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Great Expectations - Week of September 2, 2018

“This is why I wait upon you, expecting your breakthrough, for your word brings me hope.” Psalm 130:5

Dear Friends,

 Just in case you have forgotten, the enemy loves to make people lose their mind. No, I am not talking about your mental capacity to function in a way that society deems normal.  I am talking about losing your spiritual mind that is to be centered in Jesus Christ.

 The Bible tells us: "...let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5)  Having the mind of Christ is to be focused on the Lord and His attributes.  It is feeding our minds consistently on God's Word.  It is to ponder the amazing grace of God, the abundant mercy of God. It is to renew our hope.  It is to exercise our faith.

 It is going to take all of the above to stay in your right mind. The enemy works by planting seeds of doubt and fear. The Bible instructs in 2 Timothy 1:7 - "God hath not given us the Spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."

 Right now, I feel bombarded. However, I do not have to remain overwhelmed.  Psalm 61:1-2 is one of my favorites: "From the ends of the earth will I cry unto thee. When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I."  The Rock is the Lord.  The songwriter penned: "When everything else fails I can go to The Rock."
In actuality the Rock should be the first Place we go.  If we choose to seek the Lord first, we will avoid some of the road blocks on the journey.

 Everything that God sends or allows into our life is for a reason.  The reasons vary: to make us stronger; to touch some one's life; to show His power; to test our faith; to build our testimony. The last one, "building testimony," has been my focus for the past several years.  God wants a testimony. No test, no testimony.

 The effect we have on the lives of others when we have faced similar challenges is unequaled.  A Christian who has been homeless and now has residence can testify to an individual currently challenged with homelessness.

 God wants our testimonies.  Sometimes the things that God requires or requests of us, we do not want to give.   Isaiah 41:10 is a source of comfort, In the midst of my tests and trials God reminds me that I do not have to fear.  He goes on to say that He is with me. He makes it personal: "Stephanie don't panic, I've got you covered." He understands that I get weak and promises to strengthen me.  The Lord doesn't stop there, He says that He will help me.  

 Glory to God He sees me and is going to be with me, lead and guide me all the way through.
  • Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen tee, yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.: 
"Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus. I have learned to trust in God.  Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon His Word."

God keeps His Word. With His Word you can rest assured that no matter how battered the boat or how high the winds assail, you are always within God's reach.  In due time He will say: peace be still.


in Christ, Sis. Stephanie

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