I've been reading through 2 Corinthians and our pastor has been doing a series based on that book, especially the first few chapters.
So...this past weekend I was in chapter 5 and the following verse, which we all learn at an early age in our Christian walk, jumped out at me:
"We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5: 7
Seven little words.
If we are walking our life journey through faith/with faith, and not based on things we see (or don't see) then we have the inner conviction that God can be trusted to do what He says. (and boy, have I needed that this past week or two!!)
5 "P" Words!
He is our Physician: if we face questionable health or someone we love is facing a health crisis, we can be certain that God is the ultimate healer. It might not mean a miraculous cure. It might mean an operation, or medicine, or a life-style change, or death. BUT....God IS the Physician and we can trust Him to do what He promises He will do. I remember some friends being so upset when a former pastor died of cancer. I had the peace though that Pastor T---was with His Savior: He was healed the best way: by going to be with Jesus in a perfect body and worshipping Him for all eternity!!
He is our Provider: yes...even during times of financial hardship, God will provide for us if we turn to Him and ask in faith. We can expect the Lord to provide for our needs. He not only provides physical/practical needs, but emotional, mental, spiritual needs as well.
He is our Protector: when faced with dangers, whether natural or supernatural (the Enemy) we can be assured that God will protect us. I am a living testimony to this. When I have faced a particularly daunting spiritual battle and it seems that Satan is going to win, the Lord comes in and floods my mind and heart with His Truth.....and that Peace radiates to every part of my being. I can then say "get behind me, Satan; I have Jesus on my side!"
He is our Power: sometimes we might feel as though we have no energy left. Maybe it is physical energy we lack due to over-committing to things. Maybe we are doing too much in ministry and feel that lack of energy, whether it is lack of spiritual energy or physical. Maybe we are stressed. Whatever it is that is making us feel unenergetic, know that God is our Power-source. We need to turn to Him in prayer, trust Him to help us make the changes needed, whether they are physical/daily life-style changes(better eating habits, more sleep, less "busy-ness", making time for fun) or spiritual changes (spending more time in the Word, sharing with a trusted friend, communicating with spouse, attending church regularly, meditating/praying) and then allow Him to equip us with His Power!!
He is our Planner: ew...this is a tough one for me. I am so much a planner! I plan weeks ahead of time...especially during the school year when I am teaching, working in a ministry, schlepping children to extra-curricular activities, etc. etc.) I plan which friends I need to spend more time with, what kinds of dates my husband & I need to go on, what kinds of activities my children need to be involved in, what home repairs need to be tackled, what meals need to be cooked....and the list goes on and on. However: all these things (situations, people, events) are not on our timetable!! We only like to think they are so we have some semblance of control! We need to trust Him as our Planner.
He is reminding me of this lately: just when I think I know what is best for me or someone else, or what events are important, etc., He reminds me that HE is the PLANNER. I need to trust Him to take control and actually allow Him to take control. If I don't, then those things could become idols in my life!
So.....seven words :"We walk by faith, not by sight" plus these 5 attributes of God equal a huge helping of PEACE!!
Are you letting the Lord be your planner, provider, protector, physician and Power-source this season?
If you do, I can assure you that the Peace that passes all understanding will permeate your body, soul and mind.
Blessings to you!!
please note: if you are here to read The Random Dozen, please scroll down to the post below. I neglected to link up correctly at 2nd Cup of Coffee!!
So...this past weekend I was in chapter 5 and the following verse, which we all learn at an early age in our Christian walk, jumped out at me:
"We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5: 7
Seven little words.
If we are walking our life journey through faith/with faith, and not based on things we see (or don't see) then we have the inner conviction that God can be trusted to do what He says. (and boy, have I needed that this past week or two!!)
5 "P" Words!
He is our Physician: if we face questionable health or someone we love is facing a health crisis, we can be certain that God is the ultimate healer. It might not mean a miraculous cure. It might mean an operation, or medicine, or a life-style change, or death. BUT....God IS the Physician and we can trust Him to do what He promises He will do. I remember some friends being so upset when a former pastor died of cancer. I had the peace though that Pastor T---was with His Savior: He was healed the best way: by going to be with Jesus in a perfect body and worshipping Him for all eternity!!
He is our Provider: yes...even during times of financial hardship, God will provide for us if we turn to Him and ask in faith. We can expect the Lord to provide for our needs. He not only provides physical/practical needs, but emotional, mental, spiritual needs as well.
He is our Protector: when faced with dangers, whether natural or supernatural (the Enemy) we can be assured that God will protect us. I am a living testimony to this. When I have faced a particularly daunting spiritual battle and it seems that Satan is going to win, the Lord comes in and floods my mind and heart with His Truth.....and that Peace radiates to every part of my being. I can then say "get behind me, Satan; I have Jesus on my side!"
He is our Power: sometimes we might feel as though we have no energy left. Maybe it is physical energy we lack due to over-committing to things. Maybe we are doing too much in ministry and feel that lack of energy, whether it is lack of spiritual energy or physical. Maybe we are stressed. Whatever it is that is making us feel unenergetic, know that God is our Power-source. We need to turn to Him in prayer, trust Him to help us make the changes needed, whether they are physical/daily life-style changes(better eating habits, more sleep, less "busy-ness", making time for fun) or spiritual changes (spending more time in the Word, sharing with a trusted friend, communicating with spouse, attending church regularly, meditating/praying) and then allow Him to equip us with His Power!!
He is our Planner: ew...this is a tough one for me. I am so much a planner! I plan weeks ahead of time...especially during the school year when I am teaching, working in a ministry, schlepping children to extra-curricular activities, etc. etc.) I plan which friends I need to spend more time with, what kinds of dates my husband & I need to go on, what kinds of activities my children need to be involved in, what home repairs need to be tackled, what meals need to be cooked....and the list goes on and on. However: all these things (situations, people, events) are not on our timetable!! We only like to think they are so we have some semblance of control! We need to trust Him as our Planner.
He is reminding me of this lately: just when I think I know what is best for me or someone else, or what events are important, etc., He reminds me that HE is the PLANNER. I need to trust Him to take control and actually allow Him to take control. If I don't, then those things could become idols in my life!
So.....seven words :"We walk by faith, not by sight" plus these 5 attributes of God equal a huge helping of PEACE!!
Are you letting the Lord be your planner, provider, protector, physician and Power-source this season?
If you do, I can assure you that the Peace that passes all understanding will permeate your body, soul and mind.
Blessings to you!!
please note: if you are here to read The Random Dozen, please scroll down to the post below. I neglected to link up correctly at 2nd Cup of Coffee!!
2 comments:
Hello Faith, it has been encouraging to read these wise words this morning! I know that I need to trust God today in these areas, especially as our power to do good! Thanks for your comment on "Pilgrim Hill". We are loving getting ready for Christmas, especially with our Advent celebrations, but I'm starting to feel a bit of pressure to get presents organised! In particular, I need to send off something to relatives in South Africa. I hope your Christmas prep is going well!
Hi Sherrin! nice to hear from someone from the other side of the world :)
Yes, I usually post stuff that I need to heed as well!! I have had some great time in the Word lately...going thru a "lonely" spell so the Lord is reminding me about true friends (HIM!) as well as His PLAN for my life.....all good stuff.
Christmas preps are going very well...the tree is going up tonite!!
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