God Says... "I will direct your steps."

By Peter Pollock

When was the last time you had no idea what to do or which path to choose?

I asked when was the last time, because we've all been there. Each and every one of us. Many times.

It's something which affects all of us and we all deal with it differently but it can cause stress, sleeplessness, worry, strained relationships and can even make you sick.

Whether you're a child who is being pushed into doing something you know is wrong or an adult having to make decisions which will affect not only you but your whole family, it's always stressful.

Even Jesus had this problem once or twice.

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God Says... "I have given everyone a measure of faith."

By Jason S (Connecting to Impact)

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

According to this scripture, I'm two for two. I believe He is and that He rewards those who seek Him. That means I'm pleasing to God. That means I have faith. If you're a believer, you're probably with me.

Honestly though, it seems like many times this can't possibly be enough or more accurately, that the little faith we have can't possibly meet the huge challenges we face.

I can find myself saying, "I don't have enough faith." But the Father sees something different, something we don't see. He gave us each a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and as we exercise it, that faith grows.

Years ago, I faced a decision for me and my family to leave the job I had been working and work full-time for our church as an associate pastor. Ours was not a large church and the questions surrounding this seemed so much louder than the direction God was speaking.

I knew where the Father was leading, but I struggled with the idea of my own faith. Could I really do this? Would my family suffer? Would my marriage suffer with this strain? How would all this work?

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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.

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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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.