Why doesn’t GOD answer?

Have you ever prayed and prayed, but nothing happens? Have you ever wondered why?

Of course, our prayer might not be GOD’s best for the situation so is not HIS will, or it could be not GOD’s timing for HE is lining other factors up before HE answers. But another issue has come apparent several times lately that I want to talk about.

Now there are famines from time to time but when there was a famine for 3 years running King David inquired of the LORD asking, “WHY?”

The LORD replied it was because of certain actions of King Saul the previous king toward a group of people. David sought out those people and asked them what he should do for them. Since their request was according to the practices of that day and GOD’s written word (Exodus 21:34), David agreed. When David made things right with those people, the LORD answered David’s prayers and the famine ended (see 2 Samuel 21).

This Old Testament incident illustrates a GOD principle about prayer. GOD will not answer prayer until sin is dealt with.

Psalm 66:18 If I REGARD iniquity in my heart the LORD will not hear me.

The Hebrew word for REGARD here is to look at/ focus on and resultant holding on to something. It doesn’t have to be something we consider big like stealing, lying or adultery.  The iniquity spoken of can be anything GOD has said not to do.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled (do not allow something to stir you up) believe in GOD and believe also in ME. John 14:27…Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid.

For when we allow ourselves to be troubled it is because we do not TRUST GOD to be in control and able to do what HE said HE would do. HE promises to work all things for the benefit of those who love HIM (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18). And GOD has given us HIS Word to illustrate for us how HE does what HE says HE will do.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

By reading the Word of GOD we learn GOD’s ways are not our ways but always work for good (Isaiah 55:9-11). And we see that what initially appears as something horrible can actually be something of great value. Like when Joseph was sold as a slave and then unjustly put in prison. We see GOD was always in control. GOD allowed the wicked thoughts of sinful men to play out and GOD used their actions to prepare Joseph for a great work to save many alive and to give Joseph great honor (Genesis 50:20).

The iniquity (sin) we REGARD (focus on) can be anything from worry, fretting, demanding things be done my way (as I lean on my own understanding of what is needed (Proverbs 3:5-7), when I refuse to forgive, hold on to anger or anything I know is wrong I am regarding it more that I regard GOD.

Sometimes I must ask, “Is there something in me hindering the answer to my prayer?”  When I ask, HE shows me by giving me an inner awareness of what is hindering the answer to my prayers. If I am not hindering the answer GOD gives me peace that HE is at work behind the scenes, and I must wait to see what HE is doing.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us:

Hugs

Sharon

It works

I lived in the small mountain town of Quincy in northern California when I was 15 and got my driver’s permit. Back then there was this twisting, bumpy stretch of narrow road amidst tall pines that went from the outskirts of town to the little Quincy hospital. Two girl friends and I would speed through that stretch as fast as we could laughing hysterically as it felt similar to a wild roller coaster ride. I love roller coasters. We hated it when they straightened out the road.

Sometimes life feels like a wild roller coaster ride, but we aren’t laughing now are we? 

Yet smiles and even peace will come when we look at life through GOD’s lense as recorded in HIS Holy Word.

“But I want you to understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have turned out unto the furtherance of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:12). That last phrase for the furtherance of the Gospel means others have a chance to reach out for the LORD (Acts 17:26-27), to find eternal life through believing in JESUS (John 3:16).

But does does that principle that trouble works out for our, we who believe in JESUS, good as well? 

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The hardest things in my life, yes, even the death of my 1st son, brought about good for me and others.

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a MOMENT (compared to eternity), works for us a far more exceeding ETERNAL weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen (our situation), but at the things which are not seen (what GOD is achieving through our situation): for the things which are seen (the circumstances) are temporary; but the things which are not seen (things GOD is using the temporary situation to do) are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Hard and confusing things will hit for JESUS said: (John 16:33) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

When problems come remember that GOD promises that HE will use whatever it is for your benefit and HIS glory.  JESUS said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid, you believe in GOD believe in ME” (John 14:1) 

In other words, TRUST HIM.

Hugs

Sharon

Easier said than done

Searching in my files this past week for needed information I came across an old study with a one-month calendar having verses about trusting GOD for each day.  Then I received an old message by Charles Stanley in the mail on trusting GOD.  Plus, several verses speaking of trust came up in my daily reading.

GOD is faithful, HE knew the various situations that were to come to me and those I love, and HE was reminding me that HE was there for us all I needed to do was to trust HIM.

Isaiah 26:³ YOU will keep in perfect peace, the mind that’s stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee.

⁴ Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. (That is one of my favorite trust text because it has been put to music and I can sing it aloud against any of the accusations the enemy might bring back to my mind).

The LORD says to come to HIM about everything (Proverbs 3:5-7).  We are commanded not to be anxious and worried.  So, to be anxious and worried is SIN.  But seriously we can’t handle it on our own.

In order to get rid of our anxiety the LORD instructs us to pour out everything that concerns us to HIM (not everybody else), thanking HIM that HE is there for us and can and will work on our behalf in the situation.  Our GOD who cannot lie (Titus 1:2) promises us that if we give our requests to HIM with thanksgiving in exchange HE will cover us with HIS peace that will throw us beyond having to understand (Philippians 4:6-7).

Have you ever obeyed those instructions and had peace for a moment but then all of a sudden all the concerns rush back into your mind making you more upset than before?

That is because we didn’t read far enough so didn’t follow the instructions fully.  For in Philippians 4:8 we are instructed that in order to walk in (keep) that peace we must redirect our thoughts to that which is positive (Philippians 4:8).

Philippians 4:⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, present your requests to GOD with thanksgiving. ⁷ And the peace of GOD, which surpasses/transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in CHRIST JESUS. ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I know, I know our enemy will feed those fears and frustrations back to us.  He does to me, and I don’t think I am unique.  When that happens we are to use the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the word of GOD (Ephesians 6:17) and say aloud to our enemy (just as JESUS did) It is written…GOD told me to give HIM this problem and said HE would take care of it.  So, I don’t need to worry about it. In doing that I am handing the problems back to GOD.

Warning:  The HOLY SPIRIT moved James (2 Peter 1:21) to warn us in James 1 that if we come to GOD and ask HIM we must come willing to believe HE knows best in how to handle it.  If we come only to have HIM do things our way we are not to expect anything from HIM (James 1:6-7).

It is so good to hand over all these surmounting problems to HIM who loves me and sent HIS only SON to die for my sin that I might be forgiven and become HIS child (John 3:16, 1:12-13).  Knowing that HE gave the best for me (Romans 8:32) assures me that now HE is working through the struggles I’m facing to achieve an end result of good for us who love HIM because HE 1^st loved us (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28-29).

It is easier to say, “Trust GOD” than to do it.  Like any skill it takes practice but trusting GOD sure pays dividends and pleases GOD!

Hugs

Sharon

A wall of water coming at me

Back in the day, over 57 years ago, we had this crazy little car- a BMW where the steering wheel opened out when you opened the door from the front of the car.  Pregnant with my 2nd daughter and incredibly huge I had trouble closing the car’s door because the steering wheel came in across my tummy. I felt rather cramped, but being I had a doctor’s appointment, I headed into town from the Black Forest anyway.  In town and nearing the doctor’s office, suddenly, the sky seemed to open up and torrential rain crashed down as sheets of water.  Glancing up I saw a wall of water was coming down the mountain towards my tiny car just as I was started down a steep hill.

Crying out to GOD, the words of Isaiah 59:19 flooded over me, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

I believed GOD was speaking to me and I received HIS words.  Relieved and excited I supposed GOD was going to divert that wall of water I saw heading my way.  So, I was caught by complete surprise, and filled with horror when the flood caught up my car, swirling us (my 3 year old daughter and me) around and around and down that hill. I was terrified, Jeri was screaming.  But as quick as it came, it was over.  We were fine, there was no damage to us or the car.

It took a moment to catch my breath then I rushed to the doctor’s appointment.  After seeing the doctor, I questioned GOD concerning HIS word to me.  HE brought (Proverbs 21:1) those words back into my mind. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” 

It was as if the LORD said: “Wasn’t that what I did?  I never said that the flood would not come but that WHEN it came I would rise up a standard against it.

I had misinterpreted the LORD’s words.  I’d leaned on my own understanding, presuming I knew what GOD was going to do.  And HE didn’t do it my way.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY actually fulfilled HIS word with exactness. HE had raised up a standard against the enemy by protecting me from harm.

GOD used my trouble for my good (Romans 8:28) for through the ordeal I saw HIM working on my behalf.  The whole episode taught me a lesson to let GOD be GOD, HE strengthened me in my faith and left me knowing I could trust HIM when things got out of control.

Not only that, but HE gave me great story to tell.  A story illustrating how the LORD will delivered those who call out to HIM.  And If I read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 correctly GOD was preparing me to comfort others in their struggles with the very same comfort HE gave me in my trouble.

When the enemy is coming in against you remember, GOD is there to raise up a standard against him.  Call out to the LORD for HELP and HE will answer.  You don’t need to tell HIM what to do or how to do it but expect HIM to act in whatever way HE chooses because that invites HIM to come in as HE knows is best.

hugs

Sharon

Where do your thoughts go?

What is the 1^st thing you think about when you think about GOD?  Or do you think about GOD?

What comes into our minds when we think about GOD is the most important thing about us.  There is not a wrong path taken, an error of doctrine, nor a sin committed that cannot be traced back to imperfect/ limited and low thoughts of GOD.

While wickedness speaks of doing wrong, ungodliness speaks of leaving GOD out of the equation/ not thinking about HIM or considering the LORD of Creation who made all things and the only one who understands the entire scope of all things.  When one is ungodly he does not think about GOD during his day nor check with HIM before making choices. 

As the Psalmist puts it, “GOD is not in ALL their thoughts” (Psalm 10:14), rather they walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts/ imaginations (Isaiah 65:2).

We are beginning the 2^nd week of the new year already and the choices we are making will determine our future.  So right choices are really important.  Who do you consult when making a choice? Do you go on what you think, ask friends, or search the internet?

GOD, HIMSELF commands us: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and LEAN not on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge (consult) HIM and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

If we spend time with GOD in HIS word and in prayer we learn to distinguish HIS voice from all others.  If we are willing to do what HE says, we will be able to distinguish the truth from a lie (John 7:17). 

Remember GOD is not a man that HE should lie, if HE says something HE will do it (Numbers 23:19). The devil can only do what GOD allows (see Job chapters 1 and 2) so he cannot block our hearing GOD’s words. 

Therefore, since GOD says HE will direct us if we ask,(James 1:3-8) its a done deal.  So, ask GOD and go with how HE leads.

Hugs,

Sharon

Who did it?

There is a new year beginning today.  What lies ahead, only GOD knows for sure.

But GOD’s word promises Isaiah 26:³ GOD will keep in perfect peace the mind who is stayed (focused) on HIM, because he trusts in GOD.  ⁴ trust in the LORD for ever and ever for in the LORD JEHOVAH (YHWH) is everlasting strength.

One pastor once said, “If you view everything as coming from the hand of our loving wise GOD, life will be filled with peace. HE tells us that if trust HIM and talk to HIM about everything, HE HIMSELF will direct our steps. But we must not be wise in our own eyes to demand which we think is best (Proverbs 3:5-7).

But sometimes what GOD does/allows doesn’t makes a bit of sense to us.  Which just proves GOD’s own word is true.

Isaiah 55:⁸ For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, says the Lord. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.

When we don’t understand the whys(?) behind what GOD is allowing or doing in our lives or around the world we need to depend on what we do know about GOD. 

1-HE is Sovereign (in control and works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11, Lamentations 3:37).

2-GOD is love (1 John 4:8) (That’s agape’ love which always works for the benefit of the one loved (see 1 Corinthians 13)

3-GOD is compassionate and faithful.  Because of HIS mercies endure forever we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22-23).

4-The LORD has all power (HE is able to do whatever HE says HE will do Romans 4:20-21)

5-Everything the LORD decides to do is right and true (Psalm 19:9)

6-The ALMIGHTY does nothing without a good reason (Ezekiel 14:23).

7-HE has preset the exact times and places for the purpose that people would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27)

8-GOD works all things (good and bad) together for an end result of good to them who love HIM and that changes them to be conformed to the image of JESUS (Romans 8:28-29).

9-Everything allowed or sent benefits the believer in JESUS for temporary troubles achieve for us eternal wonders that far surpass the pain of today.  Our troubles are temporary but what they achieve are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

10-Struggles develop and prepare us for the work GOD has for us to do (James 1:2-4)

Just 2 examples of these truths.

In Genesis 50:20 Joseph tells his brothers that when they sold him as a slave they meant it for evil against him but that GOD intended to use that for good. GOD used the 20 years of slavery and prison to prepare and place Joseph in a position where he could be called into leadership in Egypt and save many through 7 years of famine as well as forward GOD plan to build a nation out of Jacob/Israel from whom the Messiah JESUS would come.

In Acts 2:23 shows us that wicked men had JESUS crucified by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of GOD.  What did it achieve?  Forgiveness and eternal life for all who will believe in JESUS, and it disarmed the demons and destroyed the authority of the devil (Colossians 2:13-15).

The wicked are responsible and will be judged for their actions, yet GOD will use all things the wicked do to benefit those who love HIM and to further HIS eternal plan.  That blows my mind.  Our GOD is a mighty GOD!

See, we really can’t say what is bad for we do not know what the all wise, powerful, compassionate GOD is doing through what we see is happening.  1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, Who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the heart…

Remember Psalm 3:3 “YOU O LORD are a shield about me, YOU are my glory and the lifter of my head.”

If you sing that verse or state it when you see trouble coming your head will lift up and focus on GOD and your fears will flee.

Hugs

Sharon

in 2023

How many of you remember this song?  All praise to LORD JESUS, begotten of GOD.  The GREAT I AM is HE.  Creator, Sustainer but wonder of all the Lamb of Calvary.

As we celebrate the eternal Word of GOD (JESUS) made flesh (John 1:1-4, 14), GOD taking on a human body and coming into our world to show us the magnificence of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (John 14:9), to die and pay for all of the sins (Isaiah 53:6) of mankind (for all have sinned Romans 3:23, Hebrews 9:28) that whoever would choose to believe in the gospel and received JESUS might obtain eternal life with GOD  (John 3:16, 36).

Well within the written Word of GOD the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY had HIS prophets relate (2 Peter 1:21) many, many prophecies of things that would take place in the future.  The 1^st being in Genesis 3:16. These prophecies are promises GOD has made to man. 

Lots of them were fulfilled when JESUS came as a baby born of a virgin, more were fulfilled when JESUS bore our sins on the cross (Isaiah 53:6) and disarmed the demons (Colossians 2:13-15).  And more in these last days are being fulfilled.  More and more all the time.  Not since the time of JESUS has so many prophesies begun to line up.

Many prophesies found in the Bible have been fulfilled or has elements of fulfillment, throughout the year 2023. We’re in a countdown to the close of the Church Age. Of the many things happening, here are Jan Markell’s top ten selections for this year. Many selections have ties to “black Sabbath”–October 7, 2023.

1)  The world decided that Israel became the international burdensome stone (Zech. 12:3). Whoever expected this new malady, Israel Derangement Syndrome, in their lifetime? We know that “the Time of Jacob’s Trouble” will be a time of Jew-hatred, but in the Church Age? And this is a hatred of a people based only on identity. A people group that has been a blessing to the world!

2)  Israel now longs for peace like never before. She will fall for Mr. Fix-Its peace plan of Daniel 9:27. She just wants to get along with her neighbors, the Arab world, the Muslim world, and all her enemies. She has had 75 years of conflict, preceded by the Holocaust. But with centuries of demonic hatred thrown at her, the Antichrist will be stunning in his deceit of a nation longing for peace and security. He will overwhelm them in his efforts.

3)  For a segment of society, love has grown cold. This is a Tribulation reference in Matthew 24, but we’re in a run-up to that. We’re watching large segments of society favor barbarians. Millions have sided with the butchers of Hamas! There are Facebook groups praising Hamas. College campuses know no shame. Jewish students are hiding in secluded areas. And much of the world, and parts of the church, shrug in indifference and seem to enjoy cursing Israel.

4)  Gog & Magog further align as they unite against Israel. One periodical reports that “Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan wants to lead the Muslim world against Israel so his country can become a great power.” Russia has pledged to come to Iran’s rescue if Israel attacks. The three power players of Ezekiel 38-39 are Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Enemies for years, they are aligning more every day and particularly in 2023.

5)  The church is slipping further into apostasy. Many churches revealed theology that has encouraged them to remain silent during Israel’s greatest crisis since the Holocaust. Many openly sided with the so-called Palestinians. The silence of the shepherds has been staggering and devastating to many church members (Jeremiah 23). Too many won’t deal with prophecy, current events, or Israel and won’t take a stand. It’s time to call out evil and to love what and who God loves. Too many churches refuse, and this year exposed them.

6)  The Jews are coming home in greater numbers and are more open to the gospel. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, there has been a 149% increase in interest to return to Israel from Jewish French citizens and an 81% increase from North American Jews. The trauma of October 7 will leave deep scars on the nation and people forever. The crisis is driving the Jews to seek God like never before in history. Many are leaving secularism, mysticism, and more to call out to the God of the Bible.

7)  Strong delusion (II Thessalonians 2) intensifies and abounds! The Biden Administration continues to give Iran billions. The White House expresses deep concern about Islamophobia, not anti-Semitism! Biden gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to mosques. We have seen young people praise Osama bin Laden in spite of the reality of radical Islam. The solution in the Middle East is a Palestinian state! Everywhere, evil is called good (Is. 5:20) and facts are irrelevant due to the delusions of our day. Only the righteous can see straight for all others have been blinded by turning away from GOD’s Word!

8)  Worldwide there is an intensified longing for a world leader as American leadership is weak and non-existent in the Executive Branch. Soon, world leaders will line up in Pied Piper-like fashion, behind a man-with-a-plan, who will guarantee peace and stability. He will exude global leadership. The world is ready due to America’s absence.

9)  The intensification of perilous times (II Timothy 3), violence, and spirit of the Antichrist. We are warned of October 7 “copycat attacks” around the world! America’s southern border invites chaos. Rogue nations are threatening with nukes. World war seems inevitable. And the Tribulation has not even begun!

10) There is an explosion of global reprobate minds (Romans 1). Things have taken a dark turn unlike anything seen in modern times. The world has become unhinged on a greater level than WWII. People clearly have been “given over.” Up is down; black is white. Men can be women and vice versa. Israel is apartheid; Hamas are freedom fighters. Normal or Godly thinking does not come to these conclusions!

We need to be aware of what is happening, but JESUS is implicit that we are not to be troubled (John 14:1) but rather we must believe that GOD is in control (Hebrews 11:6) and that JESUS will coming for us who believe in HIM to catch us away before the unleashing of Jacob’s trouble and judgment on those who refuse JESUS.  So, comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Hugs

Sharon

What do you fear?

Some people seem to FEAR many things and in these trying times FEAR attacks each of us.

So, what should we do?

“YOU will keep in perfect peace the mind that stayed (focused) on YOU because he trusts in YOU. Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

“For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, “Say not, A conspiracy!, to all of them to whom this people shall say, A conspiracy!; neither FEAR what they FEAR, nor be AFRAID. Sanctify the LORD of hosts HIMSELF; and let HIM be your FEAR and let HIM be your dread (not wanting HIS displeasure). And HE shall be for you a sanctuary;” (Isaiah 8:11-14a).

The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning both of wisdom and understanding (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10). As you focus on the LORD you learn to TRUST HIM (which includes GOD’s love, HIS word, HIS control, HIS power, HIS knowledge and wisdom and HIS justice) and you will have peace. A peace that will throw you beyond having to understand (Philippians 4:6-7).

The spirit of FEAR (FEAR of anything other than GOD) cannot cohabit with peace for “There is no FEAR in love; but perfect love casts out FEAR because FEAR hath torment. He that FEARS is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

As Oswald Chambers said, “The remarkable thing about FEARING GOD is that when you FEAR GOD you FEAR nothing else, whereas if you do not FEAR (trust) GOD you FEAR everything else.”

“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that FEARS the LORD, that delights greatly in HIS commandments” (Psalm 112:1).

Who or what do you FEAR, or should I say trust in?

Hugs

Sharon

Be still and know

Have your plans ever changed without warning?

Reading Psalm 46:10 caught my eye, “BE STILL and know that I am GOD.”  That word BE STILL can be translated calm down, stop fighting, let go, be in awe and silent, desist.

Attempting to put the concept of Psalm 46:10 into words even though there were several other things on my to do list, I talked with the LORD about my day. Saying, “LORD have YOUR way.”  I sat down at my computer and immediately I was interrupted by a phone call. My whole schedule was delightfully changed by grandchildren coming over to help make the traditional Manning goodies (popcorn balls, ginger bears, snowballs) and then sweet friends dropping over unexpectedly.

The picture with the popcorn balls was taken on that day years ago as one of my many grandchildren helped me.

By the end of day and finishing the clean up, I could do no more but collapse, so went and soaked in the tub.

The crazy thing is that my day was actually an illustration of what GOD spoke to my heart in that verse. “Trust ME, Sharon, I have a good reason for doing what I have done.”

When one believes in the LORD JESUS (John 3:16,36, Romans 10:9,10, 13) and becomes GOD’s child (John 1:12) among other things that person is set apart to GOD and by GOD (Colossians 1:13. Hebrews 10:14). Anything set apart to GOD is holy and removed from the realm of the common and moved into the realm of the sacred.

Anything set apart to GOD must be for HIS use alone. But holiness in practical daily life is progressive.

“In reality, the experience of holiness consists in one thing only, complete loyalty to GOD’s will” /Jean-Pierre de Caussade.

To be loyal to GOD’s will is to accept it as best. That can be hard and takes deliberately taking my focus off my way and letting GOD lead me. Especially when traumatic issues arise I must run repeatedly to the throne and ask GOD to refocus me onto the truth that GOD is in control and knows best.

Holiness is deliberately choosing to accept and trust GOD’s timing (Acts 17:26-27), wisdom and foreknowledge of what HE allows or sends into my life. Down through the years I have found that what helps me is the HOLY SPIRIT. HE reminds me that GOD is with me, and HE has a plan and HIS perfect love and foreknowledge of what lies ahead (Psalm 130:16, Isaiah 46:10) filters what comes to me. GOD declares that HE always has a good reason for what HE does! (Ezekiel 14:23). The LORD promises to keep me in perfect peace when my mind stays fixed on HIM (Isaiah 26:3).

Is your mind fixed on GOD, do you run to HIM for direction, or are you focusing on what you want to happen or get?

Hugs,

Sharon L Manning

Faith trusts

Just as lifting weights builds muscles little by little, so we exercise our spiritual muscles to grow in being able to distinguish what is of GOD by using the truths GOD shows us through HIS word. Our obedience builds us up spiritually so we grow in maturity.  We learn and grow in grace and virtue, a step at a time, little by little, line upon line, here a little and there a little.  That is how we grow in all of the godly attributes, even TRUST. 

A week after our move to Colorado Springs, I had a baby girl. Soon after my oldest daughter didn’t come home from school. I had no way to go hunting for her and had no clue where to look anyway. I anxiously waited and waited, still she didn’t show up.  My thoughts went crazy with questions: Where could Jeri be? Was she alright? Jeri was a beauty and had just turned 15.  There was nothing I could do, but I couldn’t just sit there for the scenarios that came to my mind had me in a stew. 

To redirect my thoughts, I drug myself down the stairs to the basement and started a load of laundry.  As I threw some of Jeri’s clothes into the washer, I dissolved in tears again.  I went back upstairs, sat at the kitchen table and after crying out to GOD, I opened my Bible and began to read.

“he shall not be afraid of bad news; his heart is fixed (set in cement) TRUSTING in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7).

As I read those words, GOD spoke/ impressing in my spirit the words, “Sharon, TRUST ME!”  As I heard those words (rhema) from GOD, FAITH blossomed (Romans 10:17) and I remembered that GOD was with her, just as HE was with me. GOD knew where Jeri was and knowing that kept me sane.

GOD didn’t say, there will be no evil tidings, HE just said TRUST ME and that was enough.  Peace flooded over me at those word and the joy of hope was renewed within me.

If you notice in Psalm 112:7 that the heart is fixed.  I liken that to being set solid and unmovable in cement.  In putting up a clothesline, we had to dig holes for the poles and then pour cement around the poles.  But we couldn’t string the lines or hang clothes yet. We had to wait until the cement was set/ hardened.  Once that happened, the poles were fixed into place and would hold the weight of clothes hung on the line. 

Learning to TRUST the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Maker of heaven and earth is a process. we learn progressively as we step out and say, I will TRUST YOU here and now in this situation.

The Bible calls the fundamental truths of the Bible, the 1^st principles of GOD’s truth.  Such 1st principles are seen in: GOD the FATHER sent JESUS, GOD the SON to earth giving HIM a human body, to die for the sins of everyone who believed in JESUS.  By believing in JESUS a person will be forgiven of their sins, be born into GOD’s family and have eternal life. But if one rejects JESUS and HIS offer of forgiveness, the wrath of GOD remains on him.  For all have sinned and the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (John 3:16, 36, Romans 3:23, 6:23).

Once someone believes in JESUS and becomes a child of GOD, he is a newborn baby.  If he keeps having to be told the same truths over and over, he is said not to grow but to continue a baby and only able to drink milk (Hebrews 5:12). 

But when one takes what he hears/ reads in the Word of GOD and does what it says to do, that one is said to be exercised/ strengthened and ready to learn more (Hebrews 5:14).  Therefore, the more we choose to look to the LORD during troubles/ struggles that come our way the stronger our TRUST in GOD becomes.

I had gone through many struggles where over and over HE had proven HIMSELF to me. So, I had learned to go to the LORD when I needed help and to do what HE told me. Therefore, when HE said for me to TRUST HIM, I did.

P.S. Oh, in case you are wondering about what happened when my 15-year-old didn’t come home, I will fill you in. She had run away. The time schedule is hazy these 45 years later.  After a couple of days, we got a call. The parents of her friend called us. Jeri was safe with them.  She had somehow managed to get back out to Ellicott (the rural town we had recently moved away from). We turned their offer down to let her stay with them and go to school there. We went and brought Jeri home. It wasn’t long before she adapted to high school in a big city and made new friends.

Hugs

Sharon