Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Would you believe that we had a wonderful rain last night? It was just pouring as we had supper and then, later in the evening it came down again! I have been praying for rain for a long time, and God finally answered. Praise Him!
The ferns in the park are wilting and turning brown, so I hope the rain fell over there...just one mile from here. I thoroughly enjoyed my walk yesterday, which started out with chatting with Terry, who always is exuberant and full of laughter. We've known him for a couple decades.
I stopped at the first shelter to check on the baby gators, but only saw Mama keeping watch over something, so I walked on to the Tower and watched the gallinule couple busily pecking around on the foliage in the water. They look like they walk on water because they are so light they can walk on the tiniest weed in the water.
On my way back, I stopped once more at the shelter and Mama gator had moved and had her nose almost up to the bank, but I still could not see the babies. Well, I guess she could, and that's what counts! God is Wonderful!
From the Promise Bible NLT
Why does God allow challenges in our lives?
James 1:2,4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."
Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.
Are some challenges too small to bother God?
Psalm 37:3 "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you."
Nothing is too small for God. When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.
What has God given me to help me face my challenges?
Joshua 1:7 "Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do."
God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.
1 Chronicles 28:20 "David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."
Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, we should be encouraged by the limitless power of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
