It's so much easier

You know what I’ve noticed? 

It’s so much easier to have faith for others than to have it for yourself. It’s so much easier to tell someone to have faith in their situation but, why is it hard for us to have faith in ours? It’s so much easier to believe in provision, healing and restoration for others but we lack belief in the fact that He can do the same for us.  Why is that? It’s so much easier to declare miracles for other people; quoting scriptures and promises yet, why is it so difficult to hold tight to those same confessions when the tides turn?

 

God, help us to really trust in you and gain understand on what it is to truly have faith in You. It’s not a matter of I’m strong for others and weak for myself, I trust and believe that God is able for others and all of a sudden doubt begins to enter our minds when we’re going through our hardship. If we are going to preach to others, we must practice on ourselves first. This faith for others and doubt for ourselves is not going to cut it. The same God that made a way for “him” is the same that will make a way for you! The Bible says that God is the same yesterday, today and .. guess what? He will be the same tomorrow. So if He did it for “her”, get ready because He is going to do it with you too. The word says that He is no respecter of person; in other words, He does not play favorites. He loves us all the same and His desire is to bless us all; we determine the outcome.

God, help us understand that your plans are perfect and our steps are ordered and ordained by you and only You. Help us to step out in faith knowing that You will guide us safely to where we are supposed to be.  We may not know where we are going but we trust in that You are taking us in the path that You have destined for us to go through. Nothing slips your mind! You do not forget, you do not lose control; You are not too busy for us, everything that happens to you and I is because it is in God’s divine plan. Period, no questions asked.

God, help us TRUST you completely and wholeheartedly! You got this!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

What Can God Do With Difficult Circumstances?

As I was catching up on my devotionals this morning, I came across this particular one that blessed my life tremendously and I wanted to share it with you because I know it will be a blessing to you as well.

The title is: What Can God Do With Difficult Circumstances? By: Samantha Evilsizer

This question often leads us to two things, faith or doubt. We either believe and have faith that God can restore a difficult situation; or we give up and doubt that anything can be done. This devotional will enlighten and bring clarity to this question we often ask; What can God do with difficult circumstances?

 
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2 (ESV)

This past year, people I love have had to grapple with some very difficult things—home foreclosures, loss of businesses, empty cupboards, and dry gas tanks. Family and friends have endured marital affairs, children sentenced to jail, another year of unemployment, cars breaking down, churches falling apart.

In the midst of such hardships, it’s easy to doubt God can redeem the pain, recover what’s lost, heal all that’s broken. Can He truly fit the pieces of our suffering into a hopeful future?

If we rely on what our circumstances imply, we may believe the Lord isn’t able to make something good come from our hardships. Or that He won’t. But the truth is, God can and does change our circumstances.

Whether or not God alters our current situation, His power to give a future and hope never changes! We know this based on His Word that stays the same. That’s why it’s important to take action when difficulties weave doubt in to our faith in God’s authority. How do we do this?

For me, refocusing on the truth found in Job 42:1-2 makes a big difference, “Then Job answered the LORD and said: ‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”

Reading accounts of God’s faithfulness bolsters us up when all that is around us is crumbling down. When we focus on what God did for others, it reminds us He is able to work on our behalf as well. Take a look at God’s redeeming plans for some of His people throughout the Bible…

While Job’s family, home, crops and health were demolished, God was preparing to give him double of what was killed, stolen, lost and damaged. (Job 1 and 2; Job 42:10)

While Joseph was a slave and prisoner, God was planning for him to be second in command over Egypt. (Genesis 39:19-21 and 41:41)

When Ruth was a homeless, childless widow, God was creating a home in Boaz’s heart for her to be his wife. God also knew she’d one day be a mother and years later a great, great, great-grandmother to Jesus. (Ruth 1:4-5 and 4:13-17)

When David lay down in adultery, God was laying the groundwork for him to rise up and repent. (2 Samuel 2:4; Psalm 51)

When Peter lost faith and denied Christ, God knew Peter would be instrumental in growing the Christian church by proclaiming Christ to thousands. (Mark 14:66-72; Acts 2:38-41)

While Mary watched Jesus dying on the cross, God had full knowledge of Jesus being resurrected and seated on His heavenly throne! (John 19:25-30; Revelation 3:21)

No matter what the dire, dreary circumstances, God turned each into a hopeful future.

God can reverse, restore, revive, and renew. Be on the lookout for His plans that are already in motion right now, even in the midst of your difficult time. Trust Him. He can take any circumstance and use it for your good and His glory.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥