Toils and Troubles

September 2, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence.”  Psalm 16:11

 

     I don’t know about you – but my life is not always a bed of roses!  I seem to experience more than my fair share of painful encounters. Too often, I’m merely steps away from the crumbling walls of my own heartaches. Do you struggle in this life?

 

     We both should learn a lesson from the Master: Don’t march into battle with the enemy without first claiming the courage of God’s promises.

 

     True joy in this life is far deeper than happiness. Joy can be felt even in the midst of and in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is only temporary because it’s based on God’s presence within us. Find contentment in His daily presence. Don’t base your circumstances on your life – and don’t base your life on your circumstances.

 

When you are confused? “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 God knows your future and He has plans for that future. His Word tells us our future is good and full of hope. When you rest in this promise, you can have boundless hope. No matter what life tosses in your direction; pain, hardship, suffering – God will see you through. It won’t always be easy – but you are never alone.

 

When you feel weighted by yesterday’s failures – “Those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty” Romans 8:1 “Not Guilty”. Those are the words Christ uses when you stand before Him. Even though the whole human race is worthy of death row for continually breaking God’s Holy Laws – without Jesus we would have no hope at all. Thank God, He has declared all of us not guilty and offers us freedom from sin and gives us the power to do His will.

 

During those times you wonder where God is:  “I am the Holy One, and I am among you.” Hosea 11:9 It’s easy for us to define God in terms of our own expectations - but God is God. He’s not man. In doing so, we make Him just slightly larger than ourselves. In reality, He is infinitely greater than we are or could ever imagine. We should seek to become more like Him rather than attempting to remake Him in our image!

 

When you pray He hears your prayers: “In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.” Jeremiah 12-13 God has never forgotten His people. In times of deep trouble, it may seem that God has forgotten you (and me), but He may be preparing us, for a new beginning. When you don’t think you hear Him – you just need to start talking more.

 

When you’re afraid of dying: God promises that He will not forget about us when we die. None of us will ever leave this world alone. “For you will not leave me among the dead; you will not allow your beloved one to rot in the grave”. Psalm 16:10 He’ll raise you to everlasting eternal life with HIM! As a believer, this provides real security.

 

Footsteps Preschool (Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church) is now open. Our first day of preschool will be September 8^th. We are an outreach ministry, not just for our own church members, but for the surrounding community. Our goal is to provide Christian love, knowledge of the Savior, and school readiness to the children entrusted in our care. Will you please make us a matter of personal prayer? Pray specifically that we will continue to grow and expand to meet the needs of these precious souls? Help us spread the word to area folks.

 

Dear God,

 

     Toils and troubles come heavy at times, but help us to always remember that we’re not alone during those times - that You are always with us in the midst of our pain and suffering. And may we never lose sight of Your will for our lives. Help us to keep our focus always on You. We love you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14