Photo courtesy: Jonathan Borba @ Splasher.

Every other afternoon, my walking partner and I exercise outdoors and delight in fellowship. We laugh, share our life happenings (the good and the ugly), and most importantly we do life together while we complete a 3-mile trail.

Last week, I shared how evident God’s faithfulness was on display in my life. I was certainly blessed when I read an unexpected, thank-you note and public acknowledgement at work in the morning and was invited to a 9-month journaling program in the afternoon. God had reassured me I was on track both at work and in my ministry. 

My friend and I rejoiced in the Lord.

When God traces a new journey for His beloved children, His timing and perfect plans are to be trusted. A couple of days later, I heard from another friend who had changed her mind and backed-out of a special project. Even though I was in shock at first, I immediately heard the Holy Spirit whisper to my soul, “I’ve got another plan for you, Beloved. Just trust me.” 

God speaks to us in joyful moments, failures, successful outcomes, disappointments and even in a three-mile walking trail. We just need to listen courageously and intentionally receive His mercy and grace. We also need to track the changes in plan, adjust our attitude and actions, and commit all of our works to the Lord. (Proverbs 16:3) 

Don’t you just love how God speaks to us thru our circumstances? I certainly do. Let us run to Him in our distress, pour out our hearts and trust in His divine plans. He is the one who will grant us peace as we walk a three-mile trail and embrace the loss from a disappointing message and change in plans.

“Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us.” Psalms 62:8 AMP

“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures or disappointments] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” Hebrews 4:16 AMP

“And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 AMP

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all.

In Jesus’ name we boldly pray,

Amen.

Photo courtesy: Taiisia Stupak

“What? It is only 3:15 a.m.”

I could not believe it was happening it all over again. Waking up in the middle of the night and thinking about work issues are definitely not one of my preferred activities.

“I rather sleep and rest all night long!”

I kept on thinking about all possible scenarios for a couple of hours and could not fall back asleep again. The core issue was I failed to pray. I wanted to be in control and change the outcomes right there and then.

I neglected to rely on God’s sovereignty and let go of the issue at hand.

Have you ever thought of all types of outcomes when exploring a situation? It sure happened to me this past week. I lost some sleep and was distressed for close to twenty-four hours when I failed to trust God.

God wants us to trust Him in all of our circumstances.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” JOHN 16:33 NASB

God wants us to be courageous and in Peace.

“So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” JOHN 20:19

God guards our hearts when we pray and surrender all of our troubling and challenging situations.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” PHILIPPIANS 4:7 NASB

God wants for us to be grateful.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” COLOSSIANS 3:15 NASB

God wants for us to believe He is fighting on our behalf.

“”Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” JOHN 14:1 NASB

Lord, help me to believe, trust in You alone so I may surrender all of my intrusive and troubling thoughts in prayer. I want a heart like Cornelius who feared You and prayed continually (Acts 10:2).

In Jesus’ name I boldly pray, Amen.

Pigeons eat a variety of seeds including fresh grains, oats, popcorn and sunflower seeds. I truly delight in watching all sorts of birds in my backyard and hear them sing their melodic tunes every Spring.

Right after dad passed away, mom relocated back to South America permanently since she needed 24/7supervision.  For years, mom had fed a white pigeon with bread crumbs in her balcony every afternoon. Mom never purchased any special blend yet the pigeon would always visit her once or twice a day for bread crumbs.  One afternoon she quietly asked me, “who is going to feed the white pigeon in my absence?!” My heart sank. I was speechless. I pondered for quite a while ‘how’ was I going to answer mom until God sang His rhythmic tunes straight to the core of my soul and heart.

His truth reminded me not to worry or fret over life circumstances. I was not in control of the pigeon’s future. Mom needed to move back to our home country and God was going to take care of both mom and the white pigeon.

Luke 12:24-25 “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds then; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?”

In transitions, we may feel vulnerable and out of control. In these moments, we may be in distress or anxious about the outcome(s) of the future.  The Lord walks alongside and comforts us along the way.

These unforgettable memories are engraved in our hearts and reminds us of all those special moments God speaks to our hearts. It was so special to think about mom and her white pigeon from South Florida earlier today.

The Lord reminded me once again not to worry or fret over current circumstances. His divine plans are going to prevail and for us to rest in Him prayerfully and peacefully. He is able and forever faithful. He is our Provider, Refuge and Peace. He is in control of all life circumstances. When we trust in Him, we will be encouraged.

Ephesians 3:20

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.

Psalms 33:20

Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.

Psalms 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hope fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Photo Courtesy: Sandy Millar @ UnSplasher and Holger Link.

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Scriptures cross-references are also available for you to dig deeper into God’s Word.

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