"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me." - Galatians 2:20

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Friday, July 26, 2013

PROMISES

Danielle Street is a new online friend to me who is equally passionate to lead women toward spiritual maturity.  Her heart is evident through her writing.  To learn more about the ministry the Lord has put in Danielle's heart please visit:  www.journeytowardsmaturity.com  

 
 “God isn’t late with His promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change" (2 Peter 3:9 MSG).

Many of us can relate to pain in relationships with people who have broken their promises.  Sadly, we may also have caused pain in someone else’s life by not being able to keep our promise.   As imperfect humans, promises are sometimes hard to keep.  Thankfully, we can depend on a Perfect God and trust His Word no matter what circumstance we face.

The Bible reminds us:

1. God Keeps His promises.
2.  It’s in His time, not our time.
3.  He doesn’t like seeing us in pain, lost, and destroyed, but He wants us to deepen our relationship with Him through changing our hearts and repenting. 

Experiencing various difficult trials in my twenties forced me to reflect on my life.  The tough trials included: a broken engagement with expensive wedding plans cancelled from my first relationship, someone special I knew committing suicide, being afflicted with the Epstein Barr virus, a rocky marriage that was heading towards divorce, fertility problems because of polycystic ovarian syndrome, post-partum depression, several painful surgeries, diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, and the shocking loss of my husband’s job while I was a “stay-at-home mom.”  

I admit there were times I just focused on the temporary pain and wanted a quick fix.   When I finally fixed my eyes on Christ and His promises, I gained an eternal perspective on life.  I was able to focus more on how the circumstances were changing me and helping me become more like Christ. 

During the difficult times, I had a choice.  I could either look to imperfect people and temporary things to help me feel better OR I could accept, trust, and obey God and His amazing Word.  The Bible is filled with numerous reminders that God loves us and we can depend on Him for eternal hope, peace, and strength.   As believers, it’s essential we continue to encourage one another to fix our eyes on Christ, allow Him to work in our hearts, and choose to live by His amazing promises!


Heart Work:  Ask the Lord this week to help you fully trust in His promises.  Share with Him any doubts you may have.  During a difficult circumstance, ask God to help you learn how it’s changing and molding you to become more like Christ. 

Heart Exam:   Do you trust God and His Word at all times?    What steps are you taking to hold on to God’s promises?  Are you surrounding yourselves with strong believers who can encourage you to stand firm on God’s Word?

Heart Transforming Word: 
"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust' ” (Psalm 91:1-2).

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore”  (Psalm 121:1-8).

"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Mathew 19:26).

". . . 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 8:39).




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