turn makes my day stressful.

Now, I want to tell you why it doesn't matter.

- God has given me the promise of eternal, perfect life with no trouble or pain.

That is all I need. This life can try my strength and endurance, but God has promised everlasting life to me! Trivial inconveniences and sad events can't bring me down when I visualize myself walking streets of gold with Jesus.

Satan who? Demons what? They can't stand up to my God. They can't take away what God has given to me. See, my God said He would always be there for me, and He has held true to that.

My dog was like my first child. She was my baby girl. She kept me company when I was pregnant, and she always could make me feel better any time I was sad. I thought I'd be distraught, but every time I'd start to lose my cool, God would blanket me with peace and love. David said it best in Psalm 21:13, "... so will we sing and praise thy power." How can I not give God all the praise when he brought me through such a tough time? Psalm 23:4 says, " Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and staff they comfort me."

I understand how people can be overwhelmed with life's situations if they aren't trusting in God's promise. It is easy to find situations stressful when you are trying to do everything on your own. That is why I encourage you to give it all to God. Acts 16:31 says, "Believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Instead of trusting you can do it all yourself, give the load to God. He will willingly take it so that you can have peace. God will take on anything. What he wants is to give you the gift of eternal life. Trust in him.

God, thank you for always taking care of me. Thank you for loving me and sending Jesus to die for me. I can't imagine giving my son for others. I can't imagine what a sacrifice that was. Lord, you are my greatest comfort and I know I can do anything when you are on my side. Lord, help me be a bright light for you. Help me show those around me how awesome your gift is, and how much hope you offer with your saving grace. I love you, God. Amen.

Sources of Help

It takes my son 10 seconds to walk out of our front door. There is a two-inch step down that separates him from the porch, and he is usually apprehensive of that step. Most days he holds out his hand to me and calls for me to hold his hand. Then it only takes two seconds. Other days he sees me close by and he will crawl on his hands and knees down the step. That is when it takes him a little longer.

My point is each day he goes through the door is a learning experience. Some days he falls out the door and learns that he needs to take his time. Other days he learns that he can do it on his own. Sometimes he learns that he needs a helping hand.

Our relationship with God is very similar to this. Some days we think we have it all figured out and we take off in a dead run, just to trip over our own plans. Other days we know we need Him and we call out to him for help. Sometimes we know he is near and we make the slow and steady choices that he would be pleasing to him.

God had given us the gift of free will. He lets us make our own choices and we must deal with the consequences – good and bad. While this may seem cruel, it really is freeing. I watch my son every time he takes a step out the door. I let him make his decision of how to make it out, ready to help, comfort or congratulate him as the situation requires. It brings me joy to see him want me there, and I know it brings him comfort and happiness to know that I am always there no matter what decision he makes.

Psalm 48:14 says, “for this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death.” What I like to focus on is that He will be our guide. All we have to do is follow the path that he sets forth. He will always be there showing us the way and watching our steps. It is our choice to make, but he will be there to help us make it.

Lord, thank you for showing us your path. The perfect path. Lord, we may not always choose the right path that you set, but we want to. Forgive us for straying and keep our pride from coming between our relationship. I want to have a close walk with you, Lord. I take comfort in knowing that you will catch me if I fall down. I smile knowing that you love me enough to let me make my own decisions. I choose you.

Weekly Devotional

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.