Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Challenges

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Looks like another very warm, steamy day with lots of sunshine and a few breezes. We could use some rain, but God will provide in His time.

I had an invitation to go walking in the Park this morning, with a friend, but I have an appointment with my foot doctor, so had to decline. Actually, the best time to walk is very early, like 7 AM to avoid the heat. I have a neighbor who walks faithfully at 7 each morning, all around the block. He keeps in good shape during his retirement.

I went to the park yesterday on my way back from Walmart. A large class was standing with the teacher looking at the hawk's nest and learning all about nature. I am glad the county has not cut out that part of the budget, although the teacher is paid by the school board. The county furnishes the facilities.

But, anyway, the park was quiet and peaceful in the heat of the day, and I enjoyed my walk around Walmart. :o) God is good!

Challenges are something we all face every day, whether physical or mental, so if this is a repeat, please forgive and use it for good.

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. So let it 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 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 37:5 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