Journey to Faith

Journey to Faith
Follow your own path

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Why God Why?

Ever wonder why God allows us to go through some things in life? Painful things, hurtful relationships, financial and job woes? Do you, like me, ask "Why, God, why?"

Sometimes God is silent.

I know He hears my cries, but I don't hear his answer for some reason. Again, I cry out "Why, God, why?"

And again - silence.

It is at times like these that I draw strength and hope from the truth of God's word and His promises. "I will never leave you or forsake you. "(Joshua 1:4-6). "I will lead you beside still waters."(Ps. 23:2) He doesn't say I will always feel his presence, does it? It is an act of my faith to trust that He is near. Psalm 34:18 says "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and those who are crushed in spirit." How much more intimate can you get?

So today, beloved, if you are crushed in spirit, draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Although we may not get our answers when we would like, we know that the Lord is working all things for our good. We may understand at some future time, perhaps when the storm has passed and we are able to see more clearly God's hand in our lives.

Reach out to a friend in need. Offer words of encouragement and be a blessing. The Lord is mighty to save!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

God's Provision during Tough times

As I go through this round of trials, I am amazed at God's provision in my life, once again reminding me that I am never alone and how much people care and love me. I can barely keep up with all the phone calls and requests to help from friends who are concerned and want to pray for me and bring me food. I am truly blessed and humbled by God's grace and provision.

Even though I want to make progress and move forward, my body is not cooperating. It's like the Lord is telling me to "Slow down" and I don't want to listen or obey. It's so hard when I am used to being so active and full of energy. Have you been listening to what the Lord is telling you these days? Is He telling you to slow down too? Or perhaps is He telling you to get a move on and pick up the pace?

Whatever trials you are going through today, know that the Lord is with you and He will provide for you in ways you cannot even imagine. Trust in His timing and be patient. This too shall pass, as I always say. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace and help me to comfort others as you comfort me in my pain and time of need.

Please pray for the people in Haiti and give what you can. Every act of kindness is a seed being sown in the kingdom. God bless you as you pray and obey.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

In Tough Times

We all go through tough times: times when we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, when we don't understand how we even got there, and when God seems so distant.

It is in those times, that I cling to God all the more tightly. I press in. I want understanding. I want to hear what God is trying to say to me. "Lord, show me what I have done wrong. Teach me what you want me to learn through this situation. Forgive me. Have mercy on me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness," is my prayer.

Amidst the darkness and in the valleys of life, the Lord is always with us. He promises he will never leave us or forsake us (Joshua 1:5). He will walk with us through the valleys."Yea though I shall walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Thou art with me," (Psalm 23:4).

When you are going through tough times, hold on to the Lord, our Protector, our Mighty Fortress, our Rock. Remember his promises, and look forward to His reward. "Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double portion of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land and everlasting joy will be yours." (Isaiah 61:7)

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

When God is Silent

We all have unanswered prayers; requests for God to intervene in our lives and deliver our long-awaited desires or meet a desperate need of some sort. We have faith in God. We know he hears us.

But what do we do when our prayer is not answered? Days, months, perhaps even years go by and still we pray the same prayer and still no answer from the Heavens.

Continue to seek God, search our hearts and do good, that's what. Focus on what God has called us to do and stay hopeful. Did I say this was easy? No. But that's where faith comes in. When everything looks hopeless, and you've exhausted all your resources. When the doctors don't know what to do and neither do you. Cling to God. Cry out to Jesus. And then wait. Like the woman with the issue of blood or the Centurion soldier, have faith. Faith as tiny as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).

Today as you wait on the Lord to answer your prayers, have faith and pray. "The fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16). And then get ready for God to give you the desires of your heart!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Doing Our Part

Waiting on God is not usually easy, is it? It requires patience, trust, and lots of hope.

Some think waiting on God means sitting back and doing nothing, dejected and doubtful their prayers will ever be answered.

To me, waiting on God means more than that. First of all, we cannot be double-minded, like it says in the book of James, "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:6-8)

It means to keep on doing what God has told me to do, with hopeful expectation while I'm waiting for Him to answer my prayers. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Gal 6:9-10).

A friend gave me a card a while ago, that said "God is always working, even if we don't see it." So true, yes? We cannot always see how God is working on someone or some situation in our lives. That is where faith comes in. We must have faith that God is working all things for our good even if it doesn't seem that way at the time.

So, while you are waiting for your prayers to be answered, get up and do your part. Trust in God's perfect timing and His great faithfulness and stop waiting for God to do what God is waiting for you to do!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Waiting on God

In today's society of instant gratification, instant messaging, and movies on demand, is it possible that we have lost the art of waiting and being patient?

God is patient with us, isn't he? Does he demand that we change immediately? I don't think so. I know I have some bad habits that I have been trying to change for years and am still working on.

God is in no hurry, so why are we? Why can't we be content to wait on God? Who do we think we are demanding things in our timeframe and according to our schedule? Are we on God's time or our time?

Are you a patient person or do you want everything when you want it - NOW? Are you patient with others? And more importantly, are you patient with God answering your prayers?

Today, let us ask God for more of his gift of the Holy Spirit - patience. Let us learn to wait on God "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps. 46:10) As the Apostle Paul said, "I have learned to be content" (Phil. 4:12) Let us, too, learn to be content with where we are and bloom where we're planted. "Continue to do good, and in due season, you will reap your reward." (Gal 6:9)

Friday, January 1, 2010

All Things are New

I heard the words to a new song yesterday. "Undo the person I have become and make me the person you want me to be." That just about sums it up for me. 2009 is past and 2010 is upon us, bright with hope and expectation of good things to come.

So instead of fretting about what I may have done wrong in 2009, I resolve to doing things differently in 2010. It is never too late to change. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”- 2 Corinthians 5:17. The Lord is constantly refining us and making us more like Him.

Whatever misfortune has happened to you in the past, trust in these words, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28)

God has a plan and a purpose for your life that is unique to you and you alone. God can take our pain and use it for His glory.

Happy New Year and may the Lord bless you abundantly in all ways as you seek to know Him more!

Blessings,
Patricia