The weekly blogs are usually written a couple of weeks in advance, but for those of us living in the United States, which is entering its 11th day of a government shutdown, I wanted to write something current to encourage us through these parlous times. Monday a dear friend sent me an email to encourage me, which I didn’t get to read until this morning (Thursday)…what a blessing and great reminder of what we need to do.
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” (Hebrews 10:35, NIV)
Unshakable Confidence…When God places a promise in your heart; you have to come to the place where you believe it’s going to happen so strongly that nothing can talk you out of it. It may seem impossible. All the circumstances may tell you that it’s not going to happen, but deep down you have to have this confidence, this knowing, that God is still on the throne. He is bigger than any obstacle. He already has a way, and at the exact time, what He promised will come to pass. You have this unshakeable confidence. You know that God is fighting your battles, arranging things in your favor, making a way even when you don’t see a way.
Instead of being discouraged, you get up in the morning thanking God that the answer is on the way. Instead of talking about how big the problem is, you go through the day talking about how big your God is. Your mind is set in one direction: victory, favor, healing, and restoration. It may be taking a long time, but God didn’t bring you this far to leave you. You’ve seen Him do it in the past, and you know He will do it again in the future. You are fully persuaded because when you know your God, you have unshakeable confidence! by Joel & Victoria Osteen
Sisters I know some of you are going through some very trying times at the moment, and you are not alone—I also find myself in a place of having no income. I’ve been here once before, a little over 21 years ago. Is it scary? Yes, to say the least. And it has been a great struggle to stay in the present praising God for what I have and how all my needs are being met today. My heart and soul want to look at tomorrow, (as if there is anything we can do about tomorrow) through eyes of hopelessness. I live with my oldest daughter and her children. You might think, well, you’re okay—but not really. I am a burden to her, and that doesn’t make me feel good at all. And my youngest daughter is a college junior.
Looking into tomorrow or next week or the week after looks dim and frightening based on current, trials, tribulations or tests we may be experiencing. Because we find ourselves having to contend with questions such as: How will I make it? What if I lose everything? Supposed I’m not healed and my medical coverage runs out? This is why; looking ahead based on today’s circumstances is not good for us, nor does Jesus recommend it. Reason being, we do not have a clue as to what tomorrow will bring and today has enough in it to deal with. Truth is all we need is one word from God, to change everything around. That could be our government getting their act together so that people are called back to work, or those working without pay will see a check for their efforts. All veterans and those on disabilities and social security will receive their monies on time, and all unemployment benefits received as expected. The next doctor’s report says, your cancer is gone! For me and all the others looking for work, it could mean that phone call, “Your Hired!” or it could be that we must continue to wait a little longer. But the more we strive to live in “today” and not worry about tomorrow, the better off we are.
I have seen hard times before, so this is nothing new, but at 60, the world and others say, “You’re too old and useless for work.” But Jesus says, “Have faith in God!” Who do I choose to believe? Jesus!! God has made a promise to me and He has also told me something about my upcoming season in life and it looks nothing like what I see today. So, what does that mean? It means? “Instead of being discouraged, "I’m going to get up in the morning thanking God—the answer is on the way. Instead of talking about how big my problem is, I’ll go through the day talking about how big my God is. I am setting my mind in one direction: victory, favor, healing, and restoration” Amen!!
Be encouraged my dear sisters that God is near and hears your cries. You may be facing losing your house or eviction from your apartment. In a few days your utilities might be cut off or you are having a hard time feeding your family. It may seem that your healing is never coming, or your marriage is never going to be mended. You look around and see others seeming to prosper when you are going backwards and it hurts and causes you to question God’s love for you. Well, don’t give into those feelings—rebuke them with every being that you have! Do not roll up in a ball of despair, instead get up and praise God! Listen to the godly wisdom of Joel and Victoria. Read your Bibles and hold on for dear life! Amen!
Today I did a little something different with the song of the week, because I want you to get up and dance….enjoy!!!
Until next week….be blessed!!
Love & Hugs
Ponnie
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