Saturday, February 2, 2013

Two Steps Forward


Psalm 16:11 - You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

I have been silent for awhile. I have had to make two very big decisions and isn't it odd they would come at the same time! Two steps forward, even though they might for a time seem like steps you wouldn't want to take at all. You wish they just didn't have to be. While I'm not exactly ready to reveal them, I think I can at least express my feelings about them. Perhaps you have decisions to make and wonder what might happen if you do.

Those who know Jesus knows He opens doors and closes them as well as gives and takes. Most people don't even realize when doors are being opened and closed. They just figure it's part of life. Others don't realize that God is the One who gives and takes away. But when you know Jesus, you can also know that He is right there beside you.

When you know the One who orders our steps, although there can be a bit of trepidation, you can also trust the Person guiding those steps. We who trust in the Lord know that even though the steps we must continue to take in life are sometimes hard, there is always something good on the other side.

God never wants us to just remain content where we are. He is always urging us to move forward, to press on in Him for the prize. He always wants us to grow in Him. Of course there are things in life that are not always God-centered, but also a part of what He has given to us. He gives…and He can take away.

I just know that going through the difficult times is part of the journey. Sometimes we go through to come out in victory. Sometimes we are removed immediately from something and are victorious. Sometimes we are victorious even if we are not taken out of the circumstance. With God we are victorious. Period.

With God, the grass is always greener on the other side of "whatever" because we can trust Him to guide, protect and comfort. Psalm 23 has several comforting verses: He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...(verses 2,3,6). In Him these things hold true.

We are called by faith to follow Him and trust Him with whatever we are going through or wherever He wants us to go. If we knew everything that was laid out before us, where would the trust in Him be? He builds us up in our faith and trust when we don't see what's on the other side. If we take the first step to do this He will guide, restore, give goodness and mercy, and give us green pastures in which to rest.

Sometimes issues of life will draw us closer to Him, too. It's like resting in that green pasture. Praise our God that He longs for us all to do this!

If there is something of which you are in the midst, trust Him for the outcome. If you know Jesus as Lord and Savior, it's easier to trust. If you don't know Jesus, now is the time to take the opportunity to do so. It's as easy as calling on Him to make Himself known to you. If you are sincere in your request this is what you will realize: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23) His desire is for you to know Him, know His love, know His mercy, know His faithfulness in all your circumstances and know that in Him you will have victory.

1Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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