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A Perspective on Problems

 
Recently I picked up a little devotional book 
by Sarah Young titled "Jesus Calling".  
This past month the meditations have challenged me in how I view those daily problems, both large and small, that come my way.

 1.  Being a Christian does not guarantee a problem free life.  This is an unrealistic and false expectation.  Jesus says clearly in 
John 16:33 - "In this world, you will have problems."  

2.  Sarah Young suggests we begin each day anticipating problems and at the same time, asking God to equip us to face them.  
James 1:2 - "Count it all joy when you have many kinds of problems..."
When I expect problems, they will not blindside me.  
I can choose to look at problems as an opportunity to trust God.

3.  The Bible challenges me to bring my troubles to God with a thankful heart.
Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;"
  This changes how I view a problem. Instead of seeing it as a negative I can choose to see it as a positive and 
anticipate how God and I can face it together.  
Or He may ask me to put it aside for later consideration.
Choosing thankfulness changes my perspective.

4.  I can remember that God is thinking of me all the time .
Psalm 130: 3 "You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest.  Every moment, you know where I am."
God has placed hidden treasures along our path, 
some of which are problems, others which lift our spirits.  
God has a purpose in all that come my way.


None of us will have a problem free life
but when we turn from focusing on our problems, 
to focusing on God, our load becomes lighter.  
We can choose to trust Him - He does not abandon us - ever!.
Deuteronomy 31: 8 "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”



9 comments:

  1. Bev~ indeed, God reveals himself to us only when we are utterly dependent on Him. Otherwise, our insane lives crowd Him out and He becomes nothing more than an "add-on". Jesus must be everything, or He is nothing.

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    1. This quote was wonderful wisdom to me. I copied it to memorize,
      thank you God bless.
      From a troubled one.

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  2. I received this little book, "Jesus Calling" for Christmas. It has been such a blessing, and many times just what I need for the day. God wants our ultimate trust to be in Him, and He hangs in there with us even when we fail Him. ~Elaine

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  3. I too love the little books Jesus Calling and Jesus Lives by Sarah Young. They have sooooooo blessed my heart and life each morning when I first turn to seek Him for the day ahead. Thank you so much for the 4 point reminders and Scriptures this morning of a migraine- they help me to focus and redirect my thots (if there can be any with a headache!) and my heart to Him on this blessed day of Sunday. Will copy and print your points and tuck into my Jesus Lives book-I am almost finished it and is only June. Praying the Lord uses this little add-on to His Word to redirect many hearts with a passion to daily follow Him moment by moment. Thank you.

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  4. Another great message--Thank you!!!

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  5. My Grandmother died when my Mother was 4.The only song my Mother remembers hearing my Grandmother sing was called "It was Jesus Calling". There is a verse that came to mind when I read your post.

    "It was Jesus calling from Heaven.To me while here all alone.He showed me that beautiful picture of the angels around God's great throne."

    The song always reminds me that we are not all alone,all we have to do is remember God sees us and has a plan.

    Thank you for the reminder of this.

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  6. You have no idea how this was of great comfort and filled a part of heart today - blessings for sharing this and for the reminder I needed.

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  7. I bought "Jesus Calling" last year and shortly after that we discovered my husband has cancer. That book was one of the best 'medicines'! Every day the words seemed to speak exactly what my heart needed to hear. I often wondered what others were reading for that day, because I just knew those words on the pages were speaking directly to me! I have given many copies of that book to others. I loved your words today...and always. LOVE the cookbook, especially since my Mennonite roots are of the same food/names as yours. Every Sunday was Faspa....the best zweibach with homemade jam, cheese and meats.

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  8. Bev hello,

    I too have Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, in fact I had originally purchased a copy for each of my children, and was so impressed I then purchased mine. You are right in all you say. WE need to understand He will never leave us and we need to be ver thankful for each and every day. If we are having problems, we can even be thankful we are still alive to be having problems! I remember hearing once some one complaining about becoming older and that was the reply, we should be thankful we are becoming older, many have died young and will never see their grandchildren etc etc, so much to be thankful for, even amidst heartache.. Blessings

    Julie
    North Dakota

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