Saturday, March 8, 2014

Challenges

LIFE's CHALLENGES
Carefully make the next move...


Take the next wave with God, and you will be surprised what He is 

able to do in your life. LET GO... and HE will do the rest!


Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

No matter who you are, life will have its ups and downs. The challenges are yours and it is up to you to make the right choice. Some days may be great, and others may be plain miserable. One day the sun may shine... no car problems... your boss is smiling and your neighbour is happy. Another day it may be raining... you tripped over your shoe laces... your ride to work didn't show up.
Will your mood go up and down like your circumstances? Are you getting upset or depressed because your day failed? Do you allow yourself to be influenced by what is happening to you, or do you rely on God and His Word?

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3,4

The joy of the Lord is your strength in any situation. So, this kind of "joy" has become the remedy. One cannot avoid the challenges which life presents. Sometimes we cannot duck down and miss obstacles flying our way. In any undesirable situation God's word gives direction and presents a solution. We as His children have to apply His word to our lives so we won't move or sway like a tree in the wind, or are like those without hope.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

It is therefore very important that you know the Scripture, or even seek for scriptures which will lift you far above your circumstances. Most important is to speak these scriptures aloud, and repeat them to affirm.

David commands his soul in the following Psalm, saying:
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Psalm 103:1,2

The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14

We have to discipline ourselves in all aspects of our Christian walk, including our thinking. If you would be thinking more in scriptures than giving thought to your problems, God will be more pleased and you would be better off.
Submit unto the Lord and leave worldliness far behind. Standing with one foot in the Kingdom and with the other in the world, makes life miserable since you gain nothing from either side. 

You may think that giving up the pleasures of this world is too much. But you forget that God will exchange this for something unspeakably glorious. He will become a stronghold onto you and be more tangible in your daily life.

Ours is the daily sacrifice of the sinful self on the cross of Christ... Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1,2

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

Whatever God requires from us, we will be able to attain it in the power of the Holy Spirit, or He would not demand it. He has made a way through the guidance, teaching and power of the Holy Spirit. Be ye filled with the Holy Spirit, is what God's word teaches, and this is precisely for us to conquer and overcome any obstacle which may be between us and God.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my Strength, and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

No matter what your situation is in life, you have to put your focus completely on JESUS CHRIST, instead of on circumstances. I am not saying that this is always easy, but for sure necessary. It makes your walk with the Lord much smoother, since He will be very close and leading you all the way. All in all, Jesus should be your life and joy.

The above is the secret to start with, the KEY which will open the door to a NEW era in your life. As long as you're staying on the other side of the door, you will never be able to receive that which He has in store for you. You'll make the wrong move, fear will struck you and draw your eyes on the waves, and eventually you will sink. Instead, you should practise your skills and that which God's word has taught you.


I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? Psalm 118:5,6

Indeed life presents many challenges and we all receive our share. The main thing is how do we handle each situation... do we rebel or submit and keep our faith in God, even at the risk of being thrown into the "lions den" or "overboard".

We cannot argue with our Father when the trials hit us, but He has the best in mind for us. It is not going to hurt us if we stay cool and keep our trust in God.

He will certainly not bring us through situations we cannot handle, although it may come close. This will keep us on track and if we allow God to work in us, it will make us stronger, and a testimony for His name. This exercise can be called "spiritual muscle development"... smile.

It is clear in the scriptures that you, as a believer, have to take action and do what God's word tells you to do. If you don't, then you will not receive what He has promised. As a matter of fact, He cannot fulfill His promises, due to lack of obedience. You have to become a doer of God's Word, not only a hearer. While acting upon this, you'll put the Lord to work.

With each promise there is a condition. Once the condition is being met, His promise will follow.

Jesus says, "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Listen to Him, walk a bit closer, talk some more in prayer, praise God louder and you'll experience the touch of the Master. If we follow the "book", we can praise God knowing that He will work out all things for our good and for His glory. AMEN and AMEN!


Looking at your circumstances brings Depression
Looking around at others brings Distraction
Looking back at your failures brings Defeat
Looking up to the Lord brings Deliverance



Copyright © Minister Dr. Trudy Veerman, 1996-2014. All Rights Reserved.

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