by Eloida on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 8:10am ·
I believe God gives us His special GRACE for every situation. Here's how I like to define grace: God's power to help us do whatever it is we need to do. We can have that power, but we have to receive it, and the only way to receive it is by faith. Romans 12:3 says that "God has allotted to each a measure of faith."
Keep on RELYING on God. Understanding this really helped me that Every time I became frustrated, I was reminded that what I was really doing was trying to take the place of the Holy Spirit. I was trying to be Holy Spirit Junior! Gal. 5:16 Walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit
To imitate God, we have to LOOK at Jesus, a perfect representation of God who lived out all of the descriptions of love in 1 Corinthians 13. He always acted in love in every situation, even when people came against Him.
In the world we live in, we are going to have all kinds of problems, frustrations and difficulties. That's just life. We must remain steadfast and persevere. In other words, the answer is NEVER GIVE UP! No matter what's going on in our lives, the victory is in refusing to quit.
Keep in mind that in the heat of our struggles, the Holy Spirit is probably doing His greatest work within us. He is not moved by the circumstances. If you and I really trust Him, we shouldn't be either! He's not in our lives for good times only, but for the difficult times as well.
He will lead us through anything if we'll just hang in there and follow Him. This means being diligent in prayer, relentless in our resolve, unwavering in faith, and determined to stand firmly on God's Word and His promises to us.
So many times we can be sidetracked by how slowly things seem to be going. In fact, the enemy loves to point that out! But remember, that's when God may be doing some of His greatest work.
The Lord's work in us is preparation for the work He wants to do through us! I know life can be hard sometimes. But I also know that God will help us if we remain steadfast. Let's stand on Galatians 6:9: "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up" (NLT).
Exercising self-control and self-discipline, and establishing boundaries and borders in our life are some of the most important things we can do. A life that has no discipline is one that's filled with carelessness.
The Word of God establishes the necessary BOUNDARIES to keep us in God's safety zone. It tells us what we can do, and what we better not do, to be safe.
Highways have lines, one on each side and one in the center. These lines provide margins for our safety while we're driving. If we go over the line on one side, we'll go into the ditch. If we cross over the line in the middle, we could get killed. We like those lines because they help keep us safe. It's like that in our personal lives, too. When we have boundaries, borders, and margins, we feel much better and experience God's peace.
The key is to go to God's Word, where He has laid out all the boundaries we need to live by. Let God direct your path every day. Prov. 3:5
If you are living an unsustainable life, stop putting off making the changes you need to make. Don't wait until something happens, like a nervous breakdown or a heart problem. Make changes now to live the kind of life God wants you to live. When you live God's way, I can guarantee you'll discover an overwhelming new level of peace in your life. Live a SUSTAINABLE life. Ps. 23:2
Like Moses, it's okay for us to say, "I've reached my limit." Yes, scripture says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13 NKJV), but that's really referring to times when we face various trials and situations that God will help us through.
It doesn't mean we should take on so many responsibilities that we completely burn out. Sometimes, it's all just too much...and it's okay to admit that. It's also OKAY TO SAY "NO" to some things so you can really enjoy life the way God intended.
Here's a newsflash: You and I don't have to be like everyone else or keep up with anyone else. God created some people to handle large amounts of work, but many people aren't made this way.
Each of us needs to be who God created us to be, and we don't have to apologize for it. We each need to individually find the balance of responsibility God has established for us to live in so we can enjoy our life, instead of making ourselves sick with an overload of stress and pressure.
When you reach your limit, go to God, just like Moses did. He will help you find a saner, healthier lifestyle.
Relentlessly pursuing God is not necessarily easy, but it's definitely worth it. However, you can't really pursue God until you've first experienced real freedom. God is in the business of setting us free, and it's glorious to be free from guilt, condemnation, and always wondering what people are thinking of us.
We're set free from the concern of failing when we know who we are in Christ. This brings us the courage to be able to step out and pursue God's promises.
One of the greatest freedoms God has given me is the freedom to be me. For years I tried to be something I wasn't, feeling like I needed to be like this or like that, all the while knowing I wasn't like everyone else. Yet, I kept trying to be like others until I learned through my relationship with God who He created me to be. This also set me free from me, so I can focus on Jesus and reaching out to others the way He wants me to.
BE RELENTLESS to stay in faith and receive God's promises. Remember, you belong to Him and He's given you a relentless spirit! Philippians 3:10
I'm determined TO FINISH God's call for me and enjoy every single day and every minute of it! Acts 20:24
But most of this is up to us. It's not all up to God. He has done His part and given us everything we need in Christ. It's up to us to keep learning, growing, and letting the Spirit of God work in us. Take time to consider the things that God has called us to do and ask ourself, "What am I doing today to finish strong what God has set before me?"
God has great plans for us. Receive them by faith and go after them with all our heart. Make a commitment to finish strong.
I want to talk to you about a four-letter word: FEAR!
If "fear" is a dirty, four-letter word, then faith in God's love is the soap!
I'm talking about a powerful faith in God's unconditional, unlimited, unwavering, perfect love for us.
First John 4:18 teaches that understanding God's love for us will deliver us from our fears. Now this doesn't mean we won't ever feel fear, but faith in God and His love will enable us to 'do it afraid' if we have to.
God wants you to know that He is with you. He will lead and guide you, so you can put your confidence and faith in Him!
Remember, His love is perfect, even when we aren't. He isn't going to love us any more or less because of our mistakes. Isn't it good to know that God loves you right where you are? Doesn't that thought just kind of boost your faith and take your fear down a notch?
You and I are going to feel afraid now and then. When we do, we can get our focus back on God and know that He will lead us through any situation we face.
It's the perfect love of God, not perfect us, that casts out fear every single time
