On the subject of encouragement, how much more inspiring could it be to know that the God of the Universe hears our requests and honors them? We must approach His throne of grace with confidence. Ephesians 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. In that confidence, we must know that if we ask for anything in accordance with his will, he hears us.
I personally find great comfort in knowing that He hears me and that He will provide whatever I ask if it is according to His will. I also, however, have to trust God enough to believe that when I do not get what I asked for, no matter how painful the result may be, that what I asked for was not His will. If it was not His will then I must also trust that He has a reason, a better plan "for He knows the plans He has for me, a plan to prosper me not to harm me, a plan to give me hope and a future." Jeremiah 29-11
Sometimes it is difficult to accept that His will is not the same as mine. When my mother died at the age of 52 or when my father died at the age of 63 after having watched each of them struggle as cancer ravaged their bodies. Or, as my mother-in-law died a slow and agonizing death from dehydration and starvation after colon cancer had destroyed her intestinal tract. Or, watching as my beloved Grandmother’s body dwindled and her mind deteriorated as she no longer knew her family from one moment to the next. All of these situations were heart wrenching and took every ounce of faith I had within me. What I held on to was faith and trust. I trusted that God in his infinite wisdom and omnipotent power understood more than my human mind could fathom. He knew what was best and not only had my interest at heart but also that of my loved one . It's hard to believe as you are in the midst of the situation. Instead I had to realize that somehow His purpose was fulfilled. Someone was being touched or the opportunity was extended for some soul to know Jesus, to share Jesus, that in some way the kingdom was growing and He was glorified!
As I look now to a family member who is faced with medical tests I have to look back and grab hold of that same trust. I will pray earnestly for a good report. I will pray that if indeed cancer or some other disease is involved that God will heal her divinely or through medicine! I am approaching Him with freedom and confidence and I know because I have faith through his son Jesus, He hears me and He will answer my prayers according to His will. Will it be difficult if His will does not match up with mine? Certainly. Will I continue to cry out to Him to save her? Absolutely! Do I believe with my whole heart that He can heal her if needed? Beyond a shadow of a doubt! I trust Him! No matter what the outcome or the journey ahead He will provide what we need for each step and He will be right there beside us as we travel. That encourages me and is my hope.
I pray you each have a wonderfully blessed day with the Lord today! Keep those eyes and ears of faith open for your opportunities to encourage others with even the simplest of things: a smile,a kind word, a hug, or even opening a door when needed. God is with you! He loves You!
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