How honest are you with God about the hurts that you're feeling? I haven't always been so honest with Him. I think it's because I felt guilty for complaining to Him when deep down, I know how much He has blessed me. Then, one evening I heard a pastor say that God wants us to bring all of our burdens to Him. We can tell Him that we are hurting, and that's ok.
Of course God already knows our every pain and sorrow. But who better to talk to about these things than our wonderful Heavenly Father? It is such a comfort to sit down and have a real heart to heart conversation with my Lord.
I have read more of God's Word over the past two years of my life than ever before, and it has been life changing! Sometimes I will read through Psalms and think to myself "you said WHAT to God?" Let me give you an example:
"Lord, how long will You forget me? Forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me? Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death. My enemy will say, 'I have triumphed over him,' and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance. I will sing to the Lord because He has treated me generously." Psalm 13
Can you feel the pain in this writers words? God hears our cries. We must understand that He loves us so much, and He wants us to lean on Him in our hard times (and in the good ones). He will wrap His loving arms around us as we tell Him of our hurts.
God I am hurting tonight, my heart is broken. I need You to carry me through this painful trial in my life. Help me show unshakable faith in You as I endure this. Help me to live life according to Your will and not my own. Amen.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Monday, February 6, 2017
"You know we sing about praising God, and how the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.....we sing with smiles on our faces until something bad happens. Then we whine, we get angry and suddenly those songs irritate us. Our 'Have Faith in God' attitude is gone. But the Bible tells us to thank God when we go through trials because He makes us stronger. God is enough, trusting Him is enough."
This was my response to a group message on social media back in September of 2014, just two months after my daughter's disappearance. Going through the situation that I am in, it's hurtful, overwhelming and exhausting. My friends were trying to send me encouragement, but they were at a loss for words. I began getting messages like "I wish I could do more" and "I hate that you are going through this."
I remember that evening like it was yesterday, I also remember when the words above came to me. God gave me the assurance that He is all I need to get through this, and He is all my daughter needs. I knew I needed to write those words down and look back on them during my weakest moments. I wanted to share them with you. Whatever you're struggling with today, just remember God IS ENOUGH!
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-3
"Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
kathyjo79.blogspot.com
2.6.2017
Thursday, February 2, 2017
contentment in tough circumstances
As I was working on my new prayer list for the start of the new year, I had an amazing realization. I began, of course, by listing my prayer for Megan’s ( my daughter, who is missing) safe return home. Then, as I thought about other requests, I suddenly felt very content. Now I know that I had other requests from last year that weren’t yet “answered” but they suddenly didn't seem so urgent. God gave me a feeling of contentment and let me tell you, it was very freeing.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27
Contentment does not come easy, it's definitely something we must seek from God. Let me share with you in a little more detail some of my current challenges. I have a rare condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Due to this, I have been unable to work for over a year now. I've worked most of my life, so this is an adjustment for me. So this brings new financial challenges. On top of that, we have needed to have repair done to our roof for about two years. First, nobody shows up, then, there’s the question of how will we pay for it. I'm only telling you this so you can understand some of the things I had been praying for.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11
When I began working on the list, there was no question about listing Megan, and even in her situation, I know that God is working (even if I can't see Him doing so). But suddenly, I felt no need to stress over the other things.
Here's the thing, yes, God wants us to go to Him with our requests and certainly I do. The part that I have struggled with is truly trusting that He will take care of things. I know He will......I say He will........but then I continue to allow myself to worry and stress out about it. That’s where I need improvement.
God will give you peace, comfort, and even joy in the midst of your most difficult circumstances. He is a mighty God. He understands our hurts, knows our every need. He provides for and loves us. Ask God to give you these things during your trial, and allow Him to use you for His glory. No matter what you are struggling with today, He is there. Live a life that glorifies Him, and rest in His loving embrace.
God keeps His promises. He will take care of every concern that is on our heart, whether big or small. He is victorious in all things.He is, was, and always will be!
Are you trusting Him today?
Kathyjo79.blogspot.com
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27
Contentment does not come easy, it's definitely something we must seek from God. Let me share with you in a little more detail some of my current challenges. I have a rare condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Due to this, I have been unable to work for over a year now. I've worked most of my life, so this is an adjustment for me. So this brings new financial challenges. On top of that, we have needed to have repair done to our roof for about two years. First, nobody shows up, then, there’s the question of how will we pay for it. I'm only telling you this so you can understand some of the things I had been praying for.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11
When I began working on the list, there was no question about listing Megan, and even in her situation, I know that God is working (even if I can't see Him doing so). But suddenly, I felt no need to stress over the other things.
Here's the thing, yes, God wants us to go to Him with our requests and certainly I do. The part that I have struggled with is truly trusting that He will take care of things. I know He will......I say He will........but then I continue to allow myself to worry and stress out about it. That’s where I need improvement.
God will give you peace, comfort, and even joy in the midst of your most difficult circumstances. He is a mighty God. He understands our hurts, knows our every need. He provides for and loves us. Ask God to give you these things during your trial, and allow Him to use you for His glory. No matter what you are struggling with today, He is there. Live a life that glorifies Him, and rest in His loving embrace.
God keeps His promises. He will take care of every concern that is on our heart, whether big or small. He is victorious in all things.He is, was, and always will be!
Are you trusting Him today?
Kathyjo79.blogspot.com
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