Look at Obstacles as Stepping Stones

Have you ever had things come up in your life that seemed so overwhelming that you thought, "I just can't handle this"? I know I have.

Something that helped me was to think of the circumstance as flat stepping stones rather than boulders I would trip and fall over. Just as a seeds often struggle to push through hard soil to come up to greet the sun and grow, our struggles can be blessings in disguise to help us grow.

God works in mysterious ways. It's what the Bible tells us; that's just the way it is. If there is a struggle, greet it as a stepping stone to your growth. Know that God is with you, and what is happening is just a way to take you a step further on your path of life. Be assured that He'll carry you through whatever you're facing. Don't give up. Look at life joyfully, have faith, and walk on top of the stepping stones of life, one step at a time.

God loves you,
Donna

God's Got Strong Arms

There's a scripture in Deut. 33:27 which reads, "The Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. and he will thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.""

The arm of God symbolizes protection for us. The scriptural words used was one way to help us to visualize His power. God's arm, also, symbolizes strength. If you can just realize that God reaches out to you to hold you up under all circumstances, you could then relax, let go, and let God. It's the ability to be like King Jehosophat.

The king and his kingdom knew great armies were coming against them, and so he prayed to God for direction. Jehosophat told God they felt powerless before the great multitude but that their "eyes were on Him." As they stood looking out over the approaching armies, God's Spirit through a prophet said, "Stand and watch the salvation of the Lord on your behalf. Do not fear or be dismayed for the Lord is with you!"

God literally took over. The enemies were defeated miraculously while the king's people gave thanks for God's lovingkindness and sang praises. Afterward, King Jehosophat sent his men down to collect the spoils. It is an amazing story that can be found at 2 Chronicles 20:12-25.

Can we stand back in faith and trust allowing God to work in our lives? Believe in God's power and be miracle minded. Ask for direction believing, and God's arms will lift and carry you through your problems to victory.

In love and joy,
Donna

Faith is Expectancy

I've posted on faith and Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for though the evidence is unseen." Faith is expectancy of things hoped for without seeing the outcome.

Matthew 9:29 says, "According to your faith be it unto you." Another way to say this is : According to your expectancies be it done unto you. So, what are you expecting?

Are you expecting the worst consciously or even unconsciously? Are you one who says things like, "I don't know, it certainly looks bad."

Change your expectancies! Instead of expecting loss, failure, or lack, expect good, happiness, and abundance. God can make a way when there is no way. That's believing and having trust in your Heavenly Father. Get excited. God acts through our joy which is our strength. He sympathizes in our tears, but it's our joy and unwavering faith that, Jesus says, moves mountains!

More tomorrow...Until then, be miracle minded.

In love and joy,
Donna

The Lord Is My Shepard-cont'd

Yesterday's post was regarding, "The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want," from the 23rd Psalms. When you get into the mindset that the Lord is really your Shepard, you will come to the full realization that your supply will be met.

Say that scripture to yourself and truly mean it. Say it several times a day. Feel the words. Don't let old Mr. Doubt creep into one thought you have.

When there is a need, is your first thought that of worry and fear? Or, is it complete trust that "I shall not want"? Put your faith thought out there first, not last. God never changes. He never lies. It all depends on our faith and trust that He is our Father, we are His children, and His love never fails. So don't allow Mr. Doubt into your life. Only you can stop him, and kick him out for good.

God bless you-Live in joy and prosperity,
Donna

The Forward Look

In life the great secret of all advancement and attainment is to set yourself in the right direction and then simply travel on, paying no attention of even frequent lapses along the way. Those who know the power of the "forward look" realizes that unforeseen helps will spring up where least expected along the way for him who "keeps his eye on the prize."

When we're driving we often can't see but a couple of hundred feet ahead of us. That doesn't stop us from continuing on or worrying about the next 200 feet, does it? You know your destination, and you keep driving.

It's the same with life. Take each hour as it comes along without worry. Know your course, and KNOW that you are not traveling on your life's course alone. You have a Partner who knows exactly what you need when you need it.

"Dwell in the shelter of the Most High." Trust Him to guide you everyday, and keep the "Forward Look."

God be with you,
Donna

Thought for the day:

"He who dwells in the shelter of the most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress. My God in whom I trust." Psalms 91: 1,2

The translation from Hebrew is to dwell(stay, live there) in the shelter(secret place, protection, concealment, flee to for protection) of the Most High and abide in the Almighty's shadow(your defense).

So, have trust and hope under that "shadow" all day, everyday. God bless!