James 1:2-4
Dear brothers, is your life full of
difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough,
your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to
squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full
bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full
and complete.
The Living
Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All
rights reserved.
Today, two “memes” showed up in consecutive order on my Facebook wall.
The first one said, “Sometimes the strongest among us are the ones who
smile through silent pain, cry behind closed doors, and fight battles
nobody knows about." The next one said, “Dear ‘Whatever doesn't kill
me’... I'm strong enough now! Thanks!” I was unable to positively
determine the authors of these quotes, but I felt they were worth
sharing.
None of us likes to be uncomfortable. We do not relish
difficulties and temptations…much less a “rough row to hoe!” Ask anyone
if he/she enjoys tests of patience...or problems...and you’ll probably
get a resounding “NO!” The old adage that "What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger" may have some truth to it...but most of us would rather not test that theory!
Still,
we read in James 1 that difficulties and temptations should bring us
joy! We read that patience will grow out of challenges…that our
character will be strengthened, and our faith in Jesus Christ will be
fully developed. And those of us who have lived through some “stuff”
can attest to this. As I think about my own life and the times when I
was truly tested…I see how God used these times to develop my faith
muscle - and keep it strong.
Timothy mentioned to me again this
morning that "your home is always joyful and happy” (his words). He
knows that Greg and I have challenges…that we have experienced grief,
health concerns, and other life events that have tried our patience.
And yet, he sees that we are (generally) able to manage them with
confidence…and a positive outlook. I pray that our children will take
this example to heart…that in the years to come, we can encourage them
to internalize the words of James in this passage... and trust God to
care for them and develop their faith – even in difficult times.
There
was one more “meme” that I noticed as I was preparing this message. It
said, “People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss
the point...the glass is refillable.” God can fill our “glass”…and He
will do so over and again, if only we will trust Him. I cannot prevent
challenges, heartaches and disappointments in my own life, the lives of
our children – or you! But GOD can help us all to grow in and through
these experiences…and share an ever stronger faith in Him with others.
Whatever
you are experiencing today, trust God to get you through it. Allow Him
room to work, and watch as He develops your faith and strengthens your
ability to operate in patience, courage, and empathy. God will fill
your “glass”…and keep it filled. Are you ready to let Him?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label trusting God to handle worries meet needs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trusting God to handle worries meet needs. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 7, 2016
Romans 8:18-23
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day when God will resurrect his children. For on that day thorns and thistles, sin, death, and decay — the things that overcame the world against its will at God’s command—will all disappear, and the world around us will share in the glorious freedom from sin which God’s children enjoy.
For we know that even the things of nature, like animals and plants, suffer in sickness and death as they await this great event. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us—bodies that will never be sick again and will never die.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks after my dad died, I was telling a friend about how much he suffered…the two years of daily dialysis that confined him to bed and a machine for 14 hours every night…the chronic depression that made him want to lie in that bed and beg to die much of the time…the constant itching and sensitivity to smells and tastes that goes along with renal failure and makes one miserable…the countless trips to the hospital and Emergency Room for treatments for everything from anxiety to blood loss. And in the midst of this, my dad lost his only son and suffered incredible grief and heartache. He often cried, “I want to go with him.” I noted that after all of this, my dad had a stroke one day post hernia surgery that paralyzed him from the chest down…and a few hours later, a heart attack took his life. I questioned why Daddy had to suffer like this, when the ultimate result was “sudden” death.
I will never forget my friend’s response. He asked, “In the scheme of things, wasn’t all of that suffering just a ‘blip on the screen’ compared to what awaited your dad in heaven forever and ever?” He went on to suggest that we think about our earthly suffering in terms of time as we know it…but in comparison to Eternity and the peace and joy that awaits us there, it loses much of its punch and power.
Do not misunderstand me…I know that many have suffered. I do not in any way wish to diminish any person’s grief, physical discomfort and illness, and heartaches of all kinds. I know that people are physically, mentally and emotionally ravaged by lousy childhoods, war, the violence and hatred of others, and horrific injuries and diseases. I acknowledge human and animal cruelty…and how agonizing it can be to endure cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other terrible diseases. I know that life can be very hard for many. And it is easy to ask God, “WHY?”
But I also know that because I trust God…because I believe in His promises…the suffering will end – and it will have been a “blip on the screen” for those who trusted Him and waited anxiously for Heaven. In the meantime, suffering is real for so many…and to those who suffer, I say, “God sees you. He knows you are hurting, and He is not punishing you. He is drawing you close in your pain, heartache and grief. He is strengthening your ‘faith muscle’ as you rely more on Him and less on yourself to do these really hard things.”
I have discovered in the last few days that I’ve been relying too much on my own strength in recent months – and not enough on the power of God…and I didn’t even realize it. I have finally humbled myself and admitted to God that I need His help…that “life” has been a lot harder than I thought it was going to be…and I cannot do this without Him. I know that I am not going to be instantly “better” because of this…but my focus has shifted. I am looking at the bigger picture, rather than the “blip on the screen.”
I am recognizing just how much I need God in my life…His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and healing. I have redoubled my determination to walk in faith even more…and to let God carry me as I focus on a broader landscape – and the promise of Heaven – and less on the past and the immediate present. There will be plenty of unpleasant events and circumstances yet to come in my lifetime, but I will not face them alone. I will do all I can to wait patiently for God to lead me out of these adversities…and I will look forward to the glory of Heaven and the perfect peace that He is preparing for me there. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day when God will resurrect his children. For on that day thorns and thistles, sin, death, and decay — the things that overcame the world against its will at God’s command—will all disappear, and the world around us will share in the glorious freedom from sin which God’s children enjoy.
For we know that even the things of nature, like animals and plants, suffer in sickness and death as they await this great event. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us—bodies that will never be sick again and will never die.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks after my dad died, I was telling a friend about how much he suffered…the two years of daily dialysis that confined him to bed and a machine for 14 hours every night…the chronic depression that made him want to lie in that bed and beg to die much of the time…the constant itching and sensitivity to smells and tastes that goes along with renal failure and makes one miserable…the countless trips to the hospital and Emergency Room for treatments for everything from anxiety to blood loss. And in the midst of this, my dad lost his only son and suffered incredible grief and heartache. He often cried, “I want to go with him.” I noted that after all of this, my dad had a stroke one day post hernia surgery that paralyzed him from the chest down…and a few hours later, a heart attack took his life. I questioned why Daddy had to suffer like this, when the ultimate result was “sudden” death.
I will never forget my friend’s response. He asked, “In the scheme of things, wasn’t all of that suffering just a ‘blip on the screen’ compared to what awaited your dad in heaven forever and ever?” He went on to suggest that we think about our earthly suffering in terms of time as we know it…but in comparison to Eternity and the peace and joy that awaits us there, it loses much of its punch and power.
Do not misunderstand me…I know that many have suffered. I do not in any way wish to diminish any person’s grief, physical discomfort and illness, and heartaches of all kinds. I know that people are physically, mentally and emotionally ravaged by lousy childhoods, war, the violence and hatred of others, and horrific injuries and diseases. I acknowledge human and animal cruelty…and how agonizing it can be to endure cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other terrible diseases. I know that life can be very hard for many. And it is easy to ask God, “WHY?”
But I also know that because I trust God…because I believe in His promises…the suffering will end – and it will have been a “blip on the screen” for those who trusted Him and waited anxiously for Heaven. In the meantime, suffering is real for so many…and to those who suffer, I say, “God sees you. He knows you are hurting, and He is not punishing you. He is drawing you close in your pain, heartache and grief. He is strengthening your ‘faith muscle’ as you rely more on Him and less on yourself to do these really hard things.”
I have discovered in the last few days that I’ve been relying too much on my own strength in recent months – and not enough on the power of God…and I didn’t even realize it. I have finally humbled myself and admitted to God that I need His help…that “life” has been a lot harder than I thought it was going to be…and I cannot do this without Him. I know that I am not going to be instantly “better” because of this…but my focus has shifted. I am looking at the bigger picture, rather than the “blip on the screen.”
I am recognizing just how much I need God in my life…His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and healing. I have redoubled my determination to walk in faith even more…and to let God carry me as I focus on a broader landscape – and the promise of Heaven – and less on the past and the immediate present. There will be plenty of unpleasant events and circumstances yet to come in my lifetime, but I will not face them alone. I will do all I can to wait patiently for God to lead me out of these adversities…and I will look forward to the glory of Heaven and the perfect peace that He is preparing for me there. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 27, 2016
Psalm 23:1-6
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields of green grass.
You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.
Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Shortly before Christmas, Timothy was watching a YouTube video where a dad and his son opened new toys and described them to the viewers. For those of you without small children, this has become quite the phenomenon…videos where adults open toys - and wrapped packages or plastic eggs that contain small toys or candy – and sample the wares. The people on camera describe the contents and sometimes play with the toys or take a bite of the candy and describe the experience. All three of our children are mesmerized by these videos. Generally, they have little to say…but this particular day, the dad opened a box containing a “Jurassic World Indominus Rex vs. Gyrosphere Pack.”
Timothy’s eyes lit up, and he said, “Oh! I HAVE to have this! I NEED this!” I reminded Timothy that he had already placed his order with Santa, and I was not sure that this was possible. But he insisted we look the toy up online and see how much it cost…and maybe was there a way that he could have it for Christmas, because this really was ALL that he wanted!
Luckily, Grandma E had not done her shopping yet, and the Indominus Rex was purchased for Timothy – along with a T-Rex for Nathan and some "Frozen" toys for Zola. When Timothy opened the package on Christmas Eve, his face said it all. ”This was JUST what I wanted!” he declared! And Grandma E was the hero!
It’s a funny thing how we decide what we want/need. Some of us absolutely need a companion…we feel we cannot function well on our own. Others believe they absolutely must have the latest fashions, gadgets, electronics, cars, and more. Still others feel that they are only as good as their latest “success” – academically, physically, economically, and more. They have to be the right weight and shape, achieve the desired scores, earn a certain amount of money, and be surrounded by people who at least appear to like them. And we all expend a LOT of time and energy to accomplish these goals and maintain this “status.”
I encourage you to stop for just a few minutes and read this scripture passage and let it soak into your soul. Especially note the first verse…”You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” The difference in what we find important involves a shift in focus…from ourselves and the world – to JESUS! And what results is astounding. For starters…our attitude and demeanor change. We are no longer chasing our tails to get ahead, to “be somebody,” or to feel happy and content. And the world notices the shift.
When we begin to rest in Jesus…to fully embrace the concept that He meets our every need and gives us all that is important, we demonstrate to others that Jesus is our Refuge – our Comforter and Provider. In Him, we have hope and a purpose…and we are able to share with others out of this abundance. We are able to “feed His sheep” because we trust Him to feed us.
I have no doubt that Timothy has played with his new dinosaur for hours on end. But in time, he will tire of this toy and move on to the next thing that he simply must have…just as we all do when our focus is on earthly acquisitions and treasures. Do not misunderstand what I am saying…there is nothing wrong with goals and aspirations. It is not wrong to have nice things, new toys, or our desire for the company of others. The key is how we align our priorities.
When we place the focus on Jesus…when we look to Him to be the Author and Finisher of all that we require, everything else falls into place…and we are truly able to say “I will never be in need.” And we can demonstrate to others that this is possible for them, as well.
So my question today is this…”Who are you asking to meet your needs?” Are you seeking the latest, greatest “toy” to add to your collection…or are you seeking a seat at the LORD’s table, where His kindness and love are always available? When others look at you, do they see someone whose needs are met by Jesus…or someone who is “looking for love and confirmation in all the wrong places”? How you answer matters greatly. So Who is meeting your needs today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
You, Lord, are my shepherd.
I will never be in need.
You let me rest in fields of green grass.
You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.
You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.
I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows.
Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Shortly before Christmas, Timothy was watching a YouTube video where a dad and his son opened new toys and described them to the viewers. For those of you without small children, this has become quite the phenomenon…videos where adults open toys - and wrapped packages or plastic eggs that contain small toys or candy – and sample the wares. The people on camera describe the contents and sometimes play with the toys or take a bite of the candy and describe the experience. All three of our children are mesmerized by these videos. Generally, they have little to say…but this particular day, the dad opened a box containing a “Jurassic World Indominus Rex vs. Gyrosphere Pack.”
Timothy’s eyes lit up, and he said, “Oh! I HAVE to have this! I NEED this!” I reminded Timothy that he had already placed his order with Santa, and I was not sure that this was possible. But he insisted we look the toy up online and see how much it cost…and maybe was there a way that he could have it for Christmas, because this really was ALL that he wanted!
Luckily, Grandma E had not done her shopping yet, and the Indominus Rex was purchased for Timothy – along with a T-Rex for Nathan and some "Frozen" toys for Zola. When Timothy opened the package on Christmas Eve, his face said it all. ”This was JUST what I wanted!” he declared! And Grandma E was the hero!
It’s a funny thing how we decide what we want/need. Some of us absolutely need a companion…we feel we cannot function well on our own. Others believe they absolutely must have the latest fashions, gadgets, electronics, cars, and more. Still others feel that they are only as good as their latest “success” – academically, physically, economically, and more. They have to be the right weight and shape, achieve the desired scores, earn a certain amount of money, and be surrounded by people who at least appear to like them. And we all expend a LOT of time and energy to accomplish these goals and maintain this “status.”
I encourage you to stop for just a few minutes and read this scripture passage and let it soak into your soul. Especially note the first verse…”You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” The difference in what we find important involves a shift in focus…from ourselves and the world – to JESUS! And what results is astounding. For starters…our attitude and demeanor change. We are no longer chasing our tails to get ahead, to “be somebody,” or to feel happy and content. And the world notices the shift.
When we begin to rest in Jesus…to fully embrace the concept that He meets our every need and gives us all that is important, we demonstrate to others that Jesus is our Refuge – our Comforter and Provider. In Him, we have hope and a purpose…and we are able to share with others out of this abundance. We are able to “feed His sheep” because we trust Him to feed us.
I have no doubt that Timothy has played with his new dinosaur for hours on end. But in time, he will tire of this toy and move on to the next thing that he simply must have…just as we all do when our focus is on earthly acquisitions and treasures. Do not misunderstand what I am saying…there is nothing wrong with goals and aspirations. It is not wrong to have nice things, new toys, or our desire for the company of others. The key is how we align our priorities.
When we place the focus on Jesus…when we look to Him to be the Author and Finisher of all that we require, everything else falls into place…and we are truly able to say “I will never be in need.” And we can demonstrate to others that this is possible for them, as well.
So my question today is this…”Who are you asking to meet your needs?” Are you seeking the latest, greatest “toy” to add to your collection…or are you seeking a seat at the LORD’s table, where His kindness and love are always available? When others look at you, do they see someone whose needs are met by Jesus…or someone who is “looking for love and confirmation in all the wrong places”? How you answer matters greatly. So Who is meeting your needs today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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