Hard is Hard

Hard is hard. It stinks. But God - there's always a "but God" - He gives us tools we can use to get stronger through those hardships. Like King Asa, we have choices to make when we need face hard times.

"Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the Lord, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war." 2 Chronicles 16:8-9 NIV

Remember how God helped you through impossible circumstances before. He is faithful to you. He has walked you through hard before! Unsure how He helped you? Ask Him to show you. He won't zap you for this, I promise!

Remember the cost of not relying on God. Learn from others' choices. Learn from your own choices. (Have we not all chosen to trust ourselves or another human more than God at some point?)

Each time we remember God's faithfulness and the cost of not depending on Him, the choice to trust Him gets easier.

Choose to believe truth… God will strengthen you! He is with You!

See also: Romans 8:31-35 and Philippians 3:10-14

Father, thank You for walking us through hard! For giving us courage to face giants! For giving us faith that continues to increase. Help us finish each hard trial well. Convict us when we don't want to hear Your correction - when pride tries to rule in our hearts. Give us pliable, reachable hearts. We long to honor You and ask that You have YOUR way in us! 

We give You our hard circumstances and agree with You  that, being covered by the blood of Jesus, we are not defined by circumstances. Jesus is our circumstance!!! Jesus is our provision, our sustenance, our life abundant!!! Thank You! 

I ask a special blessing over those facing what seems impossible and mighty. Speak encouragement into their souls. Heal hurts. Strengthen weak knees. Help us in the Body of Christ to encourage one another as we wait for Jesus’ return. Let us finish well together!  In Jesus’ name!  

I have a truth button, and I’m activating it!

Remember the Staples^R “That was easy” button? I decided to tweak their idea. Yup. I’m making a Truth Button for myself. When the lies fly, I can push my handy Truth Button and say “Aha! [insert a truth from God’s Word here]!”

Hopefully I won't too quickly assume a swordsman pose, thereby scaring anyone in proximity (WalMart, here I come. Ha!). Maybe tomorrow those big ol' lies will whimper, “Oh no! She has a truth button and she’s not afraid to use it!” Or not.  Hey. It’s worth a try, isn’t it? 

I have a truth button, and I’m activating it!

Ok, so it may sound a bit silly, but who cares? Tangible tools can be very helpful.

So, what Truth Button statement can I make today each time I start to feel overwhelmed, fearful, or fried?

Aha! The truth of the matter is...

~ God’s for me, not against me! No weapon formed against me will prosper because He is my Defender!

~ Abba God created me; I'm His workmanship! He'll provide what I need to do what needs to be done.

~ I can choose, as Jairus did, to "Don't be afraid; just believe." (Mark 5:36) I'm not controlled by these emotions or circumstances! What small step of faith can I take right now to show trust that God's Holy Spirit is here with me now? 

Abba God, thank You so much for giving me truth to anchor to, for making me complete in Christ Jesus, and for molding me into the piece of work You intended to make me into.  It's so reassuring to know that You gave me truth to read and cling to, that truth matters, and that truth is powerful. Help me continue to get stronger as I learn to use my “Truth Button.”  In Jesus' name... 

Intimidating verses are now a comfort

Funny to me how some verses seem intimidating & the same verses will later bring great comfort… Or maybe it’s a progression in understanding God’s grace & our current standing before Him because of the power of Christ Jesus? I don’t know.

Lately, these truths have held great comfort for me. I am reminded of the character of One who holds me together when I am weak. He sees details still hidden from my view. His pure love is unbreakable and constant. His mighty strength is unmatched. His resolve is unending and unchallenged. His wisdom and patience guide Him – He knows when to act and when to wait. 

He does not wring His hands wondering "Oh, what will I do?" 

He is immovable and unchangeable. He is holy and frighteningly pure in comparison to us humans.

For I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is no one like Me,

Declaring the end from the beginning

And from ancient times things which have not been done,

Saying My purpose will be established,

And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.

Isaiah 46:9b-10 (NAS)

"He is God, and there is no other..." This is the One who loves me enough to continually propel me toward becoming more like Christ Jesus. He finishes what He starts – in me, in the church, and in this world.

Oh, Abba God! You ARE God, and there is NONE like You! You are there, wherever I am. Whatever I face! I'm so thankful that I can cling to your unchanging character. I can cling to You in the midst of each pain and struggle! What I face is nothing compared to You. Thank You for being my Rock and Redeemer! In Jesus' name... 

Remember...

“[Abram] went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”-- Genesis13:3-4

I don’t think it’s extremely clear in Scripture why Abram went back to this place. However, I was reminded of an important action which we all can take, modeled by Hebrews throughout Scripture.

REMEMBER.

We all have moments that we must remember altar moments, when Abba God did something beyond comprehension in our lives:

§  a promise

§  peace spoken in the midst of a storm

§  a call to sacrifice

§  a release from a sin you struggled with

§  a miracle that saved you from disaster

We must remember – not to base our faith on experiences – but because we humans are quick to forget:

§  His love

§  His character

§  His ability and strength

§  His plan

§  Truth

Abba God, thank you for reminding me this morning of “altar moments” in my life, when you’ve shown me a little more of you, and a glimpse of your delight in me. Help me to let go of despair I've been feeling, choosing instead to frolic with joy in your pasture of love, believing you do delight in me. I’ve done nothing to deserve your love; Jesus has done it all for me. Help me to walk in joy and truth, simply because Jesus loved me so much that He stopped only when “It [was] finished.” Forever, in Jesus’ name…