When Speaking the Truth Makes Us Unpopular
Do we speak words of truth when we see our friends making life-altering choices that guarantee a poor outcome and challenge them with the truth of God’s word
When you’re feeling discouraged or need a boost of courage, God is there.
Do we speak words of truth when we see our friends making life-altering choices that guarantee a poor outcome and challenge them with the truth of God’s word
He’s the creator of heaven and earth! This amazing God–the one for whom nothing is impossible–He’s the one who is for you! Why, then, should we fear?
I read these Scriptures with a question in mind: What single thought grabs me? The answer: “The Lord is for me.” The statement is simple but life-altering.
No matter what circumstances you and I face–and I guarantee we will face tough stuff–we can rest assured that the Lord will care for us.
When God gives an assignment, our tendency is to say, “Who, me? I can’t do that.” Fear looms, and we offer excuses such as, “I’m not smart enough.”
How can we muster courage in the face of fear? By remembering that, no matter what happens to us, we are victors because God is the king of our lives.
“The job description fits you and Grace,” he said. “May I give IM your names?” And so began our adventure into the realm of the impossible.
Scripture tells us to be wise and not start building a house lest we’re unable to complete it, but it also says to walk by faith.
The task appeared daunting and the supplies seemed ridiculously inadequate. But Jesus didn’t seem to notice. He used what was available and got the job done.
Champions one minute. Losers the next. What a ride! How can we prevent or lessen the emotional ups and downs?
My husband sat at the kitchen table, his head in his hands. “It’s time for a change,” he said. “I’m not interested in doing this any longer.”
To say I felt overwhelmed would be an understatement. So what kept me going? Keeping my eyes on the One who is invisible.
The Israelites failed to trust and obey…If only they’d known God’s heart for them. Maybe they would have responded in a different way.
Voices that murmur doubts and cause you to query God’s character: “A good God would never allow such painful circumstances. Why devote yourself to Him?
How often does the fear of what others think sway your decisions, words and actions? I recently collided with the fear of man and was forced to make a choice.
I remember when I first sensed God nudging me to write this book. My human logic scoffed: “Who, me? You want me to do what? Are you kidding? I can’t do that.”
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.
Taking God-given risks changes that. It keeps my faith alive and vibrant. It drives me into the Word and forces me to cling to God’s promises.
When I feel afraid, Psalm 107 speaks to me. One section tells of sailors whose ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged to the depths.
One’s memory of God’s promises often fails when life deals a tough blow. Stress and fear sabotage our minds, and our ability to recall His words takes flight.
Yes, Gideon was a fearful guy, but thankfully he didn’t allow his fears to stop him from obeying God’s call. What swayed Gideon to “do it afraid?”
Here’s my word to you–don’t be afraid. When your heart is bent on honoring God rather than serving yourself, He will guide your steps.
I say, “The Lord is with me. I will trust and not be afraid.” Repeating this aloud several times works for me. It reminds me that God is in control.
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.
I have three kids, and they’ve all traveled abroad for missions. I know what it feels like to watch your teens board a plane with no guarantee of their return.
Sometimes life takes us to a place where we feel dry and bone weary. Thankfully we needn’t dwell there; God meets us there and breathes fresh life into us.
Assuming the worst often means we waste a lot of time and energy entertaining negative thoughts and what-ifs. But assuming correctly is a whole ‘nother story.
Life doesn’t always turn out the way we hope or plan. Sometimes our circumstances don’t make sense, and we wonder if God really knows what He’s doing.
When the storms of life blow in on us, we’re faced with a choice. How should we respond? For starters, let’s not allow our emotions to dictate our actions.
I wonder how others accepted Sheerah and her giftedness. No doubt some followed her leadership; others probably tsk-tsked and criticized her efforts and passion
David’s response to difficulties provides a good example for us. When our circumstances seem too much to bear, we, too, can find our strength in the Lord.
Are you facing a God-given task or dream that looks impossible? So impossible that you hesitate even mentioning it to a friend lest you look like a lunatic?
Clearly God wanted the people’s involvement in fighting this battle. Some, like the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, chose to go; others chose to stay. Why?
End of content
End of content
GRACE FOX MINISTRIES
PO Box 11022
1945 McCallum Road
Abbotsford, BC V2S 0E4
Canada