Don't Forget the Blessings
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Last week I was feeling overwhelmed by some tasks I needed to accomplish. With my limited strength, I never seem to get as much done as I'd like. I was talking to the Lord about it and He reminded me of a story that encouraged me.
A little boy with a small shovel was trying to clear some deep snow in front of his house. A man came by and asked how a little boy with such a small shovel could accomplish such as big task. The little boy replied with great confidence, "Little by little." And he kept working.
The Lord spoke that word to my heart. He'll help me "little by little." I just need to keep working and keep trusting in the Lord's help. It's a simple word - and an obvious one in many ways - but it was just what I needed.
"Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land." Exodus 23:30
I can imagine how the Israelites felt. They were in their promised land, but they faced many challenges - many enemies they needed to conquer, many things they needed to do. God gave them the same encouragement and direction that He gave me - "little by little."
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5
"With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.....do not be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
Little by little with His grace, strength, and peace - we can make it through anything!
This week I've had a good week. What joy it brings me to say that!!! I'm feeling good, and my strength is steadily returning. I've even been able to do one of the tasks on my list - little by little, until it was done. That brings me joy too! I'm sure all this is an answer to prayer and I’m so grateful!
A friend of mine told me something special that she did. She has a friend who is battling stage 4 cancer. I'm sure it's been hard for her. To encourage her, my friend printed and cut out over a month's worth of encouraging scriptures - ones that I've shared in the updates. She put them all in a "blessings" jar. Her friend can pull out one each day to be reminded of God's goodness, faithfulness, and love for her. I loved that idea!
In the midst of difficulty, it's easy to see the hard things - but we sometimes forget the blessings that God has for us. During Floyd's illness, I kept a file of songs, scriptures, and thoughts that encouraged me. I would go to that file often and let the Lord minister those things to me. I guess it was my "blessings file." It was such a help to me.
God is with us each step of the way when we go through trials, sickness, and hard times. I'm so grateful I'm not alone.
"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
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
"How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:7
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope." Psalm 130:5
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
In the midst of a hard time, the enemy wants us to focus on the difficulty. He wants us to be weighed down and discouraged. But the Lord wants us to keep our eyes on Him, and feast on the promises in His word. When we do that, He will bear our burdens and bring encouragement to our hearts. He protects us from falling into the despair that the enemy has for us. I am so, so grateful for the Lord's loving care in each trial I've walked through the last 9 years. How good God is! A loving, faithful Father!