Are you worried or fretting?

Are you fretting (worried or irritated) about anything?

While I was praying concerning a gal in my class struggle to trust GOD in a certain situation and another gal easily offended yet refusing apologies, the LORD said unto me, “Sharon, you are doing the same thing (Romans 2:1).  You are not resting in ME for these situations.  It is not your job to convince them how the bible applies to their situations.  You did your job in pointing to what I said, now let ME handle it.”

We each face struggles besides all the chaos in our nation and worldwide. So, how in the world do we obey the biblical commands not to fret or fear but to rest in GOD? 

Philippians 4:⁶ Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours] (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP).

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (John 16 :33 AMP). 

Just as GOD rested from all HIS work that HE had done (Genesis 2:1), GOD offers us a rest from striving.  It is peace and rest that is not inactivity but a freedom of fretting, stress, and self-effort.

HE also offered this rest to the Jews after HE led them out of bondage in Egypt by Moses.  They had the same problem we do, thinking they had to do it all.  Let’s look at what happened to them. Hebrews 4:2 “…the word (promise) preached to them (the Jews) did not profit them because they did not mix it with faith.”  In other words, they didn’t receive GOD’s word as truth and nor trust GOD to do as HE said.  Faith is receiving truth and trusting in GOD’s Word. 

Let’s look a little closer at the reason the Jews had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years.  It was not the distance to the Promise land, for they got to the Jordan River not long after they left Egypt.  So why didn’t they cross the Jordan and enter the land?

GOD had given them the promise that HE was with them, HE would fight their battles and hand over their enemies into their hands all they had to do was TRUST HIM and follow HIS instructions. But, when they heard that there were giants in the land, they could think of nothing but the giants.  They knew in and of themselves they were not capable of fighting giants.  Therefore, they refused to obey GOD, refused to go into the land because they did not trust GOD or HIS word.  We see they could not enter in because of unbelief (Hebrews 3:19).

We are so like them, aren’t we?  We encounter hard situations so beyond our own control and we struggle in fear refusing to trust the love and power of GOD or claim HIS promises for all we see is the problem that is too big for us to handle.  Yet GOD over and over offers us rest=peace when HE says do not fear I am with you in this, I’ve got this and I am in control (John 14:1, Hebrews 13:5).

We don’t do it on purpose, but by default.  GOD says to take whatever is bothering us to JESUS (Hebrews 4:16, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).  We need to deliberately take our eyes off the problem give it to GOD and not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-7).  

I know, I know that is easier said than done but that is what GOD means when HE says we are to strive/labor to enter into GOD’s (promised) rest (Hebrews 4:11).  We have to relinquish control and trust that GOD knows best and will work on our behalf.

Many saved people do not enter into GOD’s rest but choose to live in fear and strife rather than the peace JESUS offers them.  That is because they don’t trust GOD with that specific sickness, a relative’s addiction, or whatever the problem is that faces them. That doesn’t mean they are not saved, it means their focus is off.

Are you fretting about anything?  Then you are not believing that GOD is at work in that situation (Ephesians 1:11) What should you do?

 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge (talk to) HIM, and HE shall direct your paths.Be not wise in YOUR own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Hugs,

Sharon

It is written

We are in the last days (which began when JESUS was sent to the earth in human form by GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 1:1-3).  We are told that in these last days there will be much demonic activity and deception.  This is obvious in the craziness of irrational thinking widely accepted and has deluded many of our youth.

“Now the Spirit speaks expressly (specifically and clearly), that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1).

The head devil, Satan, tempted JESUS.  We can learn from how our Savior handled the lies of Satan, so we know how to act when the enemy attacks our thinking with snide suggestions. 

JESUS suffered being tempted in all ways as what we suffer so HE could lead us in how to handle our temptations and trials (Hebrews 2:10, 4:14-15). We see HIM being tempted in Matthew 4:1-11. To be victorious when tempted we need to follow our LORD JESUS’ example of how to fight against the demonic lies.  Each time JESUS was tempted HE answered the devil with the Word of GOD in a personalized form beginning with ‘It is written…’ 

JESUS could do that because HE knew the Word of GOD and believed in its power.  We too need to know the Word of GOD and choose to believe it even when it makes no sense to us.  We, like JESUS, may personalize scripture showing that we believe it is true and applies to us when we declare its truth during temptation.  The verses given below are an example of personalized verses we can audibly answer the tempter with.

In answering the devil, JESUS said “It is written that man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4). 

It is written: the sword of the Spirit is the Word of GOD (Ephesians 6:17).

It is written GOD is not a man that HE should lie nor the son of man that HE should repent.  HE has said and HE will do.  HE has spoken and it will come to pass! (Numbers 23:19).

I will give thanks in and for all things for it is written that this is GOD’s will for me and that HIS plan for me is good (Ephesians 4:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Jeremiah 29:11).

It is written: That GOD will plead my cause against ungodly lies (Psalm 43:1).

It is written GOD defends me from them that rise up against me (Psalm 59:1).

It is written that no weapon formed against me shall prosper but that I can condemn it with my words (Isaiah 54:17).

It is written: All things GOD works together for good to us who love GOD and are (individually) called according to HIS purpose (Romans 8:28).

It is written: all things are for my sake (and the sake of my children and grandchildren) and will redound to the glory of GOD.  So, I will not faint or be depressed; but though my outward man perishes, yet my inward man is being renewed day by day.GOD says this situation is a light affliction, which will last but for a moment, and through it GOD is working to achieve for me more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that far surpasses the pain of today.  I believe HIM. So, I will obey and not look at the things which are seen (the situation), but at the things which are not seen (that which GOD is achieving for me through the situation): for the things which are seen are temporary; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

It is written I will not be cast down, nor depressed or troubled within me.   My hope is in GOD: I shall yet praise HIM, who is the health of my countenance (gives me peace and joy), and my GOD (Psalm 43:5)

It is written I put my trust in GOD and rejoice I will shout for joy, because GOD defends me (Psalm 5:11).

It is written that GOD gives repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth, and I choose to receive it (2 Timothy 2:25).

It is written that if I trust GOD and acknowledge HIM in all things, HE will direct my path. It is written that I will overcome because greater is HE (GOD the HOLY SPIRIT) that is in me than he (demons) that is in the world. Therefore, if GOD is leading me, you devils can’t deceive me (Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 John 4:4).

It is written that my troubles are developing patience in me and preparing me for my assignments (James 1:2-4).

Are you reading and memorizing the Word of GOD?  These verses are some you should know.

Hugs

Sharon

Anna and Simeon

I was sitting in my chair with my Bible open in my lap when the cat bounded from the top of my desk to my lap and then to the floor.  In the process the pages of my Bible turned back to what I’d been reading in Luke yesterday.  But as I reread the verses I’d underlined, an entirely different focus came in view and taking it as a nudge to share, here goes.

It was when, as an infant, JESUS was being presented to the LORD with a sacrifice.  Two specific people are mentioned, and I knew the story very well.  But as I read it again this morning the emphasis was on another, the HOLY SPIRIT and HIS interaction with those two very old people.

Simeon is described as just (he did what he knew was right to do), devout (he loved and worshipped the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY with all his heart and soul and strength, and Simeon was waiting (watching) for the promised Messiah to come.  All three we believers are also supposed to be doing.

It says that the HOLY SPIRIT was upon Simeon (like the HOLY SPIRIT comes on believers in JESUS to do a special assignment with power).  Simeon had work to do in prophesying concerning JESUS.

The HOLY SPIRIT had (in the past) revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah.  Yes, the HOLY SPIRIT had given him a promise just as we sometimes are given promises.

Then it says that Simeon came into the temple, being led by the HOLY SPIRIT just as Mary and Joseph brought JESUS into the temple to be presented to the LORD.  Wow! We are also to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to lead and move us to do what we are assigned to do (See Luke 2:22-35).

The other person was Anna.  After being married according to custom as a teen, she lived 7 years with her husband and since he died, for 84 years she’d been serving the LORD in the temple night and day with fasting and prayers.  She is described as a prophet of GOD.  When she saw the baby JESUS, she began prophesying to all who looked for the redemption (Messiah) in Jerusalem. 

How does one prophecy from the LORD GOD? 2 Peter 1:21 (true) prophecy comes not at any time by the will of man but holy persons of GOD spoke as they were moved by the HOLY SPIRIT.  

Both Anna and Simeon loved and served the LORD GOD and listened to what the HOLY SPIRIT impressed on them to do and speak.  Today we call that walking in the SPIRIT or being led by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Each of us is commanded to do that very thing and are promised that if we walk in the SPIRIT, we will not sin (fulfill the lusts of the flesh) (Galatians 5:16).

But how do we walk in the SPIRIT?  Romans 8:5 tells us how and it is all about focus. 

For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on (think about) the things of the flesh [which gratify the body/ the lust of the eyes-desires generated by what we see so want, and the pride of life], but those who are living (walking and being led by the SPIRIT) according to the SPIRIT, [set their minds on] the things of the SPIRIT [GOD’s will and purpose] (Romans 8:5 AMP).

What are you, what am I focused on?  Are we seeking 1^st the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness or things of the world?

Hugs

Sharon

The rain comes down

All that rain we have been having has given the grass the extra boost it needed and now the grass is really getting green! That makes me think of a facet of the work of the HOLY SPIRIT in a believer’s life. 

JESUS describes the HOLY SPIRIT outside or with us and beside a man (John 14:17), convicting a person of sin and his need of a Savior. It gives a person a chance to choose to reach out to GOD (John 16:8).  But it is man’s choice to make (John 3:16, 36).

JESUS goes on to describe the HOLY SPIRIT coming inside a man once a person believes in the death and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST (John 20:22). When the HOLY SPIRIT comes to dwell inside us it is like a well of living water gushing up from within once a person believes that JESUS died for his sin and was glorified when proved to be the SON of GOD with power at HIS resurrection for the dead (John 7:38-39, Romans 1:4). That water speaks of the cleansing work of the SPIRIT and is how the believer is being changed little by little into the image of JESUS (sanctified) (Romans 8:29). The water also pictures. the fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT flowing through us to meet the needs of others.

But there is still more, and our LORD JESUS told the disciples, who had the living HOLY SPIRIT within them (John 20:20) to wait in Jerusalem until the HOLY SPIRIT came upon them with power to witness and for specific service to others (Acts 1:4,8).

In Hosea 6:3 rain speaks of the ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT. “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: HIS going forth is prepared as the morning; and HE shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”

 As rain comes at different times for a purpose and then it stops until another need. The aspect of the HOLY SPIRIT’s coming upon us with power is for a specific assignments to others and then HIS special power leaves until our next assignment that needs special power (Acts 2, Acts 4:31).

We need to listen let the HOLY SPIRIT lead and direct us, for if we resist what HE shows us or turn away from HIS direction we grieve and quench HIM and thereby hamper ourselves.

Something to think about when you see the rain…

Hugs

Sharon

GOD delivers

I couldn’t help but think of GOD’s watchful care when I read about and saw a photo of a little 4-month-old baby dug out of the rubble and alive more than a day after the destruction of the cyclone.  It was just a glimpse of GOD’s gentle love and goodness in delivering us from harm.

Have you ever felt or cried out, “It’s not fair!  It’s just not fair!”  I know that I have many times. 

Being we don’t see the whole picture of why things happen and what lies ahead, human standards cry out ‘life is not fair!’ 

Yet the bible tells us, “The swiftest person doesn’t always win the race or the strongest man the battle, and wise men are often poor and skillful men are not necessarily famous.” Ecclesiastes 9:11 

We could add to that list: the innocent suffer while the guilty get rich; you do right and get blamed for wrong (like Joseph the son of Jacob); you lovingly teach your child to do right and he goes deep into sin;  or you just work hard and everything falls apart.

Although life on earth is not fair, we must not despair but rather put GOD in the equation. Too often we forget to remember GOD’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways.  We are told they are as high as the heavens above (light years away from) our thought and ways.  In other words, we do not have the capacity, at this time, to understand. We are as a preschooler who knows her ABCs yet can in no way understand a Greek novel.  It is totally beyond the level of her comprehension.

In the Bible we are told there is Divine reason behind everything that happens.  Don’t ask me to explain that, but since GOD says it, I believe it as a matter of faith in the truth, power, love and wisdom of GOD who works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11). 

Although I am unable to know or convey the ‘whys?’,  I can give an example that reminded me of GOD’s wisdom behind unfairness as I read again in the book of Daniel.

Now Daniel was taken captive as a young teenager. He chose to do things GOD’s way when doing what was expected of him would have been so much easier.  This story takes place after Daniel faithfully served several kings and he was a very old man.  Daniel was in a place of power because GOD put him there and gave him great wisdom. Daniel was faithful to serve his captives well.  His life was so devoted to GOD that his enemies (jealous because the new king planned to place Daniel over all the other rulers) could not find anything to criticize Daniel of. They knew the only way to get rid of him was trickery and it had to concern his GOD. 

Long story short, his enemies tricked the king into signing an unchangable law stating, ‘no one could ask anything from anyone (god or man) but the king for thirty days.  If someone broke that law he would be thrown into the lion’s den. When Daniel knew the law had been signed, he continued his practice to kneel and pray to GOD three times a day before his open window. He was caught by his enemies who demanded that the king throw Daniel to the lions because of the law he had signed.  The king tried to get out of it, but could find no way out and so threw Daniel to the lions.  In anguish, the king told Daniel that Daniel’s GOD, whom he served day and night, would keep him safe and GOD did.

Now on the surface we must conclude that what happen to Daniel was totally unfair. Bearing in mind that in the Old Testament the Jews primary responsibility (outside of worshipping and obeying GOD) was the same as ours as believers in JESUS today.  That is: we are to be HIS witnesses and are to tell others about our GOD and Savior. 

After spending a sleepless night, come morning, King Darius, rushed to the lion’s den and cried out to Daniel.  “Daniel, was your GOD able to save you?”  Daniel was safe and called back, ‘Yes!’

What was the outcome of all the unfairness Daniel endured?  “Afterwards King Darius wrote this message addressed to everyone in his vast empire in their own languages: “Greetings! I decree that everyone shall tremble and fear before the GOD of Daniel in every part of my kingdom.  For his GOD is the living, unchanging GOD whose kingdom shall never be destroyed and whose power shall never end.  HE delivers HIS people, preserving them from harm; HE does great miracles in heaven and earth; it is HE who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. Daniel 6:25-27 TLB

So we see that Daniel’s witness was not just with the words he said but by how he lived his life to honor the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.  Daniel’s words went far beyond anything he could imagine. Because of his suffering to do right, many people from many countries got to hear about GOD. 

Could GOD be doing something through your and my problems and struggles? The bible tells us that GOD has a reason for initiation or allowing of everything that comes our way (Ezekiel 14:23). HE did with Joseph, HE did with Job; HE did with Daniel and with JESUS and sob HE does with what touches you and me.  Are you willing to be like Daniel and trust GOD with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding? (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Hugs,
Sharon

Dropping things

Usually, dropping things is accidental and frustrating. But I want to tell you about two who believe in dropping things, good things on purpose and why they did and do. 

Boaz was a rich owner of some fields that were being harvested. Now a young woman named Ruth needed food so went behind the harvesters in the field as the law allowed. She was picking up whatever she could find in order to gather enough grain for her mother-in-law and herself to eat and stay alive. Now Boaz took notice of her and was pleased with her so 1st her told her to stay in his field and follow his harvesters. Then he told his harvesters to drop hands full of grain on purpose so that could gather much grain (Ruth 2:15-16).

We learn from the word of GOD that the infinite LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways but are far above ours and that they always achieve what GOD wants done (Isaiah 55:8-9, 11).  So, it stands to reason HIS paths often go in a different direction than our limited understanding can perceive. 

Once HE made a way through the sea, and a path in the mighty waters (Isaiah 23:16) a path no one could see or ever would have known was there unless they followed the directions of the LORD. But because they followed the LORD’s instructions, they found HIS path and escaped their enemies (Exodus 14:15-30).

It is written that GOD’s paths drop fatness (Psalm 65:11).

The word fatness speaks of fruitfulness, of blessings, it speaks of good things.

So we see a picture here much like that which we saw in Ruth.  For we see our Lord walking down a path, and dropping good things as HE goes. If we are traveling down the same path behind HIM- by letting the Holy SPIRIT lead us and directed by HIS nudges (impressions on our heart and mind), then as we follow behind HIM, we will find good things along the path. Things meant to blessing us, things GOD has intentionally dropped specifically for us. 

Awesome thought, isn’t it?  What a mighty GOD we serve! 

Hugs,
Sharon

What is unseen

Have you ever heard GOD speak to you concerning a situation with a promise, but it did not play out the way you thought it would? I have.

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was highly regarded as a military leader and honorable and respected by all, but he had leprosy. Now Naaman’s wife’s little Jewish slave girl said, “Oh I pray to GOD that my master (Naaman) would go to the prophet which is in Samaria for he would cure him of his leprosy.

Long story short Naaman went to Samaria to the prophet Elisha with great expectations. But when the prophet sent his servant down to tell Naaman to go wash himself in the Jordan 7 times, Naaman balked and went away mad.

Naaman said, “Behold, I THOUGHT, he will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his GOD, and strike his hand over the place, and cure me. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So, he turned and went away in a rage.

But his servants loved their master, drew near him, and said, “If the prophet had asked you some great thing, would you not have done it? So why not go and wash? Kind Naaman listened to his servants and went and washed and the 7^th time he came out of the water clean…no more leprosy (see 2 Kings 5).

Like Naaman, I had to learn that GOD’s ways and thoughts are not my ways and thought but are as high as the heavens above my ways and thoughts but that they always work (Isaiah 55:8-11).

You see many years ago the LORD promised me to work in a situation and I THOUGHT HE was going to do it right away. HE did not do it right away, in fact it still has not come to be. But I am still as sure of that promise as the day HE spoke it to my heart. The promise has been active in keeping me from giving up and given me peace in difficult moments. Through the extended delay, I have learned that GOD has preset the exact times and places for amazing reasons (Acts 17:26-27) and that HE is achieving for us through our problems (2 Corinthians 4:16-17) and HE has taught me that I am not to focus on the situation but on HIM trusting HIS love and wisdom knowing what HE does is eternal.

I can see things GOD has achieved through the delay of fulfilling the promise. Yet I am sure at the proper time HIS word to me will be fulfilled.

I guess that is what GOD means in Proverbs 3:5-7, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not LEAN on your own understanding (THOUGHTS). In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path. Be NOT wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil.”

So, if the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, who does not lie, has given you a promise, but it does not look like HE has kept it. Ask HIM to show you what HE is doing to set the stage so the promise fulfilled is greater than anything you could have imagined.

Hugs

Sharon

Where do I find it?

I read a quote I want to share with you. “In a time where the world seems to have collectively lost its mind, our hearts and minds are protected with a peace that surpasses all understanding” / Amir Tsarfati.

The Word of GOD tell us to: “Be careful for (worry about) nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD.  And the peace of GOD, which passes (throws you beyond) all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS” (Philippians 4:6-7).

It is nothing new and may seem insignificant to many, but beginning with the awareness that the word begotten means comes from (John 1:14, 3:16), over and over this morning I began seeing everything good comes from GOD our FATHER (James 1:17) including all insight, all understanding, even all opposition.

Then someone asked what I meant that all opposition came from GOD.  Bible verses flooded my mind to answer her.  I am not saying that GOD devises bad for us, but rather everything must be allowed by GOD so must come through HIM to get to us.  HIS (GOD’s) intent is always for good.

Just look at Job chapters 1, 2, 42 and notice GOD sets boundaries of what can come our way.

Then there is the truth, “What you meant for evil, GOD meant for good to accomplish” (Genesis 50:20).  That truth is also seen in 2 Corinthians 4:15-17.

“GOD works all things for the end result of good to those who love HIM and are the called according to HIS purpose … (for) them HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON that HE (JESUS) would be the 1^st among many brethren” (Romans 8:28-29).

Pressure applied to a person exposes problems that need to be dealt with, reveals character and gives opportunity for growth and/ or service.

The tremendous opposition the Apostle Paul endured even got him thrown into jail. Which opened opportunities to witness to kings and guards and write scriptures that are still teaching us today.  Plus, Paul’s physical ailment kept him from becoming too proud (2 Corinthians 12:7).

As we are told, GOD’s ways and thoughts are not like ours but vastly higher and better and always accomplish what HE wants done (Isaiah 55:8-9, 11).

Knowing nothing can touch me without GOD’s permission helps me accept hard things that come, because I know GOD loves me and has good, wise plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11).  Knowing that GOD does nothing without a good reason (Ezekiel 14:23) also enables me to walk in peace during the storms and struggles we are told we will face for GOD promises never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Where can I get knowledge?  The Bible tells me so.

Hugs

Sharon

What happens then?

Did you know that the leaf chewing, crawling caterpillar with multiple simple eyes dissolved in the cocoon and his body parts were used to make a totally different creature— the butterfly?  The butterfly comes out of the cocoon flying, not crawling and goes around sipping with his straw tongue the nectar of flowers and his 2 eyes are complex with thousands of facets. I think that is a hint of the fantastic changes that await us.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD has prepared for them that love HIM” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

The last 2 paragraphs of the last book of the children’s series the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S.Lewis I think holds one of the most beautiful descriptions concerning what coming when a Christian dies.

“There was a real railroad accident,” Ashlan said softly “Your father and mother and all of you are, as you used to call it in the Shadow-Lands, dead.  The term is over: the holidays have begun.  The dream is ended: this is morning.”

And as he spoke he no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them.  And for us this is the end of all stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after.  But for them it was only the beginning of the real story.  All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page; now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read; which goes on forever; in which every chapter is better than the one before.

GOD has planned it all for us, isn’t HE amazing?

hugs

Sharon

Are you resting?

We are finishing up Hebrews 4 where GOD offers a rest to any who will believe and come to HIM through calling on the name of JESUS to save them (Romans 10:9-10,13).  By the way, that rest is to not to cease from activity but to cease from trying to figure things out and do things on your own.  It is to let GOD lead the way (Proverbs 3:5-7) and to let GOD fight your battles (through you, 1 Thessalonians 5:24).

GOD’s rest is not achieved by being passive or lethargic, but rather by being alert to GOD’s voice.  It is listening to and doing what GOD tells & enables you to do. (I Thessalonians 5:24) We enter into that rest as we bring each care and situation, day in and day out, to HIM and just lay them at HIS feet asking what we should do.  As we do that, we not only get instructions, but we grow in discernment, becoming more in tune to GOD (like to a radio station) and quicker to pick up on HIS voice or nudge.  It is also called being led by or walking in the SPIRIT.

Why isn’t it enough for us to use our own intelligence in praying or doing for ourselves and others? 

During a Bible study a gal shared how she noticed (GOD drew her attention to (Proverbs 21:1) a single paper clip on the floor and she felt an urge to pick it up somehow knowing that she would need it.  Later, after having done some shopping as she was writing out a check for her purchases, she heard a gal waiting in line say, “LORD, if only I had a paper clip!”  So, she dug in her pocket and gave the woman the paper clip.

When the clerk said, “Here is your change, 32 cents.”   She thought ‘What? I thought I’d written the exact amount.”  She took her unexpected change and pocketed the 32 cents.  In another store, waiting in line, the customer ahead said, “LORD, if only I had 32 cents.”  So, my friend reached in her pocket and handed the 32 cents over.

Crazy as it sounds this really did happened.  Isn’t it so like our GOD? 

Her experience shows us the truth of Ephesians 2:10.  ^“For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which GOD has before ordained (prepared) that we should walk in them.”

She had no idea how GOD was going to use her so there was no way she could prepare. GOD had a plan and knew what HE wanted done. GOD set the stage and the timing and provided what was needed. That is what HE does and why we can rest in HIM to use us to do what HE has appointed for us to do.

Hugs

Sharon