Our Times Are in His Hands

With so many outward pressures (health issues, load shedding, cold weather, family concerns, ministry needs), it’s easy to focus on the problems.  The Lord has been reminding me to instead focus on developing my inner strength.  I can’t rely on what’s been developed in the past.  I must focus on continually, daily developing my inner strength in Him.  

I love the Lord and have a sweet relationship with Him.  But I can’t “rest” on that.  I need to press in more and more so that when life’s burdens are heavy I won’t falter.  His power in me is greater than the pressures around me.

I’ve often referred to holding onto His hand, which we especially need to do when we face the pressures of life.  We do that by communicating with Him through our day as we face the pressures - being real and honest about what we are facing.  We proclaim the promises of the Word.  We worship and thank Him for His faithfulness.  We trust Him to help and guide us.  We confess our fears.  We cast our burdens on Him.  We resist the enemy.  As we cling tightly to Him in these ways, our inner strength is built up and we can face the outward pressures.  He will direct our steps, and guide us in His ways.

“I pray that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”  Ephesians 3:16

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”  2 Corinthians 4:16

“A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”  Proverbs 16:9

“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”  Zephaniah 3:17

“A man’s steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can anyone understand his own way?”  Proverbs 20:24

I confess that I usually don’t know “the way” ahead.  I need God’s help and wisdom.  I’m pressing in to Him and asking Him to strengthen my inner man as I face the problems and issues in life.  He is always faithful to help me!

My heart was saddened this week when Beni Johnson passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.  Beni was the wife of Bill Johnson.  They co-pastored Bethel Church in Redding, Calif.

I started following her journey after she was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.  She sought out some holistic treatments, and I was curious to see how it went.  If I understand correctly, she had a period of remission before the cancer returned.  She had been undergoing chemo treatment until recently when they felt they should stop as the treatment wasn't working.  She went into hospice care at home.

Thousands, probably hundreds of thousands, of people had been lifting her up in prayer.  It reminded me of when so many people were praying for Floyd's healing.  It also reminded me that, ultimately, our "times" are in God's hands.  He chooses healing or heaven.  Bill said she is now "healthy and free."

My heart went out to Bill in losing his life partner.  I know what that feels like.  I have been praying for him, for their 3 children, their 11 grandchildren, and for the whole congregation.  I pray for God to comfort them in their grief and loss.

Meanwhile I continue to pray for a healing miracle in my body.  I'm asking for a "suddenly" of healing and restoration.  I trust His wisdom, I trust whatever comes to pass......but I'm asking!

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.  Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.  This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever."  Isaiah 55:8-13

This is one of my favorite passages of scripture.  It always speaks to me of trusting God's thoughts, His ways.  He is good, true, and faithful.  In all times, we can trust Him.

When Beni first got sick, she asked the Lord what she should do.  He responded - "Just love me."  I think that's what God wants all of us to do in the ups and downs of life - just stay close to Him and love Him.