I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
From the Holy Bible
www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/16
Sometimes impossible situations are there just to show God whether we are truly ready to take Him at His word and believe for the impossible to become possible. God is still the God of miracles, and we are still the instruments He uses to show others that He is still God.
God’s Word does not say that we will not ever be afraid. In fact, the word used is “when,” implying that God knows that you will be afraid and has prepared you for that scenario with words of peace and strength and a reminder that He is always close by. I have had some really scary medical things happen in the last few months. Nowadays, I take each day as the gift that it is and thank God for it. But that is not to say that I don’t sometimes feel afraid. When I was in the hospital after my second mini-stroke in six months and under observation because my neurologist thought another major stroke could be imminent, my first thoughts were of fear. But then, I thought of scripture verses that have always comforted me and heard God’s voice say clearly, just as He has told me in the past, “Nothing is going to happen today that God and I cannot handle together.” I am never alone and neither are you. You can put all of your trust in the One who created you and believe that He will carry out His plan in your life, all the way to the end. God’s promises are “yes” and “amen” and His Word is true!
How to Fight Fear
Think back to a time when you were genuinely scared.
As much as we’d prefer to never experience fear, fear is a part of the human experience. But when we are afraid, we have options…
We can panic, stress, get overwhelmed with worry, overthink every worst-case scenario, and attempt to numb out the anxiety-inducing situations around us in unhealthy ways … or, we can echo David’s words:
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Psalm 56:3 ESVSomething worth noting is that these words were penned after David had been captured by the Philistines. He was being harassed by his enemies and was scared for his life.
But David refused to settle for scared.
He resisted the urge to let fear have the final say. He decided to fight back with Truth…
…And so can we.We never have to fight alone. God has given us something more powerful than ordinary weapons: He’s given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Even when we don’t have access to the perfect inspirational sermon or a timely word of encouragement, we can pause and remember the truth: that God fights for us, He’s with us, and He’ll never leave us.
When we shift our minds from our overwhelming fear to God’s overwhelming faithfulness, everything changes. So, today, if you’re scared, anxious, terrified, overwhelmed, or uncertain—speak this out loud:
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/14
God provides what each individual needs when they need it as long as they are trusting in Him. I have often wondered why some people get prayers answered one way and another person a totally different way for the same or a similar situation. It is because we are all uniquely created and God knows exactly what we need. How amazing is that!
www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/13
I really needed this reminder today that God is with me, especially in the really tough times. My husband and I had looked forward to a visit for weeks from two of our granddaughters. Our daughter dropped them off before going to visit Liberty University with her older daughter. Thursday was an okay day, talking, making plans and watching movies (after we did schoolwork). Then came Friday and some kind of stomach bug to start the day. And to continue throughout the day. I was at the doctor’s office for my check up when I got multiple texts from my daughter to check on T4. So, I tried to call my husband who was at home with them. No answer. (Turns out he was in the shower). Eventually, I got hold of my husband, my daughter talked to me and told me T4 and T5 were both throwing up and didn’t see Grampa around. I got home, gave them water and crackers…more sick. Waited. More crackers. More sick. Five loads of laundry later, the girls went to bed to watch a movie and rest and I fell into bed exhausted. All of our plans were gone. I was feeling overwhelmed…not from terror but from discouragement. God spoke peace to my heart and told me just to be there to love them and let them know that I would take care of them and that their mom is only a phone call away. This morning is an “iffy” morning. No sickness during the night, so we tried dry cereal for breakfast and will see how the day goes. We travel tomorrow to meet their mom and give them back. This will be a memorable visit, not because of all of the fun we had but because of all the love and care we got to show. God is always there, even when we are feeling totally bummed out.
www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/12
As the author of the devotional points out, Joshua had the Law, and that was enough for him to study and establish a society based on values and principles. It saddens me how far from these values we have drifted. Sometimes, I think we didn’t drift away, but instead we used a powerboat with a strong motor to get as far away from God as fast as we could. I would like to think that God is an anchor for many, the One who holds that motorboat in place and doesn’t allow it to drift too far away from Him. But I also know that if we choose to leave God behind in our quest for fame, fortune and success in this life, then that is a choice He will allow us to make, and one that has eternal consequences. If you are one who has drifted, take a few minutes today to reflect on how you can get back to where you once were. As a pastor once told me, “If God seems far away, remember that He didn’t move. You did.”
www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/11
Fear attacks us when we least expect it. But courage is a choice. We have to face the fears head on, knowing that God goes before us and He will be with us until the end. Whatever you fear, be assured that God is bigger, better, stronger and able to bring victory to you, if you just show Him that you are ready to fight with Him in the battle that is daily life.
www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/10
God has promised us eternal life with Him if we but choose Jesus as our Lord and Savior. That sounds so simple and like a really good deal, doesn’t it? But how many have not accepted God’s promise because they don’t want to step out in faith, believing in the salvation that God has promised. If Joshua had not taken God at His word and stepped out in faith, what would have happened to the Israelite nation? Would God have chosen another leader or another nation to favor? Fortunately, we don’t have to deal with that “what if” because Joshua was faithful and believed God. What do we miss out on when we turn away instead of stepping out?
www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/9
This devotional hits all of the high points of Joshua’s taking over after Moses’s death. He was commissioned by God and he had a high calling, but he had to take the first step away from Moses and on his own. So often, we get caught up in the trap of living in the past instead of pressing on toward a hopeful future. May each of us know in our hearts that God has a perfect plan and promise for each of us and may we all resolve to follow Him to the end.
www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/8
Think about why you sometimes find yourself in difficult situations, questioning why God would allow challenges to constantly assail you. One answer is in this short devotional. Developing your character is much more important to God than providing for your comfort. Which is more important to you? For me, I don’t like the tough times, but I do want to be more like Jesus…so whatever it takes and with total confidence that God will be with me, I choose character over comfort.
www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/6
I really enjoyed this devotional this morning because it has great insight into the role of the sheep and the leadership of the shepherd. I never thought about the fact that a sheep can drown because its wooly coat is so thick. Or that Jesus led the way first, not letting the sheep wander ahead of Him. Is there an image here that spoke to you?
