God Will Make A Way

Floyd is holding steady.  No big ups or downs.  "Steady" is good, and an answer to prayer.  The therapist said he was very moved when I told him I'm going through all my checkups, and asked him to pray for me.

As I got ready for my checkups this week my heart has had hope and faith for good reports, for good news - and, at the same time, I have asked God to prepare my heart for whatever news I get.  It feels like a delicate balancing act sometimes!  I know God is with me, and He'll help me - because He has helped me so faithfully all this time on our unexpected journey.

I love how God speaks so clearly, so personally into the life situations that we face.  I truly couldn't make it without Him!  While my physical body is crying out for His touch, this week my heart has also been burdened for a number of things.  Some family members need a touch from Him.  I have several dear friends who are in need of His healing ministry.  And I got word that a lady who worked with us in Amsterdam lost her battle with cancer this week.  One day in particular it seemed that I just kept getting "heavy" news.

I sat quietly, talking to the Lord, and lifting all these needs to Him.  And as I waited, He brought several things to my attention that just helped it all come into focus afresh from His perspective.  He's so good to do that!

The first thing is a song that I've been listening to over and over, "You're Still God"  by Philippa Hanna.  When our heart is breaking - when we have heavy questions - when we can't see what's before us - even when hope has faded.......He still reigns and He's still God.  We can trust His heart.  He's with us.  He never leaves us, never forsakes us.  He is good and faithful.  This song has been an anthem in my heart this week.  HE STILL REIGNS AND HE'S STILL GOD!!!!

Then I was watching The Chosen series again.  I love the rooftop scene with Jesus and Nicodemus.  Jesus says to Nicodemus "blessed are those who take refuge in me," and Jesus holds him in His arms.  I cry every time I watch that scene.  I can almost feel Jesus holding me!  He is my refuge.  I can always run to Him.

And then I was reminded of something someone sent me.  The visual says "God will make a way for you."  God is going before the person in the visual and opening up a way when there is literally nothing there!  He does that for us!

As these things came to me, the burdens were lifted and put into their proper focus.  God still reigns - He's my refuge - and He opens up ways for me in impossible situations.  I received comfort and strength from these reminders.  How very faithful He is to speak so specifically to my heart!

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."  Deuteronomy 33:27

"In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have refuge."  Proverbs 14:26

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' "  Matthew 19:26 

"Nothing will be impossible with God."  Luke 1:37

He Reigns.  He's our Refuge.  And He makes a Road for us in the wilderness of whatever we're facing.  How wonderfully good and awesome He is.  I love Him and praise Him!

I had a particularly sweet quiet time on Sunday.  I think probably because I just spent time in the Lord's presence - soaking in His love and grace, His comfort and encouragement.  I kept thinking of what a difference Jesus makes in my life.  I couldn't make it through one day, one hour, probably not even one minute without Him!  I am so, so grateful for His presence in my life.

It reminded me of yet another scene in "The Chosen" series.  I keep referring to the series because God has spoken to me so many times through it as I've watched it.  I thought of the scene where someone is asking Mary Magdalene what had happened to her.  She had been in a terrible state - filled with demonic oppression, her life ravaged with sadness and terror.......and then she was different.  You could see the visible change.  She was a totally different person - free, happy, full of joy.  It's powerful to see it visually in the series.

Trying to explain what had happened to her she said - "I was one way, and now I'm completely different.  And the thing that happened in between was Him."  I love that.  Jesus is what happens in our lives that makes the difference.  And He keeps coming into our lives day by day.....continually making a difference.  I can't thank Him enough!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

"Thanks be to God.  He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Corinthians 15:57

"Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them."  Hebrews 7:25

Jesus taught - "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."  Matthew 16:25

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6

Everybody has troubles, but not everybody has Jesus.  Jesus makes the difference!  How grateful I am for the difference He makes in my life every day.