On Sunday mornings in our Sunday School class, our teacher has been using the life of Gideon as an example. For any of you that have read the Bible, it sounds like we would be learning of great faith and overcoming fear and doubt. However, this Sunday, I got a different view of Gideon that planted a seed in my own life.
As our teacher was reading through a passage on Gideon, He came to Judges 6:12-13, which says, "And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told of us, saying, did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us into the hands of the Midianites." Our teacher continued, but these verses especially stuck out to me, and they have for this entire week.
God appeared to Gideon, and instead of responding in faith, he questioned God. This Bible hero, who is even mentioned in Hebrews 11 as one of the people with great faith, questioned if God was even really with him. I'll be honest, I never really noticed this about this story before. I had no idea that someone with such faith started out so faithless. A part of me was disappointed, until I realized that this is something I myself do without even realizing it.
This week, I have held multiple conversations about things that just do not "make sense". Genuinely good people getting bad test results, families losing loved ones, people disappointing others, and the list continues. I think to these conversations, and in ways, I thought on more than one occasion, why did this happen? Why would God allow these people to have so much pain? I have mirrored Gideon's reaction on more than one occasion. There are things in life sometimes that just do not make sense, and my heart often aches when I see impossible situations for those close to me.
With all this being noted, I did see another thing within the text of Judges 6. God did not give an explanation of why Israel was in captivity. He did respond to Gideon, though. Verse 16 says, "And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man." God never promised that He would let us know exactly why bad situations occur. God is not obligated to give us a detailed message of why everything happens the way it does. What God does promise, is that He will be there. Psalm 34:18 says, "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." God wants to be present for us when we are facing challenging situations. God wants to heal our brokenness, and wants to lead us through uncomfortable situations. So even if you cannot understand why something is happening, God's presence is there.
I do not know what you might be facing right now. Maybe you have a story like Gideon's, in the process of being written. You may be lacking faith right now. You may be disappointed about something happening in your life. I will tell you this, though, that situation never took God by surprise. In fact, God knows exactly what happened, and wants to lead you through it. God wants to hold you as a loving father holds his upset child. What you're going through is huge, it's real, and seems like too much for you. More importantly, however, God is huge, He's real, but that situation is not too much for Him. He can take care of anything. You just have to place it in His hands.
Why?
When your darkest time on earth is here,
And all that you feel is doubt and fear,
When you ask why, no answer is found,
You're just searching for some solid ground,
This was never, what you thought would be,
From the pain, you just want to be free,
There is just one thing you need to do,
Cling tight to Him, He'll lead you through,
He's behind the scenes, when you can't see,
Fighting battles and making you free,
When you're tossing about, fighting your fear,
He wants to hold you, and keep you near,
When you're broken, He's right by your side,
He'll lead you through whatever betide,
So don't lose faith, don't give up the fight,
God will lead you, He will use His might,
It may be hard, at this time to see,
But from this turmoil, you will be free.
--Ashley Allen
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Monday, October 19, 2015
Called or Not?
Earlier today, while sending some messages back-and-forth with my sister-in-law, I was told of a sermon she had heard on the radio today in Kentucky. I'm not sure who the preacher was, or what the entirety of the message contained, but she stated something heartbreaking that the preacher stated. He said that a preacher's wife is not called into ministry. He stated that her role is "just" to be submissive and follow where her husband leads. He basically stated that the wife has no important role to accomplish anything. Although I did not hear this sermon, the words she pointed out pained my heart. Why? Because I know by him saying that, some woman will believe him, and question if they are really called to be in their husband's ministry or not.
The reason for me even to address this situation is for one reason only. I feel that our churches, in a battle against feminism, are trying to weaken women. Our churches today often hide the value of women by assuming they cannot perform even menial tasks. As opposed to elevating them in love, we weaken them.
Where does this problem come from? I believe the main problem with churches today is that we have changed the definition of submission. I have often heard men preach Ephesians 5:22, which says, "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as unto the Lord." This is in the Bible, and it is an important verse, but it should not be stated without following up with verses 25 and 28-29, "Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it...So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man yet ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church." If a man is truly loving his wife as his own self, and cherishing her, will she have any problem following his lead? If a woman knows her husband would do anything for her and their family, what problem would she have with him guiding their household? If he would do anything for her, that means he sees her having an integral role in their family. Submission is not a bad thing if done in a Biblical, and respectful way. Submission really is following the leading of your husband as he is led by God, but in many churches today we have given it an entire different meaning entirely.
I also believe churches have painted a picture of women as weak, incapable creatures. Let's take a look at what the Bible actually has to say about that, though. In Proverbs 31, which is the chapter everyone points to as basically the ultimate guide to being a woman (and that's a pretty accurate depiction), verse 17 says, "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms". The chapter mostly devoted to saying what a woman should be depicts that woman as strong. Proverbs 31 goes on to say in verse 25, "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." Not only is she strong, but this woman is honorable. Not deplorable and worthless like the picture is often painted today.
So, why did I say all of this, and why did that preacher's words strike such a chord with me? Because, as the wife of someone preaching the Word, I must ask myself, am I called or not? Now, before I lose all of my really conservative friends, let me explain what I mean by that. While I do not believe that I am called to preach the gospel in the way that my husband does, I do feel called to minister and be a help to people. I do feel as if I am called to be a blessing to all those I come in contact with. I do feel that I am called to assist in helping my husband spread the news of Jesus Christ in any way we can. I do feel as if I am called to share in his ministry. Let me share a Bible example. In Hebrews 11, the "faith chapter" as we often call it, it speaks of Abraham's great faith to gain a child, and an heir. But what does it say about Sarah in the same chapter? In verse 11 it states, "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised." Here we see that Sarah had her own relationship with God. Sarah did not just blindly follow Abraham. Sarah herself judged God faithful, and followed the vision that God gave not only Abraham, but the vision that God gave her. What would this story look like if Sarah did not share in the faith and vision?
This topic really just means a lot to me, because from my point of view, if women are weak, everything that surrounds them becomes weak. Including the churches they go to. If a woman is weak, and does not really feel called to take part in her husband's ministry, you can guarantee that ministry will be weak. As I heard at the wedding I attended this weekend, a quote by Matthew Henry, "Women were created from the rib of man to be beside him, not from his head to top him, nor from his feet to be trampled by him, but from under his arm to be protected by him, near to his heart to be loved by him.”
**As a side note, I must say, I am so blessed in that I have a husband that values not just me, but all women in his life as they should be, and a church that teaches Biblical principles uplifting women. Without these things, I would not be where I am today!
The reason for me even to address this situation is for one reason only. I feel that our churches, in a battle against feminism, are trying to weaken women. Our churches today often hide the value of women by assuming they cannot perform even menial tasks. As opposed to elevating them in love, we weaken them.
Where does this problem come from? I believe the main problem with churches today is that we have changed the definition of submission. I have often heard men preach Ephesians 5:22, which says, "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as unto the Lord." This is in the Bible, and it is an important verse, but it should not be stated without following up with verses 25 and 28-29, "Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it...So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man yet ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church." If a man is truly loving his wife as his own self, and cherishing her, will she have any problem following his lead? If a woman knows her husband would do anything for her and their family, what problem would she have with him guiding their household? If he would do anything for her, that means he sees her having an integral role in their family. Submission is not a bad thing if done in a Biblical, and respectful way. Submission really is following the leading of your husband as he is led by God, but in many churches today we have given it an entire different meaning entirely.
I also believe churches have painted a picture of women as weak, incapable creatures. Let's take a look at what the Bible actually has to say about that, though. In Proverbs 31, which is the chapter everyone points to as basically the ultimate guide to being a woman (and that's a pretty accurate depiction), verse 17 says, "She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms". The chapter mostly devoted to saying what a woman should be depicts that woman as strong. Proverbs 31 goes on to say in verse 25, "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." Not only is she strong, but this woman is honorable. Not deplorable and worthless like the picture is often painted today.
So, why did I say all of this, and why did that preacher's words strike such a chord with me? Because, as the wife of someone preaching the Word, I must ask myself, am I called or not? Now, before I lose all of my really conservative friends, let me explain what I mean by that. While I do not believe that I am called to preach the gospel in the way that my husband does, I do feel called to minister and be a help to people. I do feel as if I am called to be a blessing to all those I come in contact with. I do feel that I am called to assist in helping my husband spread the news of Jesus Christ in any way we can. I do feel as if I am called to share in his ministry. Let me share a Bible example. In Hebrews 11, the "faith chapter" as we often call it, it speaks of Abraham's great faith to gain a child, and an heir. But what does it say about Sarah in the same chapter? In verse 11 it states, "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised." Here we see that Sarah had her own relationship with God. Sarah did not just blindly follow Abraham. Sarah herself judged God faithful, and followed the vision that God gave not only Abraham, but the vision that God gave her. What would this story look like if Sarah did not share in the faith and vision?
This topic really just means a lot to me, because from my point of view, if women are weak, everything that surrounds them becomes weak. Including the churches they go to. If a woman is weak, and does not really feel called to take part in her husband's ministry, you can guarantee that ministry will be weak. As I heard at the wedding I attended this weekend, a quote by Matthew Henry, "Women were created from the rib of man to be beside him, not from his head to top him, nor from his feet to be trampled by him, but from under his arm to be protected by him, near to his heart to be loved by him.”
**As a side note, I must say, I am so blessed in that I have a husband that values not just me, but all women in his life as they should be, and a church that teaches Biblical principles uplifting women. Without these things, I would not be where I am today!
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Through Faith
It has been a little while since my last blog post. I have had a lot going on in life, and in my mind, that I just wasn't sure when would be the appropriate time to write, or what I should even write about. I've always held to the standard that I would not write unless God directed my hand. I think one reason I have halted from writing is due to the fact that God has been speaking to me specifically on an issue. It is a lot more difficult to write about something piercing your heart than something that may pierce someone else.
A few evenings ago, I had it on my heart to read Hebrews 11. As I was reading, one specific verse stuck out to me. Verse 6 states, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." As I thought to myself, I considered how often people stop reading after the "believing that he is" part. Then I realized that I am the one who typically does that. And God began to show me some things about the plan He has for me.
Looking back on times, I feel like my faith has been small. Yes, through faith I have received salvation. I have had enough faith to give pieces of my life to God. I feel like I have had moments of surrender, and moments where I truly wanted to entrust Him with everything. That is a wonderful place to be! But that should never be the end of a Christian's goals for faith. What I just described is not a faith mentioned anywhere in Hebrews 11. Mature faith in Christ goes beyond partially yielding control of your life to Him. Faith can and should challenge you.
So what does having a mature faith entail? These are all things I am just now learning. It means fully trusting God when you do not understand the facts. When speaking of Moses, Hebrews 11: 25 says, "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." Moses could not have known what would have happened to him when he forsook all that Egypt had to offer. With one decision, he gave up his financial security, his status, and any rights to ruling he could have had. If you consider the facts, that decision does not make sense. He did not wait to make his decision until he had alternate routes of income, status, or a way to keep the throne. He immediately made his choice. Looking back on my life, I would have to say it has been difficult for me to do so in the past. The more control I try to take over my life, the less control I am giving the Lord. Each time I fret about a situation of family, finances, or even simple fears, I am taking control of the situation into my own hands. Even if I pray about it, if I do not yield control to Him, how much faith to do I really hold? It would be the equivalent to me asking a friend to stay at my house while I was on vacation, but me coming home every hour to see if everything is in order. What would the real point be? How much faith would I be putting in that friend?
Mature faith also means realizing that God wants to reward you. As I stated earlier, the ending of verse 6 says, "and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." I believe that sometimes in the Christian life, we get burdened down with situations, and we assume that it should always be that way. If that were so, why would Jesus have risen from the dead? As it says in John 10:10, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." An abundant life does not arise from troubles, although they may come. An abundant life comes in spite of trouble, when you realize that God has the best for you. I'm tired of Christians painting the Christian life as one of sorrow. Why do so many people leave the church? I feel like it is directly tied with their faith not being strengthened. And faith becomes strong when you realize that God has amazing things for you, even if the way there is not easy. God has all the power needed to change whatever circumstance that you face! Why would He not step in and work in the life of His children?
Mature faith also, however, comes with realizing your need to diligently seek Him. Psalm 37: 5 states, "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass." God expects commitment from us. This part is probably one of the most difficult ones for most Christians. This one requires effort. Faith hinges on the relationship you have with the Lord. If you do not get to know Him, how can you know that you can fully trust Him when the facts are standing against you? If you do not get to know Him, how can you know that He wants to reward you and give you an abundant life? Getting to know God is so much more than going to church out of habit or ritual. Getting to know God requires that you seek Him.
So all of these thoughts struck my heart especially this past week. God is doing a lot of amazing things in my life. He has opened doors for Caleb and I, and although there are plenty of things that I could write about being fearful of, or still in prayer for, all I can say is I know God is working to extend our faith. How do I know this? Jeremiah 29: 11 states, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God has great things in store, and has an expectation for my life. I was not placed on this planet just to take up space. And what is the great part about that? Neither was anyone reading this. God has great things for you, and He can help you build a great faith. A faith like what is mentioned here:
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trail of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
A few evenings ago, I had it on my heart to read Hebrews 11. As I was reading, one specific verse stuck out to me. Verse 6 states, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." As I thought to myself, I considered how often people stop reading after the "believing that he is" part. Then I realized that I am the one who typically does that. And God began to show me some things about the plan He has for me.
Looking back on times, I feel like my faith has been small. Yes, through faith I have received salvation. I have had enough faith to give pieces of my life to God. I feel like I have had moments of surrender, and moments where I truly wanted to entrust Him with everything. That is a wonderful place to be! But that should never be the end of a Christian's goals for faith. What I just described is not a faith mentioned anywhere in Hebrews 11. Mature faith in Christ goes beyond partially yielding control of your life to Him. Faith can and should challenge you.
So what does having a mature faith entail? These are all things I am just now learning. It means fully trusting God when you do not understand the facts. When speaking of Moses, Hebrews 11: 25 says, "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." Moses could not have known what would have happened to him when he forsook all that Egypt had to offer. With one decision, he gave up his financial security, his status, and any rights to ruling he could have had. If you consider the facts, that decision does not make sense. He did not wait to make his decision until he had alternate routes of income, status, or a way to keep the throne. He immediately made his choice. Looking back on my life, I would have to say it has been difficult for me to do so in the past. The more control I try to take over my life, the less control I am giving the Lord. Each time I fret about a situation of family, finances, or even simple fears, I am taking control of the situation into my own hands. Even if I pray about it, if I do not yield control to Him, how much faith to do I really hold? It would be the equivalent to me asking a friend to stay at my house while I was on vacation, but me coming home every hour to see if everything is in order. What would the real point be? How much faith would I be putting in that friend?
Mature faith also means realizing that God wants to reward you. As I stated earlier, the ending of verse 6 says, "and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." I believe that sometimes in the Christian life, we get burdened down with situations, and we assume that it should always be that way. If that were so, why would Jesus have risen from the dead? As it says in John 10:10, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." An abundant life does not arise from troubles, although they may come. An abundant life comes in spite of trouble, when you realize that God has the best for you. I'm tired of Christians painting the Christian life as one of sorrow. Why do so many people leave the church? I feel like it is directly tied with their faith not being strengthened. And faith becomes strong when you realize that God has amazing things for you, even if the way there is not easy. God has all the power needed to change whatever circumstance that you face! Why would He not step in and work in the life of His children?
Mature faith also, however, comes with realizing your need to diligently seek Him. Psalm 37: 5 states, "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass." God expects commitment from us. This part is probably one of the most difficult ones for most Christians. This one requires effort. Faith hinges on the relationship you have with the Lord. If you do not get to know Him, how can you know that you can fully trust Him when the facts are standing against you? If you do not get to know Him, how can you know that He wants to reward you and give you an abundant life? Getting to know God is so much more than going to church out of habit or ritual. Getting to know God requires that you seek Him.
So all of these thoughts struck my heart especially this past week. God is doing a lot of amazing things in my life. He has opened doors for Caleb and I, and although there are plenty of things that I could write about being fearful of, or still in prayer for, all I can say is I know God is working to extend our faith. How do I know this? Jeremiah 29: 11 states, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God has great things in store, and has an expectation for my life. I was not placed on this planet just to take up space. And what is the great part about that? Neither was anyone reading this. God has great things for you, and He can help you build a great faith. A faith like what is mentioned here:
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trail of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Father's Day--to All Girls with Absentee Fathers
Father's Day-- To all you girls with absentee fathers....
As Father's Day approached when I was growing up, I would cringe a little bit each time. Instead of bringing me joyful thoughts about my father, I think each year I would grow a little bit more bitter about what I did not have. You see, my own father was not present for any major event in my life. Honestly, he was not present for any event in my life and I could count the number of times I saw him in my childhood on one hand. So, I grew up hating Father's Day and all it stood for. To make matters worse, my grandpa, the only father I ever truly had got very ill on Father's Day of 2010. That day was actually the last one he ever had at home.
My grandpa's passing made matters worse in a sense. I could not understand why the only Dad I really had was taken. It's not something I ever spoke about, but the feeling of anger kept growing. I'll be honest--it made me very kind of hesitant to trust any man period. How can you trust when the only father you ever had was taken, and the biological one left you. Both are hard to deal with on different levels and raise all kinds of ugly and tormenting questions about your self worth.
So before I go on about the darkness and ugliness of it all, I have to explain what happened in my life and how I have managed to grow past Father's Day struggles. Somehow, through a process I cannot even explain, God started a healing process in my heart. How did this happen?
1) I realized who I wanted to become.
A few years ago, I had a very serious conversation/prayer time with the Lord. I know it may seem crazy, but this time I spent in prayer lead to me realizing the type of woman I wanted to become. And that started with getting over the bitterness that I had. I realized that to really grow, you have to let go of past hurts. If you don't, they will consume you, and you will have nothing to give anyone else. If you want to move forward in life you have to forgive those that have wronged you. Is it an easy process? No way. But when you can truly forgive someone who has wronged you, that says something about your character, and you will be able to move past a lot of other situations.
2) I thought of my future.
After I realized who I wanted to become, I started thinking about what I wanted my future to be like, and what I wanted for my kids one day. With that, I started guarding my heart in that I set a standard for what type of men I allowed in my life. You see, if you just allow any man into your life, and he treats you badly, it is going to add to the hurt you feel. At first in my life, I did date people who if I would have continued with would have caused me much heartache. But thanks to my Heavenly Father, I did not choose that route. I learned to only allow men in your life that truly and not in word only have a heart for the things of Christ. If he loves Christ, he is going to love you much better. In turn, he'll love whatever kids you have in the future better. You can break the cycle, and it feels so good when you do. Knowing what it feels like to truly be loved by someone who has your best interests at heart is a wonderful feeling. It may take some time, and there may be a waiting period, but it will help heal your heart.
3) I realized the love of my Heavenly Father.
Someone once told me that you see God like you see your father. That's why it's so beyond important for fathers to fulfill their role. I happen to believe this to be true. I trusted in Christ when I was fifteen, and I accepted Him fully into my life at that time. But there were still some things I didn't grasp until a few years later. One of those things is God will always be there for you. I don't know what your earthly father may have done to you, it may be horrible, but I do know that God will never do that to you. An earthly man may have chosen to leave you, cut you down, not do what he should have to help you through this life, but God will never do that. God provides a rest and peace to all of His children. He can comfort you when no one else can. God is not only a God of judgment, but He is also a loving Father who wants to provide healing to His children. Fall in love with Him, and give Him your heart and He will show you how to mend it. God has given each of us blessings, and he even raised up men in my life to help lead me along, like my uncle, my pastor, my husband and even his dad. God will provide what you need to help you heal. You only need to start seeing Him as who He is, rather than through the lenses of who your earthly father was.
I know Father's Day is not a good day for a lot of people. This world has so much hurt, and there have been so many wronged children. I hope this helps somebody whose father isn't there. I hope you realize you are loved, and that the Creator of all the Universe wants to be everything your father wasn't.
And to all you Fathers out there who really do your part, have a blessed day!
-Ashley Allen
Thursday, March 12, 2015
What Can God Do
I woke up today with a to-do list that seemed almost impossible to accomplish. I started making a list of things to be done before the wedding, and it seems each time I do this, the closer it gets, the more there is to do or purchase. Immediately defeat began to creep into my thoughts. I'll be honest, it was very fast how easily I became discouraged about the tasks at hand.
I grumbled to myself, in frustration about the things left to do. I had a very self-deprecating inner monologue about how I should be much better at juggling all the different things in which I take part or hold responsibility. In the midst of this, God stopped my thoughts, and left me with one simple question: What can God do?
I have been focused on what has not been done, what I cannot figure out, and what I can do about it, but I have left one major point out of the equation. What can God do? I say I put my trust in Him, but have I really been? Have I really been following the verse that says, "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you?" How amazingly loving are those words, but without even really being conscious of it, I have been rejecting those words.
I came across a Bible verse (being stopped in my tracks, I figured I should go to the Bible about this), in Deuteronomy 3:22-24. It states, "Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God, he shall fight for you, And I besought the LORD at that time saying, O Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?" How beautiful is that! The thought hit me that God loves me so much, he fights for me. He can do anything He chooses to, and He does it out of His great love for me.
Those verses literally were exactly what I needed. It was no coincidence that I happened upon them, either. There are so many times that if we just allow ourselves to slow down, God will give us exactly what we need for each day of our lives. He wants to help us through each even miniscule moment of our lives. Why? Because those moments aren't miniscule to Him. God cares. He cares about where you live, where you work, what you do with your time. He is just waiting for allowance to work in our lives.
I think back to right when I first graduated nursing school. I thought I would never find a job. I submitted applications everywhere with no response. I got really frustrated. Then I realized something VERY important. Maybe God allowed all those places to say no, so I would be working where I needed to be. Because I allowed God to lead me, I started off my nursing career in a good environment. I just had to realize that God knew what I needed. And I am reminded of that lesson again today. God knows all the details to all of my to-do list problems, and He can solve them!
So, back to the question at hand. What can God do? Looking back on my life, God can heal all hurt. God can lead you where you need to go. God can help with overcoming obstacles and climbing mountains. God can be the dearest friend. God can take a fearful little girl from Brodhead, Ky, lead her the right places, and constantly transform her into a thriving child of God. And that is just in my own life. He can do amazing things for anyone who will simply be willing to trust Him and give Him access in their life. He won't force you, but He will willingly help the willing. So, imagine where you want to be, what you need help with, that one obstacle you cannot get past. Give it to God! Find out what God can do, and allow Him to do it!
I grumbled to myself, in frustration about the things left to do. I had a very self-deprecating inner monologue about how I should be much better at juggling all the different things in which I take part or hold responsibility. In the midst of this, God stopped my thoughts, and left me with one simple question: What can God do?
I have been focused on what has not been done, what I cannot figure out, and what I can do about it, but I have left one major point out of the equation. What can God do? I say I put my trust in Him, but have I really been? Have I really been following the verse that says, "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you?" How amazingly loving are those words, but without even really being conscious of it, I have been rejecting those words.
I came across a Bible verse (being stopped in my tracks, I figured I should go to the Bible about this), in Deuteronomy 3:22-24. It states, "Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God, he shall fight for you, And I besought the LORD at that time saying, O Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?" How beautiful is that! The thought hit me that God loves me so much, he fights for me. He can do anything He chooses to, and He does it out of His great love for me.
Those verses literally were exactly what I needed. It was no coincidence that I happened upon them, either. There are so many times that if we just allow ourselves to slow down, God will give us exactly what we need for each day of our lives. He wants to help us through each even miniscule moment of our lives. Why? Because those moments aren't miniscule to Him. God cares. He cares about where you live, where you work, what you do with your time. He is just waiting for allowance to work in our lives.
I think back to right when I first graduated nursing school. I thought I would never find a job. I submitted applications everywhere with no response. I got really frustrated. Then I realized something VERY important. Maybe God allowed all those places to say no, so I would be working where I needed to be. Because I allowed God to lead me, I started off my nursing career in a good environment. I just had to realize that God knew what I needed. And I am reminded of that lesson again today. God knows all the details to all of my to-do list problems, and He can solve them!
So, back to the question at hand. What can God do? Looking back on my life, God can heal all hurt. God can lead you where you need to go. God can help with overcoming obstacles and climbing mountains. God can be the dearest friend. God can take a fearful little girl from Brodhead, Ky, lead her the right places, and constantly transform her into a thriving child of God. And that is just in my own life. He can do amazing things for anyone who will simply be willing to trust Him and give Him access in their life. He won't force you, but He will willingly help the willing. So, imagine where you want to be, what you need help with, that one obstacle you cannot get past. Give it to God! Find out what God can do, and allow Him to do it!
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