"The eternal God is your [my] refuge and
underneath [me] are His everlasting arms."
As you may have read, last Sunday was a chaotic, epic mess. My morning devotions for that day, read prior to the chaotic, epic mess happening, included God Calling...this is that devotion:
Love Bangs the Door
"Life with Me is not immunity from difficulties but peace in difficulties. My guidance is often by shut doors. Love bangs as well as opens.
Joy is the result of faithful, trusting acceptance of My Will, when It seems not joyous.
Paul, my servant, learnt this lesson of the banged doors when he said, "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
Expect rebuffs until this is learned-it is the only way.
Joy is the daughter of calm."
And, on Monday, when I awoke from an exhausted slumber, I read:
No Strain
"Be calm, no matter what may befall you. Rest in Me. Be patient, and let patience have her perfect work. Never think things overwhelming. (guilty!) How can you be overwhelmed when I am with you?
Do not feel the strain of life. There is no strain for My children. Do you not see I am a Master Instrument-maker? Have I not fashioned each part? Do I not know just what it can bear without a strain? Would I, the maker of so delicate an instrument, ask of it anything that could destroy or strain?
No! The Strain is only when you are serving another master, the world, fame, the good opinion of men--or carrying two days' burden on the one day.
Remember that it must not be."
"I have learned to kiss the wave
that throws me against the Rock of Ages."
~ Charles Spurgeon ~
Upset, someone asked me, "How can you believe this is part of God's plan?"
My reply, "Are you upset because I believe or because you don't?"
For everyone, faith and trust are choices. We all have faith and trust...the car will start, the electricity will work, the toilet will flush, our family loves us, etc. God has a plan and I choose to trust Him and have faith in Him that He'll bring His good will and His good plans to fruition in my life for His glory and my eternity.
Not because I love Him so very much but because He loves me so very much.
"In that way, you will be acting
as true children of your Father in heaven.
For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good,
and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike."
~ Matthew 5:45 ~
Please pray for ~ Regina, who just had surgery ~ Maxine ~ Laura ~ the new leaders of our country ~ Israel ~
Isn't it wonderful how the Word of God has just the right verses for us at just the right moment.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray that things will be swiftly and calmly done to make good the house.
Yes, it is wonderful. Construction will continue until April or May when we're able to refinish floors. sigh. The saga continues.
DeleteWhat an excellent devotional truth to share with your readers today. We've been in those places, and I'm so happy that you took the time to post this today. What better time to praise than in the midst of a trying experience. I am encouraged, and I'm glad you are too.
ReplyDeletethanks for telling me you're encouraged; that helps me.
DeletePraying for all those that need prayer. Please add Sissie's (Sissie's Shabby Cottage) son, Jeff, to your prayer list. They desperately need prayers. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling me about Sissie and Jeff...so much pain and anxiety...am praying for all three.
DeleteIt makes me smile to read how God was preparing you that morning, knowing what He was going to allow, and knowing His daughter would "stand and deliver" to honor Him when the devil was given permission to attack. Thank-you for your testimony.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome; selfishly, would rather not have one...lol.
DeleteI love how God spoke to you in your time of need before you knew your need. It is always a real blessing when He does that!
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs & continued prayers for you dear Sandra.
FlowerLady
and do you know, Rainey, I didn't even realize it until I went back and checked...there was a LOT going on and I was in survival mode for several days.
DeleteBoy howdy. We all need this kind of encouragement in our lives. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI just joined the HGTV Fixer Upper group on FB and I noticed that two of my FB friends are already members. One was a very conservative person (you) and the other a very liberal lady (an old school chum). I think that speaks well for Chip and Jo! We all love them! :)
Praying for calm and good progress in your home.
You're right...I'm so conservative I make Ronald Reagan look like a tree hugger! lol
DeleteI needed to read what you wrote. I need to learn to kiss the waves that throw me into the arms of God. That is difficult. But that is where we find true Peace.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the BEST quote? Carol, in a comment on the prior post, gave that quote...fabulous! BTW, "peace" is the word that keeps coming in front of me...everywhere, all where.
DeleteOH THIS SNOW-PHOTOS!
ReplyDeleteYes, Dori, we get some snow...that was the first big snow of the year, more soon to follow...but, hopefully, not until I get insulation in the walls.
DeleteI hope things are calmer there now...and you are recovered from the freeze...all our snow is gone now and it's been nearly 70 degrees...crazy...
ReplyDelete~Have a lovely day!
Calmer mainly due to exhaustion level...lol... We're making progress and the contractors will be here next week to begin. Meanwhile, helpers and I have the dining room cleaned, caulked and dining room table upside down so legs can be fixed. Nearly all the furniture has to be restored, somehow, someway, if possible.
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