When you write a blog three times a week, every week, some days it is hard to put words on the page. Today is one of those days. Yesterday I received a ministerial set back that could change all the work I do for the Lord going forward from here.
I cannot discuss what happened or at least not yet, but it was truly devastating to me. You know it was one of those times when everything was going right and with prayer and confidence in the Lord I made moves to spread the recovery ministry I have been working with. Then in a flash there are road blocks in the way I would have never thought of.
It is frustrating because I have seen how the ministry has been meaningful and the way we have been going about it has made a difference in people’s lives. But now I can only think that what my plans were, were not the plans God had or has.
Have you ever been there? Have you ever for years been following a path which you believe is what God wants you to do and then it is stopped dead in its tracks? I am sure if you have, you know that it can lead you down two different paths and in the last twelve hours I have been down both.
If you have followed this blog, you probably know that I am cynical. Normally I have a joyful disposition but when I meet with negativism I become negative myself. Well that was my first reaction yesterday. I wanted to throw out the baby with the bath water. Selfishly I thought, if I cannot do this the way I want than I don’t want to do it at all. I am tired and just want to give up. But with lots of encouragement from RuthAnn I now can see that if I am going to truly trust in God, I must be able to trust Him in these times too.
So, this morning I have been searching the scriptures and digging into the promises and I thought I would share some of them with you. Maybe you need a few of these this morning, like I do:
Psalm 40: 2-3- “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” First thing I must do when I look forward is look back. Back to where I was when the Lord saved me. I was in the pit of destruction and walking in quick sand. But I am now standing firm on the rock, that is Jesus Christ and through him I have been able to encourage others. So, should a setback defeat me? I think you know the answer to that!
Proverbs 3: 5-6- “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success.” When I seek to depend on myself and my understanding of God’s plan I can and do get lost. What I need to do is trust it all and I mean all to Him and His success will be with me.
Philippians 3: 13-14- “Brothers, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching for the things that are ahead with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” If I am burdened with the past and not keeping my eyes on the prize, I believe I cannot hear the upward call of God. Today is a new day. If I am burdening myself with negative thoughts, I am wasting my time. Don’t you think?
Isaiah 41:10- “So do not fear; for I am with you; for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” When I am despairing in any way and especially when Satan is plaguing me with doubts I turn to this verse.
In the end it comes down to who do I believe, who do I trust. The truth is I have been saved from a life of addictions. I have been blessed to write this blog and share what God does in my life every day. I have been given a wife who laughs when I laugh and cries even harder than I do when I am down. There is a God who loves me so much, He allowed His son to take the death I deserve. So, this morning I truly have nothing to fear and only love and joy to dwell upon. I will be open to whatever and wherever He leads. What about you?
Blessings John
5/9/18
