I Remember

I recently gave a talk about the future but spoke primarily of the past. I asked the audience to remember what God has done for them and others. Remember how the God of heaven, our Creator made a way for us and others throughout history. I asked them to remember how God has been merciful and demonstrated grace when we least warranted it (as if we can ever deserve grace) and how his mercy saw us through our darkest of hours.

I could quote common bible scriptures that speak to the goodness of the Lord but I am equally learning that it is something that we must imprint upon our hearts, minds, and souls. I must come to know that the Lord God, Jehovah, Yahweh, Elohim can provide for my needs and yours as well.

I don't know what tomorrow brings as I am not a prophet. However, I know that God is able. He has promised to always be there for me even when I don't feel or have the audacity to believe he's not there or doesn't care. I hope, have faith, and trust that my God will deliver me into a bright future.

Pain is a purifier and we must all be tried by it. Fiery trials are what remove the dross or impurities from silver and gold. No one takes pleasure in being tried but we can have confidence is knowing that God will deliver us and give us an expected end.

So I encourage you (and me) as you're going through your trial, time of testing, pressure cooker, or stressful situation to find one thing to be thankful for and say Hallelujah, Lord I love you! Thank you Jesus for giving your life so that I could have one. Thank you Holy Spirit for being my guide and comforter as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Thank you God for making it possible for me to spend an eternity with Him where there will be no more dying, or crying, or trials, or evil things. God will make us new in Him and we will put off mortality for immortality and be forever with Him.

Again, as much as I or you could complain or could feel down trodden or depressed, let us lift up our hands and eyes and look to Jesus for our help. He will make a way some how.