Tag Archives: jesus-christ

Hope in the Way

22 Jun

Guest Post

Rebekah Lyn

Reblog Rebekah Lyn’s Kitchen

Summer is road trip season. My family had the blessing of taking incredible road trips, reaching as far north as Newfoundland, Canada, and as far west as the eastern edge of British Columbia. Mom diligently studied maps and AAA TripTiks to plan the best routes, and we were lucky to seldom come across detours.

If only our lives were so blessed. Detours happen when we least expect them and when they are most inconvenient. Rarely are they enjoyable so it’s easy to pout that we aren’t getting our way when we have to bend to the will of others – be that road crews or disrupted plans.

As Jesus’ days on Earth grew shorter, He spoke to His disciples about the way ahead of them. In John 14, Jesus tells them that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house and that they know the way to the place where He is going. Thomas is brave enough to question this, as they don’t yet understand where Jesus is going.

Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) This is something we all grapple with at some point. Where is God leading in this situation? How can I follow when I can’t see the path? My GPS doesn’t have a destination, so how can it route me?

Jesus’ answer was simple. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” (John 14:6-7) We get to know Jesus by spending time with Him, praying, studying His word, serving others, and listening for His voice.

When our life takes an unexpected detour and there are no signs showing us the way, we can place our reliance on God to direct our steps, but only if we attune ourselves to Him. He is our hope in the darkness, our signpost on the unfamiliar road. We have to accept that there are reasons for the changes in our plans that we may never understand. Our ways are not always God’s ways and we have to trust that His ways are better for us.

The only way that truly matters is His Way, the way of life, truth, and eternal relationship with the Father. Walking in that way doesn’t guarantee a smooth trip, but it does guarantee a place for us in the eternal kingdom. That is a much better destination than any we can imagine here on Earth.

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What to Do When Facing a War

9 Dec

Walking by Faith Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 12/9/2023

I was speechless when I read this email from my dear friend:

We just arrived in Israel last night, and it feels so great to be here! The airport was nearly empty. It made me cry when the customs lady said “You do know we have a war here, right?” And we told her how much we love Israel. With tears in her eyes, she said, Thank you!

While visitors are fleeing Israel, she and her family remain focused as rockets are still flying around them. They’re busy stopping at shelters and nursing homes, bringing food, singing songs and bringing the love and hope of Christ to their broken hearts.

With supernatural courage, they draw from their unstoppable passion to serve Christ in war-stricken Israel. Meanwhile, back home we have our own wars against the evil that surround us.

 Battles and wars all have one thing in common—they stir horror and fear. But if we use God’s weapons, we’ll remain steady and firm.

Using God’s Weapons

When the terrain is rough and we’re exhausted fighting opposition from all sides, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

When our soul is at rest, comfort grows and confidence comes back.

When the attacks become fierce, weakening our resolve, “[God] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).

The strength He gives endures through the pain, through the sadness and sorrow.

When our supplies dwindle, “…the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

With His riches, our days are filled with the abundance of His provision.

When we feel alone in the battlefield, this promise becomes our weapon: “…nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).

Bombs of anguish may go off, death may surround us and hopelessness may threaten to invade us, but God’s love is with us to sustain, protect and renew our hope through Christ Jesus.

Let’s Pray

Father, although You warned us that in this world there will be trouble, the anguish of those suffering intensifies the sorrow. Yet, we believe in the power of Your Word that will sustain us through the wars in distant countries and those near us. In Jesus’ name we pray.

What do you do when war rages?

BONUS ARTICLE on today’s topic.

Janet 

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

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I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

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