Sooner or Later Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Someday we’ll know more fully than we know now. We’ll know more about God’s character and more about why He allowed certain circumstances into our lives.
Someday we’ll know more fully than we know now. We’ll know more about God’s character and more about why He allowed certain circumstances into our lives.
Just ask the foot racer who lost the lead when he turned his head to check on the runners behind him. A split-second backward glance cost him the lead.
When we feel discouraged, we would do well to pause, take a deep breath, and ask ourselves the question: “Why are you crying?”
We find hope when we place our confidence in our unchanging God. Choosing to trust His wisdom, sovereignty, power, and goodness soothes the soul.
On a trip to Kathmandu, a friend and I encountered splashes of beauty amidst the mess as we walked down a narrow dirt lane in a residential neighborhood.
“Confidence is not based on you having all the resources needed to take care of yourself; confidence is based upon the truth that God is faithful.” ~ Roy Lessin
How often do we look at our circumstances, assume we know everything there is to know about them, and fall into discouragement or fear?
Life is really hard sometimes. But suffering is temporary. Let’s neither run from it nor resist it because it refines us and strengthens our faith.
When Jonah spilled his frustration, God asked him a pointed question: “Is it right for you to be angry about this?” It’s important we ask the same question.
Every hardship we experience is part of the pruning and honing necessary to prepare us. They also make us more like Jesus no matter what our destiny is.
God is good not only when life is good. He’s good all the time. Even when life stinks. Even when the furnace dies in winter.
Giving thanks shifts our focus from our circumstances to the God who rules over them. It sets our mind to rest and frees us to see what God does on our behalf.
We can focus on the past and miss what He’s doing in the present. We can focus on our problems and miss His hope-filled promises.
Let’s commit to viewing the unforeseen through God’s eyes. Let’s embrace whatever He brings and seek to partner with Him to accomplish His purposes.
“I’m just a…” or “I’m only a…” How many times have I heard people describe themselves in apologetic terms? Too many! Sadly, I’ve done the same thing.
“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it,” says Psalm 118:24. These words are more than the lyrics to a lilting worship chorus.
The enemy of our soul whispers lies bent on our destruction, but the Holy Spirit speaks words meant to strengthen and encourage us. Listen well, my friend.
The enemy may be trying to defeat you through difficult or painful circumstances, but he’s fighting a losing battle because God is on your side.
Today I’m donning my oxygen mask–praise. I’m not gasping for air anymore. Breathe in the Spirit’s presence. Breathe out anxiety. Oxygen flows.
How can we be intentional? Every time we catch ourselves thinking or saying something negative about our situation, let’s turn it around with a praise song
May God grant us spiritual eyes to see suffering through His eyes and to respond in a way that both draws us into deeper intimacy with Him and brings Him glory.
It’s easy to judge. But maybe we need to ask Jesus to help us see people through His eyes and to extend grace and mercy as He does.
Even though God tells us to persevere in prayer, I wonder if we sometimes cross an invisible line from persistence to panic-type praying.
Our challenges are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power through us. He wants to show His power through me and you.
Do people leave our conversations with them feeling encouraged or discouraged? Let’s determine that our conversations will inspire courage for those around us.
When stuff happens, we decide how to respond. Our challenge is to maintain a God-honoring perspective.
When we’re in despair or feeling anxious, praise is actually therapeutic. It transforms our perspective because it sets our spiritual sights on God.
Giving thanks is the sure-fire fix for the blahs. There’s no way the blahs can hang around when I choose to express gratitude.
It amazes me how different people can look at the same situation and come away with completely different perspectives.
Maybe I’m seeing it all wrong. Maybe I’m fulfilling exactly what God intends for today, and I simply need to adjust my perspective.
My youngest daughter has befriended a woman in a nursing home and has visited her regularly for months. Last week I had the privilege of meeting her.
“It’s all in one’s perspective,” said Jan. She explained that when troubles come, we’re all faced with a choice regarding where we fix our gaze.
Jesus’ words force me to sit up and pay attention. Obviously seeing suffering from God’s point of view matters, and it matters a lot.
Refuse to dwell on the what-ifs.
Instead, dwell on the for-sures. For sure, God has not abandoned us. For sure, the pain of this earthly life is temporal.
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GRACE FOX MINISTRIES
PO Box 11022
1945 McCallum Road
Abbotsford, BC V2S 0E4
Canada