When Bad Things Happen

The other day I was driving my new car and running errands before going to get gas. According to the gauge I had 40 miles left. On my old car you could get that number down to the single digits and still make it to your destination. Well as you may guess that was not the case with my new car.

As I’m driving along on a busy road, my car starts to sputter. Thankfully I was close to the side and could pull off safely as I starred in disbelief! How could this happen!

Well just ahead there was a gas station, so I locked the car and proceeded to walk there and see if they had a gas can I could buy. Because I was so fixated on the gas station, I walked right past an O’Reily auto parts store that surely would have had a can. What I did notice though, was that across from the gas station there was a church with a young boy and his mom cutting grass, with no less than a gas can! My thought was if all else failed, I could ask them for help.

As it turned out the gas station did not have any cans so I walked through the open gate, and approached the mom watching her son cut grass. I told her my delima and asked if I could borrow her gas can? After consulting with the pastor on site, she volunteered to drive me back to my car with gas in hand. As I got in her car I could tell they were very poor. I’m not even sure the passenger’s seat was even connected to the floor! However I’m still focused on my stupidity and profusely thanked her for helping me out.

 As we pulled up behind my new car, and I got out of her barely functioning car, I realized it wasn’t about me. Ya see I also have a personalized license plate that says GODLVSU. Wow God, you surprised even me!

As we proceeded to put enough gas in the car to start it, I got a $20 out of my purse and gave it to her. I realized at that moment that I was sent to help her. Wow! That’s what I call a God moment.

So when bad things happen, or so we think, maybe it’s just God’s way of using us to be a blessing to someone else? May you be as blessed as I was that day to run out of gas, and be God’s hands and feet.

Godspeed.....

There Is No One Like Our God Is!

The other day in adult bible study it was reflected that there were demonic forces in this world that will try to create havoc in our lives, because we are living for God. At the time I thought well I’m fine, so maybe I’m doing something wrong?

What I failed to identify is personal attacks as being from Satan. I just assumed it’s part of life and continue on. So my present thought is, is it necessary to know who our attacker is? Would I be any better off thinking it was Satan, would my response be any different? I can honestly say no, because I have learned to lay down all my concerns, hopes and fears daily at the feet of Jesus.

Ya see, I’m pretty simple. I don’t have to have all the answers, know all the whys, or identify all my attacker’s. I do not have to fear! I surrender my hopes, dreams and fears daily to God and let Him fight my battles.

I guess I could get outraged and blame Satan and all his schemes, but truthfully I am okay just trusting God to protect me. My life is in His hands, so I don’t fret the who’s, or why’s. Faith as a child, hmmm.....

Listen to this song and be encouraged on your walk today.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7QWbypxdxXU

Jesus I Believe!

As of late this phrase, I believe,  has been on my mind, and as a result I have reflected on my thoughts. Do I really believe? I say I do, but would an outsider observing my actions agree? How do I know if I am really believing, or just thinking I do.

As many watched the SuperBowl last night, I can’t help but wonder how many fans really believed the Eagles would win? What I love most about this victory are the players that confessed with their words and actions that they believed  and live for Jesus Christ. They also went on to play liked they believed they could win. Their actions backed up their belief!

I then reflected on my own prayer life, and the many answered prayers that God has answered for me. I recognized a pattern that when I write down my prayers, and turn them over to God I don’t stress about them. I then go on about my day and thank God for all of His many blessings that surround me.

It is through this reflection and remembering answered prayers that I am encouraged to keep pressing forward for hopes and dreams that are yet to be seen. I have a history with God. His word is real to me, yet I still struggle with real belief. I have to intentionally go to this place of surrender daily, laying down my concerns, and believe that God hears me. Really believe!

I will frequently keep specific scripture verses that remind me to keep the faith and believe. My desire however is not too have to work so hard at believing, but it seems to be a daily surrender.

I am pleased to report, He has never left or forsaken me, and I know He hears you too! I can’t help but believe it was a God factor that helped the Eagles win as well. What are you believing for? Maybe a lost loved one, healing, health, or financial blessings. I encourage you today to believe in God who loves you more than you can imagine!

Read Matthew 7 and listen to this song and be encouraged to believe!
https://youtu.be/wQ_NgDR2Oo8

I Give You Control!

Daily surrender. For some that may be easy, but personally I have to consciously release my concerns and let them go. I have learned to start and end each day with thanksgiving, releasing my daily concerns to my Heavenly Father.

This life can be tough, but the Bible states greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. Do not fear!

I know we all go through struggles and hardships. Concerns for family and friends. Letting go of those cares and giving them to our Heavenly Father who knows our every care, even before we ask , gives us peace the world cannot give.

Philippians 4:6-7“ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Listen to this song and be encouraged today. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kFfztu8-bBQ#

You Are Perfect In All of Your Ways!

As the year wraps up, I look back and marvel at the protection and divine guidance of my daily walk thanking God for directing my steps, even when I did not understand. From the micro to the macro!

I recently had the pleasure to reconnect to a sister and her family after 34 years and marvel at the perfect timing for everyone. There are no coincidences with God!

In reflecting back on my journeys overseas and the connections I’ve made, I can’t help but wonder how God is using those connections for something awesome even though I don’t see anything yet. Faith is the substance hoped for and the evidence not seen. It is God’s divine provision in my past and present that keeps me excited about my future! How about you? Can you look back and see where God has protected and provided for you even when you didn’t see a way?

Recently my steps, and my daughter’s have been directed even when we did not see it at the time. From last minute airport changes to dead batteries, God was going ahead of us and making our crooked places straight! Sometimes our hardships are blessings in disguise. Learn to trust God even in the difficulties and know He is working all things for your good!

As the Bible states, God directs our steps, when we listen to His still small voice. Not demanding our own way, but daily surrender to His will in our lives, trusting Him to protect us. Yay though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil, for my God is with me.

My prayer for each of us this year is that we will see God’s fingerprints in our lives and learn to trust Him more, reflecting His love in us to all who are in our path! May God’s peace that passes our understanding, keep our hearts and minds fixed on Him, the author and finisher of our faith!