He is FOR Us

Things are pretty much the same for both Floyd and me.  We keep praying for both of our healing and breakthrough, whatever that may look like. 

As I move forward into a new year on our journey, I realize I need a fresh release of courage from the Lord.  My heart and my body are weary from all that's happened in the last 5 years.  I have purposed in my heart to move forward, but I know I can't do it in my own strength.

I was reading about Peter walking on the water.  Jesus told him to "come," and Peter was doing fine.  Then he focused on the wind and the waves, and began to sink.  It's a good example of how we need to keep our focus on Jesus - not on ourselves, not on circumstances, not on what's happening around us - but ONLY on Him!!  I remind myself of that daily as I face various challenges.

In just the last few days I have had a number of unexpected and difficult things come my way.  With my limited strength, if I'm not careful, I can get overwhelmed with those things.  I have to continually remind myself to keep looking to Jesus - to ask for fresh help and courage from Him.  He has been and will be faithful!

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.' "  Isaiah 41:13

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1

"Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid.' "  Matthew 14:27

I find it's important to actively calm my heart and mind, and listen to His voice.  He is with me, and He brings peace to the winds and waves around me - and He ministers courage to my heart.  I'm so grateful.

I still battle with sleep some nights.  In particular, I wake up a lot and then try to get back to sleep.  One night this week as I was laying awake, I felt the Lord speaking to my heart that He is FOR us!  All of us.  I think the enemy tries to get us to believe that God is against us if we fail or make mistakes.  But, even in our weakness, in our mistakes, in our need, in our sin - God is always FOR us.

The Bible tells us that God grieves over our sin.  It separates us from Him.  I'm sure He is disappointed and sad over mistakes we make.  But His loving, Father heart always pursues us.  He willingly forgives us as we repent.  We are His creation, His children and He never turns His back on us.  He is Fully, Overwhelmingly, Radically FOR us - always!  He loves us with an eternal, unending love.

I think of times when I've made mistakes, when I've sinned - I'm the one who pulls away from Him!  I'm embarrassed, ashamed, and I withdraw.  But as soon as I get over myself and turn to the Lord, He's always FOR me, ready to forgive and give me new beginnings.  He doesn't shower me with guilt.  He doesn't hang my mistakes over my head.  He forgives.  He loves me.  He brings peace back to my heart.  He tells me He is FOR me!  Nothing can separate us from His loving, Father heart.

I have rejoiced in recent days, after that middle-of-the-night reminder, in thanking God that He is FOR us.  The enemy may try to distract us, deceive us, or discourage us......but the clear truth of the Word is that God is FOR us - today, tomorrow, always.  What a wonderful promise that is!

"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38,39

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him."  Psalm 18:30

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:  who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies."  Psalm 103:1-4

How grateful I am that we serve a God who is FOR us.  He is good and kind.  He is faithful and unchanging.  I love and praise Him!