Hebrews 6:10-12
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people. We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever watched small children in a group setting, you have probably noticed that there is always at least one child who is eager to greet the others. This child wants to welcome the other children with hugs… wants them to come and play with him/her… wants to “hang out” with them. And often, at least a few of the children will bristle and resist these loving gestures. Some might even be downright rude in their rejection. It’s interesting to watch what happens next. Sometimes the loving, caring child will be upset and even lament to an adult… or pout. But most of the time, he/she simply moves on to another child – or another activity – and continues to happily dole out love and a positive attitude.
Have you ever been in a situation where no matter how much you do for someone… how much you love them and give of your time and energy to them… they seem to take every opportunity to kick you, put you down, and trample on your heart? In essence, you stick out your hand to greet them and say, “Come and play with me”… and their answer is a resounding – and sometimes ugly – “NO!” What do you do with this? How do you react?
I believe that we can learn a lot from the example of the children I described. I believe that this is exactly what God is telling us to do in this scripture passage… “Move forward… keep loving and giving. You may have to pick an alternate recipient, and/or you may have to grow a thicker skin toward those who reject and rebuke your efforts… but never lose confidence in God’s promises… and NEVER stop demonstrating your hope and faith to others in His name.”
It’s a tall order… especially when your feelings are raw and your heart is breaking. But God will not fail you… He will not leave you to suffer and flounder under the weight of insults and burdens. He will show you how and where to concentrate your efforts… where you can do the most good in His name. And He will BLESS YOU for your obedience and perseverance! Keep loving… keep doing things for others… and keep hoping and believing in God’s fairness and His promises. He will not forget the love you have shown His people…and they won’t either!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label finding Gods strength. Show all posts
Showing posts with label finding Gods strength. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 13, 2013
Colossians 1:9-12
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Over the weekend, my husband helped me recover my piano bench. The fabric I had stapled to the lid over 15 years ago had worn bare around the edges, and it was time for a makeover! My husband used his drill to remove the padded board that fit inside a wooden frame on the lid. I used a staple gun to attach the new fabric. When we got ready to re-insert the board, it would not fit. I had stapled the new fabric atop the old… which was attached over an original layer… and the three thicknesses were simply too much. The screws would not “grab” in the wood. Moreover, I had used a staple that we thought was the right size… but once everything was in place, the staples stuck through the wood. “Those will snag your clothes, little legs, and cause all sorts of problems,” my husband lamented.
They make this type of project look so easy on HGTV! There was nothing to do but take everything apart… pull out ALL of the staples and remove the new fabric and the second layer. We decided the first layer was holding the padding in place, so it should stay. A couple of hours later, we had everything back together again – this time with upholsterer’s tacks and duct tape! – and the bench looked great!
There was a time when this setback would have sent me into orbit. I would have sputtered, spewed and grumbled. I would have gritted my teeth and griped as I pulled out each staple. But this time, I just looked at the bench, took a deep breath, stuck with the project… and soon all was back in order. And there is a pattern here! I still get mad at myself when I break a dish or spill something… and I still get frustrated and impatient when things don’t work out just as I had hoped or happen as quickly as I would like. But I’m learning to operate in the glory-strength of God instead of my own grim strength.
Lately, I’ve been taking a few minutes fairly often to make a list (if only mentally) of all of the things God has done for me… all of the prayers He has answered in my life in just the last short while… all of the things He has worked out and the positive outcomes that are all around me. When I stop and examine them, I realize that He is at work… and I am learning how to do His work – on His terms. There are still plenty of things that I wish that God would fix! There are still areas that I need to work on – and situations in which I wish He was working a little faster. But that’s on me… because He is doing exactly what is necessary and needed. I am the one who still has real work that needs to be done.
The more we learn to operate in patience and the glory-strength of God, the more bearable and joyful our lives become. We are calmer, more confident, and certainly much more effective for His Kingdom. So what is your “broken glass” or project gone awry today? How will you handle it? Will you call on God to grant you the necessary patience, endurance and strength to handle things with dignity and calm? Or will you grit your teeth, grumble and fumble? The choice is totally yours… how will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Over the weekend, my husband helped me recover my piano bench. The fabric I had stapled to the lid over 15 years ago had worn bare around the edges, and it was time for a makeover! My husband used his drill to remove the padded board that fit inside a wooden frame on the lid. I used a staple gun to attach the new fabric. When we got ready to re-insert the board, it would not fit. I had stapled the new fabric atop the old… which was attached over an original layer… and the three thicknesses were simply too much. The screws would not “grab” in the wood. Moreover, I had used a staple that we thought was the right size… but once everything was in place, the staples stuck through the wood. “Those will snag your clothes, little legs, and cause all sorts of problems,” my husband lamented.
They make this type of project look so easy on HGTV! There was nothing to do but take everything apart… pull out ALL of the staples and remove the new fabric and the second layer. We decided the first layer was holding the padding in place, so it should stay. A couple of hours later, we had everything back together again – this time with upholsterer’s tacks and duct tape! – and the bench looked great!
There was a time when this setback would have sent me into orbit. I would have sputtered, spewed and grumbled. I would have gritted my teeth and griped as I pulled out each staple. But this time, I just looked at the bench, took a deep breath, stuck with the project… and soon all was back in order. And there is a pattern here! I still get mad at myself when I break a dish or spill something… and I still get frustrated and impatient when things don’t work out just as I had hoped or happen as quickly as I would like. But I’m learning to operate in the glory-strength of God instead of my own grim strength.
Lately, I’ve been taking a few minutes fairly often to make a list (if only mentally) of all of the things God has done for me… all of the prayers He has answered in my life in just the last short while… all of the things He has worked out and the positive outcomes that are all around me. When I stop and examine them, I realize that He is at work… and I am learning how to do His work – on His terms. There are still plenty of things that I wish that God would fix! There are still areas that I need to work on – and situations in which I wish He was working a little faster. But that’s on me… because He is doing exactly what is necessary and needed. I am the one who still has real work that needs to be done.
The more we learn to operate in patience and the glory-strength of God, the more bearable and joyful our lives become. We are calmer, more confident, and certainly much more effective for His Kingdom. So what is your “broken glass” or project gone awry today? How will you handle it? Will you call on God to grant you the necessary patience, endurance and strength to handle things with dignity and calm? Or will you grit your teeth, grumble and fumble? The choice is totally yours… how will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 18, 2013
January 18 ~ Romans 5:3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I wish I had a dollar for every time we have watched “Frosty the Snowman” at our house in the last month! I have to say… I had forgotten how “deep” this little story really is until we started watching it with Timothy before Christmas. Now do not misunderstand me… I am not elevating “Frosty” to the status of Jesus in the least. But at the same time, I believe we can use the lessons of this jovial snowman to begin to introduce our children to the strength, love, grace and mercy of God… and maybe learn a few things for ourselves in the bargain.
Hear me out on this…
Santa Claus essentially shuts down the magician… admonishing him to go away and leave Frosty and the children alone… and outlining serious consequences if he does not. He tells the children that Frosty is going away with him to the North Pole, but that they will see him again someday… and it is at least implied that the “spirit of Christmas” will live in their hearts each and every day.
There is so much we do not understand about Jesus… how He could love us enough to come to earth and sacrifice His very life for ours. We often have trouble accepting that God could care about us enough to send His Son to die for our sins… then leave His Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage us each and every day. Just as surely as that evil magician kept popping up in “Frosty the Snowman”… the devil keeps rearing his ugly head and giving us troubles and trials. But God is still with us, persistently offering protection and fortitude… giving us hope and confidence.
Maybe it’s time we became more like little children… readily trusting in a magical snowman who came to life when he donned an old black magician’s hat. Perhaps it’s time to recognize the presence, care and strength of our Heavenly Father in the form of His Holy Spirit… to fully embrace how much He loves us and the amazing care we are offered each and every day. Isn’t it possible that we need to step out in faith and open our hearts and minds to the power of Jesus in our daily living… to renew our resolve to believe in Him and respect His abundant and profound attention to every detail of our lives?
I have to tell you, I have developed a new perspective on “Frosty the Snowman.” Someday soon, we will be able to use this little story to help our toddlers understand how God sent Jesus to earth to guide and protect us… and how He will return someday. We will most certainly instill in them the understanding that Jesus is far more important, powerful and loving than Frosty... how He cares about every single aspect of our lives and stands ready to help us with all of them.
Maybe you and I need to become a little more childlike today in our faith and understanding of the presence and impact of God in our lives. Do you truly grasp how much you are loved by God? Do you really “get it” that Jesus gave up His very life for yours? Are you confident that you will see Him again someday… and that He is available to you every minute of the day in the meantime? Have you tapped into the supernatural power and strength He offers? Wouldn’t this be a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I wish I had a dollar for every time we have watched “Frosty the Snowman” at our house in the last month! I have to say… I had forgotten how “deep” this little story really is until we started watching it with Timothy before Christmas. Now do not misunderstand me… I am not elevating “Frosty” to the status of Jesus in the least. But at the same time, I believe we can use the lessons of this jovial snowman to begin to introduce our children to the strength, love, grace and mercy of God… and maybe learn a few things for ourselves in the bargain.
Hear me out on this…
- When Frosty first comes to life, the children are all eager to follow him.
- There is an “evil magician” who is continually trying to destroy Frosty and hurt those who choose to love the jovial snowman.
- In an effort to stay frozen, Frosty and Hocus Pocus (the rabbit with a hefty fur coat) board a refrigerated train car with the little girl, Karen, in tow… and head for the North Pole. Karen gets very cold, and at his own expense, Frosty departs the train car and starts to seek a way to keep Karen warm. He enlists the forest animals to build a warming fire for her.
- When the evil magician stomps out the fire, Frosty takes Karen to a nearby greenhouse used for growing poinsettias, so that she can get warm. He knows that doing this will cause him great personal harm… but he sacrifices his own life for Karen’s.
- Frosty melts, and Karen is heartbroken. Santa Claus arrives and assures Karen that Frosty will come back to life… and he does.
- Frosty goes to the North Pole to live with Santa Claus. While Karen and the others are sad to see him go, they are reassured that he will be back again someday.
Santa Claus essentially shuts down the magician… admonishing him to go away and leave Frosty and the children alone… and outlining serious consequences if he does not. He tells the children that Frosty is going away with him to the North Pole, but that they will see him again someday… and it is at least implied that the “spirit of Christmas” will live in their hearts each and every day.
There is so much we do not understand about Jesus… how He could love us enough to come to earth and sacrifice His very life for ours. We often have trouble accepting that God could care about us enough to send His Son to die for our sins… then leave His Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage us each and every day. Just as surely as that evil magician kept popping up in “Frosty the Snowman”… the devil keeps rearing his ugly head and giving us troubles and trials. But God is still with us, persistently offering protection and fortitude… giving us hope and confidence.
Maybe it’s time we became more like little children… readily trusting in a magical snowman who came to life when he donned an old black magician’s hat. Perhaps it’s time to recognize the presence, care and strength of our Heavenly Father in the form of His Holy Spirit… to fully embrace how much He loves us and the amazing care we are offered each and every day. Isn’t it possible that we need to step out in faith and open our hearts and minds to the power of Jesus in our daily living… to renew our resolve to believe in Him and respect His abundant and profound attention to every detail of our lives?
I have to tell you, I have developed a new perspective on “Frosty the Snowman.” Someday soon, we will be able to use this little story to help our toddlers understand how God sent Jesus to earth to guide and protect us… and how He will return someday. We will most certainly instill in them the understanding that Jesus is far more important, powerful and loving than Frosty... how He cares about every single aspect of our lives and stands ready to help us with all of them.
Maybe you and I need to become a little more childlike today in our faith and understanding of the presence and impact of God in our lives. Do you truly grasp how much you are loved by God? Do you really “get it” that Jesus gave up His very life for yours? Are you confident that you will see Him again someday… and that He is available to you every minute of the day in the meantime? Have you tapped into the supernatural power and strength He offers? Wouldn’t this be a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 17, 2013
Psalm 27:1
You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone.
You protect me, and I have no fears.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Timothy and I were driving home, and he said, “I had a bad dream at Paw-Paw’s. A bear was after me.” We talked about how dreams are scary, but they can’t really hurt us… how grownups can protect children and keep them safe from scary things. And I said, “If I was scared, you would protect me… right?” Timothy said, “I can’t protect YOU… you’re BIG!” So I asked him what he would do if his little sister, Zola, was scared. He said, “I would hug her and protect her and keep her safe!” I hope this big brother remembers his vow as he gets older!
Not all of us have an older brother or sister… or anyone who is “bigger” that we trust to protect us. But each and every one of us can call on Jesus. We can rely on His strength and protection. He will keep us safe… He will calm our fears.
I have no doubt that it comforts little children greatly to think that they can trust their parents and other adults to allay their fears and keep them safe. We all need a “parental figure” we can turn to when the chips are down. But more importantly, we need to fully comprehend the strength of God… how HE protects us and keeps us safe… how He can calm our fears… how He sent Jesus Christ to be the light of the world and save us from all “darkness.” And we need to put our trust in our Heavenly Father to do exactly this for us – each and every day.
Whether you are three and a half, twenty-three, or well into your eighties or nineties, you know that the dark can be a scary place… and nightmares are no fun for anyone! Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have the light of Jesus to keep us safe in all situations… to protect us and remove our fears? Are you trusting Him to do this in your life? Shouldn’t you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone.
You protect me, and I have no fears.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Timothy and I were driving home, and he said, “I had a bad dream at Paw-Paw’s. A bear was after me.” We talked about how dreams are scary, but they can’t really hurt us… how grownups can protect children and keep them safe from scary things. And I said, “If I was scared, you would protect me… right?” Timothy said, “I can’t protect YOU… you’re BIG!” So I asked him what he would do if his little sister, Zola, was scared. He said, “I would hug her and protect her and keep her safe!” I hope this big brother remembers his vow as he gets older!
Not all of us have an older brother or sister… or anyone who is “bigger” that we trust to protect us. But each and every one of us can call on Jesus. We can rely on His strength and protection. He will keep us safe… He will calm our fears.
I have no doubt that it comforts little children greatly to think that they can trust their parents and other adults to allay their fears and keep them safe. We all need a “parental figure” we can turn to when the chips are down. But more importantly, we need to fully comprehend the strength of God… how HE protects us and keeps us safe… how He can calm our fears… how He sent Jesus Christ to be the light of the world and save us from all “darkness.” And we need to put our trust in our Heavenly Father to do exactly this for us – each and every day.
Whether you are three and a half, twenty-three, or well into your eighties or nineties, you know that the dark can be a scary place… and nightmares are no fun for anyone! Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have the light of Jesus to keep us safe in all situations… to protect us and remove our fears? Are you trusting Him to do this in your life? Shouldn’t you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2013
Psalm 18:32-34
God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Since I was a very small child, I have been able to play the piano “by ear.” This means that if I hear a song once or twice, I can play it – or at least parts of it – from memory. Because I can play by ear, I can jump in on jam sessions, recall a song I heard in a movie or on the radio – then sit down at the piano, and play a few measures, or someone who hums a few bars of a tune and says, “Can you play this one?”.
Honestly, until I was an adult, I truly thought every musician could play by ear – at least to some degree. I did not realize what a strength this is musically. But as with any “muscle,” I can tell you that this “natural ability” requires bolstering. So all of the hours my sister and I sat in child-sized rocking chairs behind my mother as she taught piano lessons - marking up old music books in an imitation of her - we were strengthening and developing our musical abilities. When we sat for hours at the piano as teenagers, playing and singing the latest tunes from the radio, we were building our “musical muscle.”
Additionally, we were guided by an incredibly gifted piano teacher named Barbara Little, who taught us not only to play with technical accuracy – but more importantly, to actually “feel” the music and give it life. She trained our hands and strengthened our arms... and accepted nothing less than our very best.
As I read this passage today, I thought of all the ways God strengthens and trains us for our daily living. This is an incredible gift… and some of us have decided that we have “natural ability” and can manage on our own. The truth is… we need His instruction and guidance. We need the honing of our proficiencies that can only come from God. We accomplish nothing on our own… God’s strength and training is necessary in order for us to do our very best.
I am grateful for the gifts that God has given me – including the ability to “play by ear.” I am even more grateful that He continues to strengthen and train me in all areas of life… from the seemingly insignificant tasks to my most daunting challenges. I am able to overcome obstacles, become more capable, and learn new things through the strength of God.
You have just as many strengths and abilities as the next guy… maybe more! God has equipped each of us with the potential to be everything He planned for us… if only we will tap into His “strength training.” Who is your Personal Trainer today? Who gives you strength and teaches you new skills? Are you doing all you can to build your “muscles” and give your very best at all times? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Since I was a very small child, I have been able to play the piano “by ear.” This means that if I hear a song once or twice, I can play it – or at least parts of it – from memory. Because I can play by ear, I can jump in on jam sessions, recall a song I heard in a movie or on the radio – then sit down at the piano, and play a few measures, or someone who hums a few bars of a tune and says, “Can you play this one?”.
Honestly, until I was an adult, I truly thought every musician could play by ear – at least to some degree. I did not realize what a strength this is musically. But as with any “muscle,” I can tell you that this “natural ability” requires bolstering. So all of the hours my sister and I sat in child-sized rocking chairs behind my mother as she taught piano lessons - marking up old music books in an imitation of her - we were strengthening and developing our musical abilities. When we sat for hours at the piano as teenagers, playing and singing the latest tunes from the radio, we were building our “musical muscle.”
Additionally, we were guided by an incredibly gifted piano teacher named Barbara Little, who taught us not only to play with technical accuracy – but more importantly, to actually “feel” the music and give it life. She trained our hands and strengthened our arms... and accepted nothing less than our very best.
As I read this passage today, I thought of all the ways God strengthens and trains us for our daily living. This is an incredible gift… and some of us have decided that we have “natural ability” and can manage on our own. The truth is… we need His instruction and guidance. We need the honing of our proficiencies that can only come from God. We accomplish nothing on our own… God’s strength and training is necessary in order for us to do our very best.
I am grateful for the gifts that God has given me – including the ability to “play by ear.” I am even more grateful that He continues to strengthen and train me in all areas of life… from the seemingly insignificant tasks to my most daunting challenges. I am able to overcome obstacles, become more capable, and learn new things through the strength of God.
You have just as many strengths and abilities as the next guy… maybe more! God has equipped each of us with the potential to be everything He planned for us… if only we will tap into His “strength training.” Who is your Personal Trainer today? Who gives you strength and teaches you new skills? Are you doing all you can to build your “muscles” and give your very best at all times? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 11, 2013
Matthew 17:20
“Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever eaten something with little seeds – poppy seed muffins, blackberries, blueberries or strawberries, etc. – and gotten one stuck in your teeth? It felt like the thing is the size of a marble… right? Yet when the tiny offender was removed, you might have been amazed at how insignificant in size it truly was. Still, it wielded great power – or discomfort – over your life.
Last week, a friend of mine lost her 51-year-old sister to cancer. As I exchanged messages with her, I shared with her how I try to do things for others – to show them kindness, empathy and encouragement – in honor of my brother, Tim, who left us over 14 years ago. I challenged her to honor HER sister in this way… to carry Cindy's amazing legacy for being the hands and feet of Jesus forward to those she encounters.
This week, my cousin’s 42-year-old wife died suddenly from breast cancer. We never even knew she was ill. She masked her rapid decline and talked only of Jesus and how He was allowing her to share in the ministry she and my cousin had founded - and to win countless souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. So in consoling my cousin, I have encouraged him to keep putting one foot in front of the other… to continue the work – and in so doing, to honor Angie as He honors his faith in God.
Neither one of these ladies were community leaders or well-known figures. But mention either name, and you should hear the chatter! You should see Facebook light up with comments about each one and how she blessed others – and how both of these women were on fire for Jesus. They may have been “tiny poppy seeds” on this earth… but their impact was tremendous. God’s power and strength coursing through them could not be contained… it radiated outwardly to everyone they encountered.
What about you? What are you doing with your faith and God’s blessings? Even if you only have “poppy seed faith” – or “mustard seed faith” as many translations of this scripture call it – this is enough to accomplish tremendous things in the name of Jesus. You have Supernatural power and energy running through your veins! How are you using it?
Do you put one foot in front of the other – even when what little faith you may have is tested – and see where God can take you? Isn’t it time you opened your heart to the possibilities He offers? What are you waiting for? There is NOTHING you cannot tackle with God… NOTHING! Are you ready to take Him seriously?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever eaten something with little seeds – poppy seed muffins, blackberries, blueberries or strawberries, etc. – and gotten one stuck in your teeth? It felt like the thing is the size of a marble… right? Yet when the tiny offender was removed, you might have been amazed at how insignificant in size it truly was. Still, it wielded great power – or discomfort – over your life.
Last week, a friend of mine lost her 51-year-old sister to cancer. As I exchanged messages with her, I shared with her how I try to do things for others – to show them kindness, empathy and encouragement – in honor of my brother, Tim, who left us over 14 years ago. I challenged her to honor HER sister in this way… to carry Cindy's amazing legacy for being the hands and feet of Jesus forward to those she encounters.
This week, my cousin’s 42-year-old wife died suddenly from breast cancer. We never even knew she was ill. She masked her rapid decline and talked only of Jesus and how He was allowing her to share in the ministry she and my cousin had founded - and to win countless souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. So in consoling my cousin, I have encouraged him to keep putting one foot in front of the other… to continue the work – and in so doing, to honor Angie as He honors his faith in God.
Neither one of these ladies were community leaders or well-known figures. But mention either name, and you should hear the chatter! You should see Facebook light up with comments about each one and how she blessed others – and how both of these women were on fire for Jesus. They may have been “tiny poppy seeds” on this earth… but their impact was tremendous. God’s power and strength coursing through them could not be contained… it radiated outwardly to everyone they encountered.
What about you? What are you doing with your faith and God’s blessings? Even if you only have “poppy seed faith” – or “mustard seed faith” as many translations of this scripture call it – this is enough to accomplish tremendous things in the name of Jesus. You have Supernatural power and energy running through your veins! How are you using it?
Do you put one foot in front of the other – even when what little faith you may have is tested – and see where God can take you? Isn’t it time you opened your heart to the possibilities He offers? What are you waiting for? There is NOTHING you cannot tackle with God… NOTHING! Are you ready to take Him seriously?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 8, 2012
John 16:31-33
Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Today would be the 78th birthday of Elvis Aaron Presley. In 1960, the legendary musician and actor had a number one hit single called, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” that is ranked #81 on Billboard’s list of “greatest songs of all time.” If I were to ask you whether you are lonesome, you very well might laugh at me. “Are you kidding? I have people around me all the time… two brothers and a sister… four kids and a wife/husband…I work with dozens of people every day…I live in an apartment complex/facility with several other families and individuals… I’m a cashier at Wal-Mart or a server at a restaurant!” Yes, I get it… you are not alone. But are you lonely? There is a difference!
People who are lonely often lack the unshakable, deep peace of God. They may sense His presence… and surely they feel the company of other people in their lives. But it is entirely possible to feel lonely without being alone. And those who do not experience the profound, unwavering presence of God are vulnerable to attack from the devil… which can bring a myriad of troubles and difficulties that often seem insurmountable.
Many of us give wonderful lip service to the acknowledgement of God’s existence in our life. We agree wholeheartedly that Jesus is with us. We claim the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart. And then we totally abandon Him. We talk a good game… but we don’t actually live out our declarations. So while we readily recognize that the Father is with us… that we are not abandoned… we fail to trust Him completely. And we are shaken… we lack assurance and deep peace when troubles come. And Jesus has told us that troubles will come!
Search your heart today. See whether God is a visitor in your life… or a fulltime resident. When troubles come… or the devil suggests that you are lonely… where do you turn? Have you allowed him room to work in your heart, or are you deeply rooted in the unshakable peace and assurance that the Father is always with you, conquering all of your difficulties and securing His victories for you?
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to say unequivocally that Jesus has your back… that there is nothing you can’t handle with His help? Did you know that today can be that day? It’s a matter of shifting your attitude… and surrendering completely. When we “let go and let God,” nothing can permanently rattle us. Are you ready to operate in unshakable peace and assurance? Are you “lonesome tonight?” Is this you’re a great day to change?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Today would be the 78th birthday of Elvis Aaron Presley. In 1960, the legendary musician and actor had a number one hit single called, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” that is ranked #81 on Billboard’s list of “greatest songs of all time.” If I were to ask you whether you are lonesome, you very well might laugh at me. “Are you kidding? I have people around me all the time… two brothers and a sister… four kids and a wife/husband…I work with dozens of people every day…I live in an apartment complex/facility with several other families and individuals… I’m a cashier at Wal-Mart or a server at a restaurant!” Yes, I get it… you are not alone. But are you lonely? There is a difference!
People who are lonely often lack the unshakable, deep peace of God. They may sense His presence… and surely they feel the company of other people in their lives. But it is entirely possible to feel lonely without being alone. And those who do not experience the profound, unwavering presence of God are vulnerable to attack from the devil… which can bring a myriad of troubles and difficulties that often seem insurmountable.
Many of us give wonderful lip service to the acknowledgement of God’s existence in our life. We agree wholeheartedly that Jesus is with us. We claim the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart. And then we totally abandon Him. We talk a good game… but we don’t actually live out our declarations. So while we readily recognize that the Father is with us… that we are not abandoned… we fail to trust Him completely. And we are shaken… we lack assurance and deep peace when troubles come. And Jesus has told us that troubles will come!
Search your heart today. See whether God is a visitor in your life… or a fulltime resident. When troubles come… or the devil suggests that you are lonely… where do you turn? Have you allowed him room to work in your heart, or are you deeply rooted in the unshakable peace and assurance that the Father is always with you, conquering all of your difficulties and securing His victories for you?
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to say unequivocally that Jesus has your back… that there is nothing you can’t handle with His help? Did you know that today can be that day? It’s a matter of shifting your attitude… and surrendering completely. When we “let go and let God,” nothing can permanently rattle us. Are you ready to operate in unshakable peace and assurance? Are you “lonesome tonight?” Is this you’re a great day to change?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 7, 2013
Job13:15
God might kill me, but I have no other hope.
I am going to argue my case with him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I spoke with my cousin JD this morning for quite a while. He is determined to carry on his tent revival ministry, despite the sudden and unexpected death yesterday of his wife and ministry partner, Angie. He reminded me that “my best Bible teacher has been pain.” And JD has endured much pain and challenge in his 30+ years - some of it self-induced, but also some that is simply part of life… the death of his mother to breast cancer when he was about twenty, the near-fatal logging accident four years ago, and several life-threatening accidents and illnesses involving his dad, just to name a few.
JD told me, “The devil has thrown prison, bankruptcy, near-death, drug abuse and more at me… and each time, I’ve shown him that He can’t beat me.” Now JD faces a tremendous hurdle… how to carry on his ministry without Angie. He is already “arguing his case”… planning his return to the mission field in Florida, as he and Angie had hoped to do later this month. As we talked, I heard such sadness and grief in JD’s voice… but I also detected a spirit of hope.
Here is some of what we shared… and what I want you to take from all of this today…
There is a profound difference between saying that you trust God, and truly TRUSTING Him. If you have ever been knocked to your knees in some way and gotten back up, you know the power of God to rescue and sustain you. Are you calling on that power as you move forward? When you plead your case before God, can you genuinely say that you have completely surrendered and relied on Him fully for strength and sustenance? If you or I woke up in the next few minutes in heaven, would we be able to plead our case with God as His faithful servant? Or do we still have work to do? I don’t believe our work for the LORD ever ends… or that we can possibly do enough for God in this lifetime… but our gauge of this and His are different. Satisfying God and fully yielding to His will is ALL that matters! How are you doing these days?
©2013 Debbie Robus
God might kill me, but I have no other hope.
I am going to argue my case with him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I spoke with my cousin JD this morning for quite a while. He is determined to carry on his tent revival ministry, despite the sudden and unexpected death yesterday of his wife and ministry partner, Angie. He reminded me that “my best Bible teacher has been pain.” And JD has endured much pain and challenge in his 30+ years - some of it self-induced, but also some that is simply part of life… the death of his mother to breast cancer when he was about twenty, the near-fatal logging accident four years ago, and several life-threatening accidents and illnesses involving his dad, just to name a few.
JD told me, “The devil has thrown prison, bankruptcy, near-death, drug abuse and more at me… and each time, I’ve shown him that He can’t beat me.” Now JD faces a tremendous hurdle… how to carry on his ministry without Angie. He is already “arguing his case”… planning his return to the mission field in Florida, as he and Angie had hoped to do later this month. As we talked, I heard such sadness and grief in JD’s voice… but I also detected a spirit of hope.
Here is some of what we shared… and what I want you to take from all of this today…
- When sadness and tragedy occurs in our life, it is okay to grieve – even as a faith-filled Christian. Jesus grieved over the death of Lazarus. God understands our pain… and He grieves for us in our heartache. But He also sustains us and gives us hope and strength.
- Even in death, Angie’s ministry continues. If you could read her Facebook page, you would see that she continues to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth to those who knew and loved her. Are you living in such a way that the same could be said of you?
- God may allow us to endure tragic circumstances… illness, accidents, debt, natural disaster, and even loss of life… but He never leaves us. He provides us with a protective shield – sometimes in the form of shock and numbness for a time. He gives us the fortitude and courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other – and to continue serving Him.
- Healing takes many forms. We are elated when healing comes in an earthly form… but ultimate restoration comes in Heaven. So we must celebrate today that Angie has received the definitive reward… she has seen the face of Jesus, and she is radiant and exquisite in His presence.
There is a profound difference between saying that you trust God, and truly TRUSTING Him. If you have ever been knocked to your knees in some way and gotten back up, you know the power of God to rescue and sustain you. Are you calling on that power as you move forward? When you plead your case before God, can you genuinely say that you have completely surrendered and relied on Him fully for strength and sustenance? If you or I woke up in the next few minutes in heaven, would we be able to plead our case with God as His faithful servant? Or do we still have work to do? I don’t believe our work for the LORD ever ends… or that we can possibly do enough for God in this lifetime… but our gauge of this and His are different. Satisfying God and fully yielding to His will is ALL that matters! How are you doing these days?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 4, 2012
Genesis 22:1-3
Some years later God decided to test Abraham, so he spoke to him.
Abraham answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
The Lord said, “Go get Isaac, your only son, the one you dearly love! Take him to the land of Moriah, and I will show you a mountain where you must sacrifice him to me on the fires of an altar.” So Abraham got up early the next morning and chopped wood for the fire. He put a saddle on his donkey and left with Isaac and two servants for the place where God had told him to go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching a story on television this week about a woman who is in prison… convicted of negligent homicide in the death of a foster child who was in her care. While a judge and jury found ample evidence to place her there, many insist she was a victim of circumstances. The woman is the biological mother of more than one child… and a former missionary who worked with special needs children. She stated in an interview for this story …“I always said, ‘LORD, I’ll go anywhere you send me.’ I just didn’t know He would send me to prison.”
I have no idea if the LORD sent this woman to prison… she may use this thought as a coping mechanism – and these words as a ploy to try to convince others of her innocence. But her comment did cause me to stop and think… “Where is God sending me?” Has it ever occurred to any of us that the little bumps in the road… or even the BIGGER ones… might be God calling us to do something difficult – testing how deeply we rely on Him for strength? When we have our life all mapped out, and we get thrown a curve ball… do we see it as an inconvenience - or an opportunity?
How profoundly would our lives change if instead of asking, “Why me, LORD?” we said, “Here I am!” – and meant it? What if we shifted our thinking to look at tests of our strength as chances to demonstrate God’s power and presence in our life? Isn’t this at least worth a try? Where is God sending you today… and how are you reacting?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Some years later God decided to test Abraham, so he spoke to him.
Abraham answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
The Lord said, “Go get Isaac, your only son, the one you dearly love! Take him to the land of Moriah, and I will show you a mountain where you must sacrifice him to me on the fires of an altar.” So Abraham got up early the next morning and chopped wood for the fire. He put a saddle on his donkey and left with Isaac and two servants for the place where God had told him to go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching a story on television this week about a woman who is in prison… convicted of negligent homicide in the death of a foster child who was in her care. While a judge and jury found ample evidence to place her there, many insist she was a victim of circumstances. The woman is the biological mother of more than one child… and a former missionary who worked with special needs children. She stated in an interview for this story …“I always said, ‘LORD, I’ll go anywhere you send me.’ I just didn’t know He would send me to prison.”
I have no idea if the LORD sent this woman to prison… she may use this thought as a coping mechanism – and these words as a ploy to try to convince others of her innocence. But her comment did cause me to stop and think… “Where is God sending me?” Has it ever occurred to any of us that the little bumps in the road… or even the BIGGER ones… might be God calling us to do something difficult – testing how deeply we rely on Him for strength? When we have our life all mapped out, and we get thrown a curve ball… do we see it as an inconvenience - or an opportunity?
How profoundly would our lives change if instead of asking, “Why me, LORD?” we said, “Here I am!” – and meant it? What if we shifted our thinking to look at tests of our strength as chances to demonstrate God’s power and presence in our life? Isn’t this at least worth a try? Where is God sending you today… and how are you reacting?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 30, 2012
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am in an extraordinary position these days. On one hand, I am watching the last days and weeks of my grandmother’s life unfold. Her body is wearing out, her ability to speak is virtually gone, and her mind is foggy at best. She doesn’t have many good days, but she can still smile beautifully when someone greets her. And I know my grandmother… she is already looking ahead to her heavenly celebration, which will be lavish and exciting. Of course, none of us have ever seen heaven firsthand, but she and I have talked about how wonderful it will be. We know it will last forever and make us forget any troubles or unhappiness we ever experienced…and my grandmother looks forward to this.
At the same time, I am watching my niece’s three children grow and develop. Every day is new when you are 3½, 19 months and 5 months old. Each day I see these children grow and develop… and I am shown God in action, making new life. As He allows them to learn new things and demonstrate acquired skills, I am blessed. The sleepless nights with baby Timothy have given way to a darling toddler who has the most vivid imagination I’ve ever seen…and wakes us early in the morning to “tell you something very important!” The baby girl who could only point and squeal a few weeks ago now runs to us with arms open wide and says, “Bye?” (meaning, “Can I come with you?”). The tiny baby who slept most of the time is now sitting upright, gurgling and laughing… and all too soon he will be crawling and getting into everything!
The minute we are born, we start our trek toward heaven. We may be granted 100 years or 1 day here, but heaven will last forever. Every life is filled with ups and downs. There are cycles of good times, and often there are incredible challenges and heartaches along the way. But through it all, God is granting us grace and strength for the journey. I pray that you trust Him for all of your needs. I hope you recognize His presence in even the smallest thing… a hug from a child, the beauty of a snowfall, or even a smile from an aging grandparent. Learn to recognize the rhythms and grace of God in your life… and to rely on His strength for your daily living.
We’re not giving up… how could we?! God is with us, meeting our every need and preparing us for a glorious eternity with Him in heaven. Whatever challenges we face in this life really are “small potatoes” compared to the coming good times. This is great news for all who believe in Jesus Christ and have asked Him to forgive our sins and be LORD of our lives. We can enjoy every minute of the day, regardless of what it brings, because GOD is on our side!
Are you trusting God for the things you cannot see… believing in a lavish celebration and a forever life in heaven? Who gives you strength? Who holds your future? Are you ready to “let go and let God?” Isn’t this a good day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am in an extraordinary position these days. On one hand, I am watching the last days and weeks of my grandmother’s life unfold. Her body is wearing out, her ability to speak is virtually gone, and her mind is foggy at best. She doesn’t have many good days, but she can still smile beautifully when someone greets her. And I know my grandmother… she is already looking ahead to her heavenly celebration, which will be lavish and exciting. Of course, none of us have ever seen heaven firsthand, but she and I have talked about how wonderful it will be. We know it will last forever and make us forget any troubles or unhappiness we ever experienced…and my grandmother looks forward to this.
At the same time, I am watching my niece’s three children grow and develop. Every day is new when you are 3½, 19 months and 5 months old. Each day I see these children grow and develop… and I am shown God in action, making new life. As He allows them to learn new things and demonstrate acquired skills, I am blessed. The sleepless nights with baby Timothy have given way to a darling toddler who has the most vivid imagination I’ve ever seen…and wakes us early in the morning to “tell you something very important!” The baby girl who could only point and squeal a few weeks ago now runs to us with arms open wide and says, “Bye?” (meaning, “Can I come with you?”). The tiny baby who slept most of the time is now sitting upright, gurgling and laughing… and all too soon he will be crawling and getting into everything!
The minute we are born, we start our trek toward heaven. We may be granted 100 years or 1 day here, but heaven will last forever. Every life is filled with ups and downs. There are cycles of good times, and often there are incredible challenges and heartaches along the way. But through it all, God is granting us grace and strength for the journey. I pray that you trust Him for all of your needs. I hope you recognize His presence in even the smallest thing… a hug from a child, the beauty of a snowfall, or even a smile from an aging grandparent. Learn to recognize the rhythms and grace of God in your life… and to rely on His strength for your daily living.
We’re not giving up… how could we?! God is with us, meeting our every need and preparing us for a glorious eternity with Him in heaven. Whatever challenges we face in this life really are “small potatoes” compared to the coming good times. This is great news for all who believe in Jesus Christ and have asked Him to forgive our sins and be LORD of our lives. We can enjoy every minute of the day, regardless of what it brings, because GOD is on our side!
Are you trusting God for the things you cannot see… believing in a lavish celebration and a forever life in heaven? Who gives you strength? Who holds your future? Are you ready to “let go and let God?” Isn’t this a good day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 29, 2012
1 Samuel 30:6
David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My husband’s oldest brother spent Christmas at his mother-in-law’s, in a city 150+ miles from his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. While he and his wife were away, the epic Christmas Day snowstorm ravaged much of our state, leaving their neighborhood looking like a war zone. Downed trees now weigh down power lines. Streets and driveways are impassable because of fallen tree limbs. Utility workers are vigilantly trying to restore electrical power to cold, hungry residents who are anxious to take a hot shower and get out of the dark.
This is the third time that my brother-in-law and his wife have experienced devastating power outages… twice to ice and snow, and once after residual high winds from a hurricane. They are weary and understandably frustrated. I am sure that they – and many of those who have been without power for at least four days now - have felt a little like David… vulnerable and downhearted… discouraged and miserable. But help is arriving. All throughout our state, those who can are rallying to assist others. Those who cannot physically help are sending money to organizations like the American Red Cross… and countless numbers are praying for those in need.
The strength of the LORD comes in many forms. My husband and his middle brother drove to Little Rock to help clear trees and unblock their older brother’s driveway. I am sure that this was of great comfort to him… and served as a reminder that God is still in control… still recognizing his needs – and meeting them. I know that his family, friends and church family are all praying for them as they face a huge cleanup and restoration project in coming weeks… and this must encourage them tremendously.
Thankfully, few of us will ever face something as daunting as the potential to be stoned by our peers. But we may endure hardships that feel just as formidable. Let us remember that God is with us. He is strengthening us for whatever obstacles and challenges we face, and He will equip us to meet them head-on.
Are you calling on God for strength today? Do you feel His presence and His power? When you face difficult times, where do you turn? Take heart… God is with you… find strength in the LORD your God!
©2012 Debbie Robus
David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My husband’s oldest brother spent Christmas at his mother-in-law’s, in a city 150+ miles from his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. While he and his wife were away, the epic Christmas Day snowstorm ravaged much of our state, leaving their neighborhood looking like a war zone. Downed trees now weigh down power lines. Streets and driveways are impassable because of fallen tree limbs. Utility workers are vigilantly trying to restore electrical power to cold, hungry residents who are anxious to take a hot shower and get out of the dark.
This is the third time that my brother-in-law and his wife have experienced devastating power outages… twice to ice and snow, and once after residual high winds from a hurricane. They are weary and understandably frustrated. I am sure that they – and many of those who have been without power for at least four days now - have felt a little like David… vulnerable and downhearted… discouraged and miserable. But help is arriving. All throughout our state, those who can are rallying to assist others. Those who cannot physically help are sending money to organizations like the American Red Cross… and countless numbers are praying for those in need.
The strength of the LORD comes in many forms. My husband and his middle brother drove to Little Rock to help clear trees and unblock their older brother’s driveway. I am sure that this was of great comfort to him… and served as a reminder that God is still in control… still recognizing his needs – and meeting them. I know that his family, friends and church family are all praying for them as they face a huge cleanup and restoration project in coming weeks… and this must encourage them tremendously.
Thankfully, few of us will ever face something as daunting as the potential to be stoned by our peers. But we may endure hardships that feel just as formidable. Let us remember that God is with us. He is strengthening us for whatever obstacles and challenges we face, and He will equip us to meet them head-on.
Are you calling on God for strength today? Do you feel His presence and His power? When you face difficult times, where do you turn? Take heart… God is with you… find strength in the LORD your God!
©2012 Debbie Robus
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