Refreshing Faith
In this post Larry talks about finding the motivation to make crucial changes when you feel weak. Now here’s Larry.
How do you respond to change? Many have switched to wearing masks in public with ease. Being safe is worth the inconvenience. But other personal improvements require more effort than remembering to wear a mask.
We all want to become better people. But lasting internal change requires God’s help.
Do you ever battle messy emotions? Emotions become messy when they rule us instead of us ruling them. Maybe you can relate to Jody.
Jody pulled into the parking lot. Where had all the cars come from? Was she late? Usually the lot was empty. Jody loved meeting with her small group but felt self-conscious walking in last. A familiar battle warred in the pit of her stomach.
She put the car in reverse and drove home. She promised to arrive earlier next week.Continue Reading
A friend recently remarked, “I’m starting my morning wondering what new loss or bad news the day will bring.” 2020 has punched many people in the gut. Has a long battle or diet of bad news caused you to fret? Whether your enemy is physical, emotional, or spiritual, I have good news. You have help!
Scripture reminds us God is our strength and deliverer. No enemy can defeat Him. He doesn’t expect us to rescue ourselves from trouble. He will save us. But—we have a role to play. If you aren’t experiencing victory over your worries, consider—are you doing your part?
Notice what we are to do and what we are not to do:Continue Reading
Have you ever wondered why God allowed the COVID-19 virus to stop the whole world—and your world in particular? Or perhaps your life has been hijacked by another issue. Has He lost control? What good can come from this?
As one who values efficiency, I don’t respond gracefully to setbacks. I prefer McDonald’s jingle, “You deserve a break today.” But biblical and secular history show life doesn’t flow in a straight line. Like a good novel, real life packs in its share of twists and turns.
So how should we respond to obstacles? Ecclesiastes 7:13 offers this intriguing advise.
Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?” (Eccles. 7:13 NLT)
“Accept the way.” If I know God is behind something, that is one thing. But does this verse include things that happen because of sin, storms, and sickness?
Some setbacks come from inexperience. God created growth to be a process. We glean some lessons only through living. So instead of bemoaning life’s learning curves, lean into them. Collect all you can from the delays.Continue Reading
