Dust for Diamonds

Sometimes in our Christian life, we must be willing to surrender that which is known to God for the unknown. Its like a child who clutches onto a dirty rock, unwilling to leave it for the unfamiliar object that lay in their father's hand. All that child knows is that rock and how it feels. They refuse to let go of that rock made of dirt and sand and trade it for the precious gemstone that lies in their parent's hands...if only they would trust. How often in our own lives as Christians are we afraid to surrender the familiar and the known areas and people in our lives because we fear that which is unknown and unfamiliar? How often do we cling to the dust in our lives, unaware of the diamonds that God has held in His hand ready to give to us; if only we would trust Him. That first step can be scary. Like crossing a narrow bridge with a bottomless drop off below. The way may seem uncertain yet God draws us forward, putting one foot in front of the other as we go. Are you ready to let go of the dust you so tightly cling to that is keeping you from growing closer to God and surrender it for the incredible plans as precious as diamonds that lay in His outstretched hands?

You Will Never Walk Alone!

What is your first, initial response when someone asks you how you are doing? Like many people, I find myself quick to answer back, “doing well.” In a world that values its privacy, people often keep to themselves and don’t tend to share the issues that affect them on a personal level. We don’t like to put ourselves out there, vulnerable to others, because we fear rejection and embarrassment. Due to this, people often hesitate to discuss personal struggles, being left to face them alone. But we aren’t alone. King David, “the man after God’s own heart”, was not unfamiliar with trials in his own life. Loneness was oftentimes something that met him around every corner. David encountered many instances of immense grief and fear. One example that stands out most to me personally is in the book of Psalm 4, in which David finds himself hiding out in a cave in fear of his son, Absalom who seeks to take his father’s life. Yet in the midst of David’s fear he says, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (v.8) We serve a God, that like with David the King of Israel, gives us the strength to overcome times of great fear and uncertainty with unspeakable peace and hope. No matter how dark the road or how narrow the path our feet walk, we will never walk alone with the Lord ever by our side!

Trust is a Big Deal

This week has been a whirlwind of prayer  and much anticipation! I apologize for not posting this week up until today. However, I am thankful to God for answered prayer and for His enduring patience.

Trust is easy when life is smooth; but how do we deal with it when life is rocky and uncertain? How do we block out all our doubts and worries and just trust God for who He is? I learned this lesson this week first hand: Approaching this week, I was apprehensive about an appointment I had made in order to further my education. With so many things up in the air these days, I often find myself taking my weeks day by day. Trusting God is oftentimes found in the baby steps when we can barely see the next step in front of our feet. It making the choice to keep putting one foot in front of the other despite what we fear.

What difficulties from your past has God used to encourage you about your worries today?