Remembering God's Goodness

By Pat

I am not a person who likes to dwell in the past. I am really not a grudge-holder, and when it comes to forgiving I don't have much trouble (except when it comes to myself!). I know that Jesus renews His followers daily, so I have never found it useful to remember how people used to be. Thinking about incidents from my past that I can't change do me no good in my current walk with the Lord. I am a changed person as we all are, and I am thankful every day. There are, however, times when I don't just recollect the past; I cling to it.

In those times when I find myself in a spiritual drought, the thing I do the most is look back at my other periods of weakenss, doubt and fear and remember how God got me through it as only He can and brought me out stronger than ever. I remember the incomparable, incredible feeling of knowing that I had finally heard God's voice, felt God's touch, in a way that was meant just for me. I remember, and it comforts me. I dwell in those past encounters with God, and my heart is warmed with the knowledge that my current state of spiritual drought will one day be remembered as a time of spiritual growth.

I am very thankful for the vivid memories of past times of struggles and how God reminded me that I am not alone. They sustain me and give me the strength to go on, sure of the fact that I am safe in God's arms, and I do not walk alone. Although I may be unsure of the length of the dark tunnel I am going through, I know my Conductor will take me through to the light again. I know because He's done it before. I remember!

"Blessed in the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

Walking With Me

By Pat

A few days ago I was playing outside on the swings with my little granddaughter, Annie, who just turned two. She wanted to go down the sliding board, so as I lifted her to help her up the steps, she said, "No, me do it myself!" I said, "Okay, you do it!" and removed my hands from her. She carefully made her way up to the top, not knowing my hards had been there only inches away to catch her at the slightest slip. When she finally got to the top, she broke into a big smile and victoriously said, "ME DID IT"!

It reminded me so much of my relationship with God. I am very quick to say, "I did it!" Whatever successes I may have, hurdles I jump, mountains I climb, or victories I achieve, I sometimes say I did it, forgetting that I didn't really do it at all...God did it! God gives me everything I need, every moment or every day. Whatever I'm doing, God is right there with me, hands and arms outstretched, ready to catch my every fall and protect me from danger...able to boost me along and give me the strength and courage to forge ahead.

Just as Annie couldn't see me behind her keeping watch over her, I can't see God, but I know He's there/He told me so, and I believe it! And so, I will try to be more mindful and remember that without God, I can do nothing. I AM nothing. With Him, I can say say, "God and I did it!"

"The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (Psalm 121:5-8)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

Be God's Reminder

By Pat

I am at a very difficult stage in my life right now, and struggling in several areas. But many of my dear friends are, too. It seems like no matter which way I turn, someone I love and care about is struggling mightily. The reasons vary greatly, and I wish so much that I could help them,  but I can't. Not in the way I would want to, anyway.

I don't have jobs to offer my friends who are seeking employment, and I have no extra money to give out to my friends who are facing financial issues...but I do have the assurance that God has not forgotten them even when they can't feel His presence, and so I can remind them of God's words in Jeremiah 29:11... "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Words to cling to...words of hope!

I cannot offer the right solutions to my friends and who are struggling with family matters, relationships going sour, or problems with children. I don't have the answers. They are tired, and they are discouraged. I can't solve their problems, but I can assure them that God will sustain them...

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What is Greatness?

By Pat

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." (Luke 1:30-31). "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38)

In looking at the world around us and the things we normally associate with prestige and honor, it's very easy to feel that we are ill-equipped to make a difference in the world, and serve God in a big way. Thankfully, God feels differently.

The only criteria God requires for us to be of service to Him in any capacity, large or small, is a willing and obedient heart. Mary, Jesus' mother, certainly didn't have wealth or power. She was a common girl living a quiet and ordinary life, and yet God chose her for the most high honor imaginable; to give birth to and raise the Son of God. She had enough trust to realize that if God selected her for this holy task, he would certainly provide the necessary means to carry it out successfully. God chose Mary because of her humble and willing heart.

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Do You Deny?

By Pat

"As Simon Peter stood warming himself, as was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."" (John 18:25)

Have you ever denied being a follower of Jesus? I have. Not verbally, for I have always readily proclaimed my Christianity. And yet, sadly, I have indeed denied Jesus.

When I have raised my voice in anger and allowed unkind words to flow from my lips, I have denied Jesus. When I have acted selfishly, or forgotten that true riches are found in the heart, I have denied Jesus. Each time I have used a lame excuse not to lend a helping hand to a person in need, I have denied Him. And worst of all, when I have allowed the difficult circumstances surrounding me to weaken my faith and question God's love for me, I have denied Jesus.

Instead of shunning Peter, Jesus understood his human weakness and not only forgave him, but used him as the rock upon which He would build His church. (Matthew 16:18). We must try to live our lives in a way that serves and glorifies Jesus so fully that, if asked if we are followers of Jesus, we need not answer aloud, but instead let our actions shout with a resounding "YES!"

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.