Wednesday, October 27, 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! The air is much drier this morning, and cool, but it will get much warmer this afternoon, I'm sure. Here it is almost November and summer clothes are still appropriate for wearing!

Since my clothes drier decided not to work this morning, if I had a clothesline, I could hang my sheets on it, and they would be dry in no time. Oh, well, looks like a trip to the laundry is on the agenda for today. Good thing I am flexible with my time!

The weather was a little warm yesterday, but I found a table under the shade of a pine tree at the park, and had a picnic lunch with my friend, Dave, who is a Park Ranger, now. He is one of the few who still has a job with the county, after all the cuts. We always have interesting conversations because he is an unbeliever. We are polar opposites in our beliefs, but have been friends for a long time and he cuts my yard, when it needs it and does other things for me that need doing. I keep on praying for him, which he doesn't believe in, and maybe, in God's timing....who knows?

According to him, there are about three gator nests along the boardwalk, which I have not seen, although I saw signs of the nests on my walks. One at the original nest, and another off to the side, besides the babies which are at the first covered shelter. Lots of birds were out yesterday, including a cardinal flitting about in a magnolia tree. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

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 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, 27:5 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 for 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