Author: Jayne Lawson

“The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

Have you ever felt like everything was collapsing around you, and there was nothing you could do about it? There are a plethora of situations or circumstances in life that can feel like that, from financial woes, health issues, or family troubles to political strife, cultural shifts, and global conflicts. When confronted with any of these (or a host of other things), emotions such as fear, confusion, and despair creep into our lives and threaten to overcome us.

It is during times like these, as the walls of our comfort zones crumble, that we must remember we have a firm foundation upon which to stand. That is the Word of God. God promises to give His people strength to endure. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The strength we need to endure or overcome obstacles does not come from within us; it comes from God Himself. Isaiah 41:10 records a promise from God. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” If God said it, you can depend upon it!

When that awful feeling begins in the pit of your stomach, and fear starts to escalate within you, remember that God is your salvation. You need not be afraid. Trust Him, for He is your strength, your song, and your salvation! (Isaiah 12:2)

God has a plan for each of us, and He has a plan for this world. There is nothing that can thwart that. Even when everything is disintegrating around you, God’s Word still stands strong, and it will do so forever. (Psalm 119:89) It is the solid rock upon which we can trust and depend. We may not see the answers, but God does. He sees what we cannot – the big picture. In fact, when problematic situations occur, God is often using those to accomplish His will. The knowledge that God is aware and continues to be in control generates peace. Peace of mind. Peace in our hearts. Peace in our lives.

I don’t know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from it’s sunshine for it’s skies may turn to grey.
I don’t worry o’er the future, for I know what Jesus said.
And today I’ll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand.

(from “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Ira Stanphill)

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

**********

Which verse helps you in times of trouble? I’d love for you to share that with me!

“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17

Long before the age of live-streamed digital music, the only portable device I had to listen to music was the transistor radio. Often it took quite a bit of effort to tune into the station desired to hear the tunes I liked. Sometimes it was impossible to hone in on the right frequency due to bad weather or wrong location, and sometimes the batteries were too weak to receive the signal. It would be impossible to make a connection.

Isn’t it wonderful that God is not like a transistor radio? He’s always available to listen when we call out to Him regardless of where we are. His “battery” never needs recharging, so there is no down time with God. He never sleeps! We don’t have to be in the “right” place… we can pray at home, in our car, in school… anywhere! Jeremiah 29:12 states, “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” All it takes to get in touch with God is for me to call upon His name.

It’s kind of mind-boggling to think that I have unlimited access to speak with my Creator, the God of the universe, and that He cares enough about me to listen when I do so. After all, I am but one in billions that He has created, and yet He cares for me! (1 Peter 5:7) The Bible says in Isaiah 65:24, “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” While radio signals float around aimlessly in the air until they find a receiver, it’s not that way when I pray. Even before I utter the words, God is aware of my heart’s prayer and hears as only He can hear.

In the “olden days,” radio stations would often go off the air late at night, and then resume broadcasting in the morning. Not so with God! He is always accessible. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says that we are to “pray without ceasing.” God wants to hear from each of us continually! It is amazing to think that God wants me to talk to Him “nonstop!” That’s how much He loves me and wants a relationship with me! I need to be tuned in to God at all times because I know He hears me, and when He hears me, He acts (Psalm 34:17, 1 John 5:15). What a blessed assurance to know that God is listening to me every single time I call out to Him!

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

(from “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Joseph Scrivens)

“But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.” Psalm 4:3

**********

Take a moment right now to “have a little talk with Jesus.”

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” Revelation 1:7

Many people think this refers to the next prophetic event in Biblical prophecy, but it does not. The next event will be the rapture of the church. This is the moment in time when “…the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Jesus does not set foot on the earth at this time. Instead He will quickly return to heaven for the 7-year time of celebration with those who have accepted Christ as their personal Saviour.

Revelation 1:7 refers to the return of Jesus when He physically steps foot on earth to rule and reign during the 1,000-year millennial kingdom. At this time, everyone on earth will see Jesus coming in the clouds, and since this happens at the end of the 7-year tribulation period, most of the people who witness Jesus’ return are those who have rejected Christ. Because of this, there will be great cries of despair when the people realize that they have rejected the Son of God, and now will face judgment for their sins.

According to several Biblical scholars, there is no other prophetic event that needs to be fulfilled before the rapture happens. In fact, the signs of the times written of in 2 Timothy 3 are clearly seen in today’s world. While there is no specific time mentioned, we are given detailed descriptions of the global situation just prior to the rapture. These indicators could be the headlines of today’s news! It appears as though the rapture could happen even today!

If you are born again… you’ve repented of your sins, asked Jesus to forgive you and become Lord of your life… you will soon hear that trump of God and take your heavenly flight, but what of those you hold dear to your heart? Have you shared Jesus with them? Will they be meeting Jesus in the air when that call comes? If not, I urge you to share Jesus with them today! Don’t wait a moment longer to tell someone about Christ because the truth is… we may not have another moment!

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12

*********

I have RSVP’d to my heavenly invitation. Have you?

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

“You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family” is an old adage that implies that family relationships can be very difficult to manage, while friendships are easier to maintain. Friends are often chosen based upon similar likes and dislikes; we tend to gravitate toward those who are like-minded. On the other hand, family members are not chosen; we are born with them. No matter their viewpoint, family members are a constant in our lives, thus being “born for adversity.”

It is important to understand that God placed each of us in our families for a purpose. We may not understand that purpose, but we do know that God never makes a mistake, and that includes placing us into the family into which we are born. He chose my parents for me, my children, and even my grandchildren as well. We were all chosen by God to be part of a particular family.

Friends, however, are chosen by us. Certain friendships only last for specific periods of time, like high school or college friends. Other friends may last a lifetime. Friends are even classified differently. There are “casual friends,” “Facebook friends,” and “best friends.” Even those in our “church family” are usually classified as friends. Most of our friends enrich our lives in one way or another, even if they were only friends for a short time. Sadly, when disagreements do occur, some friends chose to end the relationship and our lives do separate ways.

Conversely, when there are disagreements between family members, no matter how ugly, family is still family. Nothing negates that. There is a tie that cannot be broken, even if sometimes we may wish it could be. Being family doesn’t mean that everything is good and loving between all members, it simply means that there is a distinct connection will always be there. It takes a lot of effort to make a family successful because we are each unique individuals with our own opinions, feelings, expectations, and desires that often get in the way. Despite the adversity we may find ourselves surrounded by at times, we must strive to do God’s will within our familial role because ultimately, it is our heavenly Father to whom we are accountable. Additionally, we are often “the only Jesus they will ever see.”

I love my family more than I could put into words, but I must admit they sometimes drive me crazy! (I am sure I do the same to them!) We have also had our share of hurtful issues that took a long time to heal, and there are others that are still a work in progress, but through them all, we are still family… born for adversity perhaps, but nevertheless, born to be together, good or bad. Remember, God never makes mistakes.

Having said all this, I would like to offer another old saying that I prefer more than the first one: “Variety is the spice of life.” God is the master chef, and the members of my family are the plethora of spices He uses to season our relationship with its own unique flavors resulting in a fabulous one-of-a-kind recipe!

You’re the only Jesus some will ever see,

And you’re the only words of life some will ever read,

So let them see in you, the One in whom is all they’ll ever need,

‘Cause you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

(from “You’re the Only Jesus Some Will Ever See” by Gordon Jensen)

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

**********

In your family, are you the sweet flavor of love and forgiveness or the spicy hotness of discord?

“And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, and Isaac, and to Jacob.” Genesis 50:2

Mary Poppins is a well-known fictitious nanny who is often remembered for her sayings such as “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” and “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” I have always remembered one of her comments she made regarding to promises. When one of the children made a promise to her, she stated that it was a “piecrust promise,” meaning it was easily made and easily broken. Piecrust promises are not those upon which you can depend, and it does not foster a trusting relationship between the parties involved.

Thankfully, when our God makes a promise, it is never a piecrust promise!

In the last chapter of Genesis, Joseph is near his death when he speaks these words to his brothers. He reminds them that God will keep His word, and bring them to the land that He has promised their forefathers.

It is important for us to remember that God always keeps His promises. Here are a few examples in the Bible where God has promised and then kept His word.

1. He promised to deliver Noah from the judgment of the flood (Genesis 6:17, Genesis 8:16 fulfilled)
2. He promised Abraham a son (Genesis 17:16 promised, Genesis 21:2)
3. He promised to deliver the Israelites from the Egyptians (Exodus 3:8 promised, Exodus 14:30 fulfilled)
4. He promised to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 27:3 promised, Joshua 24:13 fulfilled)
5. He promised to send a Messiah (Genesis 3:15 promised, Luke 2:11 fulfilled)
6. He promised His resurrection (Matthew 26:32 promised, Luke 24:6 fulfilled)
7. He promised to send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7 promised, Acts 2:4 fulfilled)

Because we consistently see that God kept His word in the past, we can have complete assurance that His promises that have yet to be fulfilled, soon will be. There is no doubt that God will keep His word in the future. This is exciting because the next promise to be fulfilled on God’s calendar was spoken by Jesus in John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” That promise could be fulfilled this very day!

Never forget that God is faithful to do that which He has promised, but His timetable may not necessarily be the same as ours. He will act according to His perfect will and according to what is best for us. All we need to do is trust Him to do as He says!

Standing on the promises of Christ my king,

Through eternal ages let His praises ring,

Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing

Standing on the promises of God!

(from “Standing on the Promises” by Russell Kelso Carter)

“For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20

***********

How has depending on God’s promises helped you through a difficult time or situation?

“And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” Luke 8:48

In this section of Scripture, Jesus is talking to a woman who has had a serious bleeding illness for twelve years. Not willing to directly talk to Jesus, she approaches Him in a crowd, hoping to only touch His clothes and receive healing. When she does this, Jesus confronts her, and then He comforts her with the words we read in Luke 8:48.

Sometimes it is difficult to have a faith that is unshakable especially when it comes to the here and now, that is, when we pray for tangible things like health issues, finances, relationships, etc. We pray of course, but sometimes we are uncertain as to whether or not God will answer in the way we want. That’s when trust comes into play. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” We have to trust God because He sees the bigger picture. He answers according to what is best for us and what is aligned with His will for us.

As a parent, I sometimes responded negatively to my child’s request for something because I knew it would not be in her best interest at that time. I did not offer an explanation for denying the request because I expected her to trust me and accept my decision as best for her. Most of the time, she did, but it certainly didn’t stop her from asking again at a later date!

That’s how it should be with us when it comes to God. We are His children, His creation. We need to trust Him in all things. We need to have faith, not only that He can answer prayer, but that He does. However, we must remember that God responds in the way that is right and best for us. Our faith in Him is what gets us the answers we seek; our trust in Him keeps our faith strong when He doesn’t answer in the exact way we want.

We must remember that God is good all the time; He doesn’t make mistakes, and that includes how He answers prayer. Because of this, we can come to Him humbly in prayer and ask Him to intervene in anything, trusting His answer to be the very best for us and those for whom we pray.

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17