Category: Trusting God

Not enough time. I need help.

Have you ever said to yourself, “There is not enough time to do all this.”?  I have and it's normally followed up with a huge sigh of exasperation! Then the Holy Spirit reminds me of something I heard a few years ago, “God will always give you enough time for what He wants you to do.”

Press pause! Does that mean I am doing things that God doesn’t want me to do? Does that mean I am doing things differently from how He wants me to do them? Sounds like it is time to check in with God and find out.

Getting direction from God

Let's look at those questions again, firstly "Am I doing things that God doesn't want me to do?" Or it could be asked this way, "Am I going in the direction God has for me?" In Psalms, we read,

"The steps of the God-pursuing ones follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord, and God delights in every step they take to follow him." (Psalm 37:23 TPT).

So when we have those thoughts of "There is not enough time" perhaps it is a good idea to pause and check in with God on the direction we are taking. Oh! there is again, that "Be Still and know that I am God" attitude. Maybe a prayer like, "God, am I doing what you want me to do? Am I following the path you have for me? Please show me if I have gone off track and am doing things that are outside your will for my life."

Jesus is a wonderful example of only doing what His Father, God, our Heavenly Father, told him to do. In the Gospel of John we read that Jesus said,

"I do what my father tells me to do. I do that so that the people of this world can know that I love my father.” (John 14:31 PEV)

An aside: Jesus had complete clarity about why He was being obedient to His Father, "so that people of this world can know that I love my father."  The Passion Translation says it this way,

"I am doing exactly what the Father destined for me to accomplish, so that the world will discover how much I love my Father." (John 14:31 TPT)

So a question for us - "Do we have that level of clarity about the motives of our actions?"

Right direction, but not sure on the "how"

Perhaps the answer is "Yes," we have clarity on our motives. We are confident we're being obedient to God and going in the direction He is leading us. However, we are still feeling overwhelmed with all that has to be done, "There is not enough time to do all this!"

So then we need to look at the "how" and ask the question, "Am I doing things God's way?" We have the direction, but we need more of God's wisdom on how to take each step. In the book of Proverbs we read, 

"A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life]. But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them." (Proverbs 16:9 AMP).

We know there are often many ways to get to the end goal, but not all are efficient, and not all are the ways God wants it done.  We need to remind ourselves that God’s ways are higher,

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
(Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV)

God's ways are higher - always - not just sometimes. God knows the bigger picture.

God has the bigger picture

We don’t even know what will happen later today, or tomorrow, or next year. Receiving a ‘surprise’ medical report or receiving an unexpected promotion at work, reminds us of that.

James 4:13-15 tells us, “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 NIV)

And so it is with the plans we make, we might have some ideas on the outcomes, but we don’t know for sure. But God knows.

Ask God for wisdom

So getting back to the question, "Am I doing things God's way?" James also tells us we can ask for God's wisdom and He will give it to us, 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault; and it will be given to you." (James 1:5 NIV)

We need to ask God for His wisdom on the "how."

Recently my days have been very full, and I have been asking God each morning to order the tasks I have on the list. I knew my plan wouldn't be the best for me or my family, but I had confidence in God, that He has the bigger picture and He would fit it all together perfectly. And He has - leaving me very surprised at the end of the day with what had been achieved. Thank you God - your ways are astronomically higher than mine!

God's plan vs AI

Interestingly, last week I was talking to someone about the busy-ness of the week. During the conversation I asked her if the Holy Spirit brought me to her mind, could she please pray for me, that I would clearly hear from God on what tasks to do each day. She agreed and then told me about electronic calendars now using AI to order people’s schedules. 

I don’t know about you, but I would much prefer to trust God, the creator of Heaven and Earth, to order my day, rather than a man-made algorithm. As we read in James 4, God alone knows what the day will bring, and what tomorrow will bring, and how we need to prepare for it. 

Pride and casting our cares on Jesus

So why is it sometimes that we don't go to God to get His wisdom, but rather we press on, doing things our own way and often ending up in a pickle?

For me the answer is simple, Pride! I take pride in being independent, knowing the best course of action, not having to ask anyone for help. Yes, I know - plenty to repent of in that list! God has been helping me in these areas for the past 30 years, gently, and sometimes not so gently, showing me that I need to be totally dependent on Him.

When are feeling overwhelmed we always have the option of pausing, acknowledging God, yes, there it is again, "Be still and know that I am God." and asking for His help. We can give all of our cares to Him as it says in 1 Peter 4,

"Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 4:6-7 AMPC)

Humility is key

Humility is a key here, because it is us saying that we can't do this alone. We don't have what it takes. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Humility as, "freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble." (Merriam-Webster)

I recently read this about humility in one of John Maxwell's books,

"What is humility? My friend Rick Warren says, "Humility is not denying your strengths. Humility is being honest about your weaknesses. All of us are a bundle of both great strengths and great weaknesses and humility is being able to be honest about both." My belief is that humility is a choice every day to give credit to God for our blessings and to other people for our successes." (Good Leaders ask Great Questions, John Maxwell, page 33).

Humility gives us freedom. As we acknowledge that we need God's help, we take the pressure off ourselves. 

A matter of trust

We don't need to have all the answers anymore, rather we trust God and His wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-7 says,

"Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions, with all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don't think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion. and avoid everything that's wrong." (Proverbs 3:5-7 TPT).

So today, let's choose to trust that God has the perfect plan for our lives. Let's choose to trust that when we ask Him, He will give us the steps to follow His path.  And trust that He will always give us enough time to do what He wants us to do. 

Looking for more encouragement?

Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts and podcasts.

Is frustration taking over?

What's your 'go-to' when things aren't working out how you thought they would? Does frustration take over?

For me, being a planner and organiser by nature, frustration is definitely my 'go-to' when things aren't working out as I'd planned. 

The broken wrist

In early December I broke my wrist while renovating a room in our home. Standing on a kiddie step to sand a cornice, I stepped off awkwardly and fell. I screamed. My daughter came running and helped me get up off the floor. Immediately I started planning how I could continue the sanding. I attempted to pick up something with my left hand - but couldn't. My daughter looked at my left wrist and said, "Mum, you need to go to the hospital." I started crying, all these thoughts going through my head, the waiting at the hospital, the thought of not being able to drive and the implications on all the plans around Christmas. I could feel the frustration building.

Be Still moment

Then I took a moment to Be Still and to acknowledge God, as it says in Psalm 46:10. I asked Him what He wanted me to do in this situation, and I had a sense of a 'Slow down Wendy' message (Obviously!). 

Choose to yield

At that moment I could have continued with the negative thoughts about all I wouldn't be able to do due to this injury.  But over many years of having many unexpected medical situations in our family, I've learnt enough from God to know that when He speaks it is best to quickly yield, receive and embrace His words. The "just do it" and in this case it was "Slow down Wendy".  

Yielding quickly

Another key God has taught me to yielding quickly is thankfulness. Look for the things to be thankful for, as it says in Thessalonians 5:18,

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

In the situation with the broken wrist, I was thankful that I could get up and walk - I didn't injure any other part of my body. I was grateful that I was now going to get the rest I needed - I didn't have to ask anyone's permission to stop!

Now, the cast is off, the bone has healed, and I can drive again. There are movement and strengthening exercises to do but life is back to normal. But I am so grateful that for 6 weeks I had a slower-paced life.

Frustration brings limits

And I am so grateful for all the years that God has been teaching me how to yield and not let frustration overtake me. James 1:2-4 tells us that these trials we face have a purpose,

"My brethen, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4 NKJV

God matures us through our trials. But I must say, I find it really hard to "count it all joy" when I'm feeling frustrated. The frustration seems to take all my energy, so much so that it limits my ability to think and hear clearly. I can't hear clearly from God or other people who are trying to help me process the frustration. I need a circuit breaker to stop the moments of frustration turning into hours, days, months and years!

The Circuit breaker

With each trial I go through in life, complete with its frustration, something interesting happens - my understanding of God's trustworthiness grows. My ability to go to that place of "Okay, this is frustrating and annoying, but I am going to choose to trust that God has a plan and purpose here." has increased over the years and most times I can relatively quickly yield and go to the place of trusting God.  Of course, sometimes there is still that wrestle and it takes a bit longer - I am a work in progress - and thankfully God is patient and kind.

... is trust!

So my circuit breaker to being overwhelmed by frustration is - Trust! And not trusting in myself and my abilities, but trusting in God.

Proverbs 3:5-6, I'm sure you know it, says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path." (NKJV)

Trusting God with all your heart

For me, as I said, learning to trust God with all my heart is a journey. It didn't just happen like the flick of a switch when I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, at age 24.

No, it has been and still is a gradual process of letting go of my plans (difficult when a lot of my career was about project planning!); letting go of the trust I have in my wisdom and knowledge (ie I know best); letting go of being led by my feelings, and letting go of the expectations of myself. Basically, it is the process of dying to oneself, and as Jesus said to His disciples,

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23 NIV

Surrender to His Ways

The Passion Translation says it this way,

"If you truly desire to be my disciple, you must disown your life completely, embrace my 'cross' as your own, and surrender to my ways." Luke 9:23 TPT

Surrender. Letting go of my ways and following Jesus' ways. Trusting God.

The catalyst for me to learning how to let go has been the trials of life, those trials that James talks about. With each trial that Jesus helps me overcome I learn more about His character. I grow in my understanding of just how trustworthy He is.  And I learn more about my character and that my frustration at the circumstances I didn't like or want, is highlighting to me the areas where I need to trust God more.

Getting frustrated? Trust God

So next time you feel yourself getting frustrated at a situation or person, take a breath and tell yourself that this is the time to, "Trust in the LORD with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding; In all my ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct my path."

And perhaps if you haven't already, start writing in a journal about every time you make that choice to trust God and then record what the outcome is. It will become your book of personal testimonies to remind yourself that God is trustworthy.

We will rejoice

What are the first words you say to yourself when you wake up? Over the last few months, I have been purposefully saying to myself these words from a childhood Sunday School song (actually Psalm 118:24), "This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (NKJV).

It is a declaration to my soul. Me, telling myself that God is in control. He made this day (Psalm 118:24). He knows what is to come (Psalm 139:16). He will not leave me to do this day alone. (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Speaking faith 

Essentially I am speaking faith into my day.  Faith that no matter what happens, whether is it no drama (we don't actually have many of those days) or a little bit of drama, or some massive drama (we have had too many of those days!) - This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it!

I'm telling myself that I will choose to keep my eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)...

Be thankful

... and I will keep looking for things to be thankful for. In fact, in The Passion Translation, Psalm 118, where the scripture, "This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it" comes from, is titled, "Glorious Thanksgiving".  Its first few verses say,

"Keep on giving your thanks to God, for he is so good!
His constant, tender love lasts forever!
Let all his princely people sing,
His constant, tender love lasts forever!"
Psalm 118:1-2 The Passion Translation

Awake, my soul

As someone who often speaks to themselves, I always find it reassuring when I hear of someone else who speaks to themselves too. In Psalm 108 we hear King David speaking to his soul as he prays to God for help,

"My heart, O God, is quiet and confident, all because of you.
Now I can sing my song with passionate praises!
Awake, O my soul, with the music of his splendor.
Arise, my soul, and sing his praises!
I will awaken the dawn with my worship,
greeting the daybreak with my songs of light."
Psalm 108:1-2 The Passion Translation

Yes, here is King David at dawn, speaking to himself, telling his soul to sing praises to God.  King David is speaking faith as he asks God for His help in the battle,

"Save us and help us with your right hand, that those who you love may be delivered."
Psalm 108:6 NIV

An aside ... You may have heard Hillsong's beautiful worship song, Awake My Soul, which has some lyrics based on Psalm 108. 

Words Matter

We all know that the words we speak matter. We are often so careful with the words we speak to others. But for those of us who are often speaking to ourselves, we can easily forget to consider what we are saying to ourselves. Just as we need to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), we need to remember the truth of Proverbs 18:21,

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]." Proverbs 18:21 AMPC

This truth applies to the words we say to ourselves and others.

Joyce Meyer often speaks about the power of words and she says,

"We have heard the phrase, "You're going to have to eat your words," and Proverbs 18:21 confirms this truth. The words we speak have power to influence our lives. In fact, you may be eating your words right now, and that may be why you are not happy with your life. Your mouth may be getting you in trouble with yourself!"  (The Everyday Life Bible, P993).

What words will you wake up with tomorrow?

So I'll leave you (and me) with a little challenge ... what words will we wake up with tomorrow? Will it be the 'Ugh, I wonder what's going to go wrong today,' with a generally unenthusiastic tone? Or will it be a statement of faith, such as "This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it," combined with a thankful attitude that His grace is sufficient for us today.

Looking for more encouragement?

Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts and podcasts.

Being Content

In these interesting days, how are you going with ‘being content’ when things keep changing? Restrictions tighten and restrictions ease. We are unsure what tomorrow will look like.

Memories and grief surfacing

When the Coronavirus started impacting on Australia there was a few days where I struggled as grief surfaced from our daughter’s cancer journey. The continual hand santising was the trigger, a familiar practice during her 15 months of receiving chemotherapy.

And now when we are again on ‘high alert’ and restrictions are tightening, I am reminded of when we as a family were on ‘high alert’ or hypervigilant in relation to Victoria getting a high temperature (over 38 degrees) and having to go to hospital for at least three days. These emergency hospital visits happened many times and caused much anxiety and turmoil for each member of our family.

Warning: unashamed promo – if you want to read more about this part of our story, and God’s faithfulness throughout it, my book is available at wendyrobinson.com.au

What does it take to be content?

The current situation and memories of the past had me thinking about contentedness. How does one get to that state of contentedness regardless of what is going on in their lives or around them?

The Apostle Paul seemed to have found that place, as he explains to the Philippians…

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13 NKJV

There is so much to meditate on in this passage of scripture. Let’s not forget where Paul was when he wrote this letter – prison, with the exact location unknown. He himself was undergoing hardship, however he was still able to maintain his focus on Christ and on others.

Keep focussed on the goal

Paul was focussed on a goal, regardless of his circumstances. He explains this to Philippians earlier in his letter.

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

Remember, Paul is in prison when he wrote this letter. Plenty of restrictions and unknowns in his life at that time! But he keeps his focus on Christ and his mission.

John Maxwell says,

This letter proves that even while the apostle Paul sat in a foul Roman prison, he never lost his passion, his sense of mission, his sense of direction, or his command of the situation. While Paul remained an inmate of Rome, he couldn’t plant new churches as he felt called to do. Instead, he sat in chains, attached to a Praetorian guard, awaiting a trial that he thought could end his life (1:21). Yet even in the midst of all of this, he never abandoned his role of leadership. NKJV Maxwell Leadership Bible Page 1470)

Rejoice in the Lord

Not only is Paul focussed on the mission despite the apparent hindrances, he is encouraging others to maintain their joy.

Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 GW

A supernatural joy that only comes from knowing the Lord and trusting that He is in control. Remember the scripture, Nehemiah 8:10

The joy of the Lord will be your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

Why was Paul content?

So how is it that Paul could experience that joy and continue to exhort others, in the midst of this trial?

Perhaps it had something to do with his first meeting with Jesus, which we read about in Acts 9.

During those days, Saul, full of angry threats and rage, wanted to murder the disciples of the Lord Jesus. So he went to ask the high priest and requested a letter of authorization he could take to the Jewish leaders in Damascus, requesting their cooperation in finding and arresting any who were followers of the Way. Saul wanted to capture all of the believers he found, both men and women, and drag them as prisoners back to Jerusalem. So he obtained the authorization and left for Damascus.

Just outside the city, a brilliant light flashing from heaven suddenly exploded all around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a booming voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

The men accompanying Saul were stunned and speechless, for they heard a heavenly voice but could see no one.

Saul replied, “Who are you, Lord?”

“I am Jesus, the Victorious, the one you are persecuting. Now, get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you are to do.”

Saul stood to his feet, and even though his eyes were open he could see nothing—he was blind. So the men had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. For three days he didn’t eat or drink and couldn’t see a thing. Acts 9:1-9 TPT

Well Jesus certainly got Saul’s attention. One moment Saul was on a mission to persecute the followers of Jesus. Then suddenly he has an interaction with Jesus and finds himself completely blind and having to be led by the men with him. Saul was in a very vulnerable position, and yet that encounter with Jesus was so powerful, he did exactly what Jesus told him to do.

God the Mastermind

Around this same time Jesus was preparing the way for Saul, to become one of his ‘chosen vessels’. This preparation involved a disciple, Ananais. For completeness, and because it is a wonderful example of how God brings restoration, purpose (and perhaps contentment?) into our lives, we will read Acts 9:10-19.

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Acts 9:10-19 NKJV

Knowing Christ

We know from the Bible that Saul, now Paul, went on to spread the Gospel throughout the known world at that time, experiencing many hardships including prison and shipwreck, but always staying focussed on the goal.

Paul had met Jesus and experienced the power of forgiveness. He had been transformed by Jesus and knew His power and authority. Paul had been filled with the Holy Spirit and he knew what his mission was. These Christ centred experiences enabled Paul to be content, no matter what. He knew Jesus intimately and trusted Him completely.

I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:12-13 The Message

So how about us? Are we content?

Is our relationship with Jesus so intimate that we are content regardless of what is happening around us? This is a challenging question. And the answer probably involves a journey, some movement from where we are today, to a closer relationship with Jesus.

How to do we do that?

There are many ways, but perhaps the first step is talking to Jesus, asking Him to show you what your next step is. So why not ask Him now.

Drawing closer to God

Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts, podcasts and Youtube channel, Drawing Closer to God.

Don’t fear – Draw closer to God

Today is a fabulous day to draw closer to God. With so many unknowns in our world, how good is it to know that there is one constant, one that does not change – yesterday, today or tomorrow.

Jesus, the Anointed One, is always the same—yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 TPT

It can be so easy to let our thoughts be consumed by the news reports and let the Word of God take a back-seat. But now is the time to be more purposeful about spending time reading the Bible, ensuring that it is the first thing we read each morning – not the news feed.

Every day speak to God first

In fact, we need to have our focus right from the moment we wake up, an immediate conversation with God – perhaps even before you get out of bed. A short prayer of,

‘Thank you God for this day. Thank you that you are sovereign and you know what this day will bring.

Please help all the leaders in this world to seek Your wisdom. Please give them the courage to do what You ask them to do.

Please help me to trust You in everything.

Thank you for your peace and protection over those I love. Thank you that You have the victory, in Jesus Name.’

Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 TPT

If you have a yearning to improve your relationship with God, this is a great opportunity. Don’t waste it. Embrace it. Every time you feel fearful or anxious remind yourself that God is with you …

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV

And that God has not given you a spirit of fear …

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

The Passion Translation says …

For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 TPT

Draw closer to God through worship

Another way to daily draw closer to God is to make room in your day to have some time to worship God. Here are some worship songs that have helped me lift my eyes to Jesus when I have been struggling …

You’re Gonna Be Okay – Brian and Jenn Johnson

Be Still – Hillsong Worship

Who can compare – Christy Nockels

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) – Matt Redman

Eyes on Jesus grows our capacity to love

When we have our eyes on Jesus, and purposefully draw closer to Him we will find that through the love we receive from Him, we have greater capacity to help others in these challenging times.

Look at how much encouragement you’ve found in your relationship with the Anointed One! You are filled to overflowing with his comforting love. You have experienced a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and have felt his tender affection and mercy. Philippians 2:1 TPT

We will have a greater capacity to put others first – perhaps other family members or someone else in your world.

So I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity—with one heart, one passion, and united in one love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy.

Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. Philippians 2:2-4 TPT

So I really really really want to encourage you in these ‘unprecedented times’ (a phrase that I have seen often recently in all the cancellation emails!), times that are not a surprise to our God – that every moment we choose to draw closer to God rather than focus on our circumstances, will give us the strength and peace to finish this season well.

Four steps for drawing closer to God

I’ll finish up with a quick summary of some steps on how to draw closer to God:

  1. Have a conversation with God before you get out of bed. Remember to thank Him for something – your salvation is always a great place to start.
  2. Read your Bible before your news feed.
  3. Set aside time to pray and worship
  4. Seek out someone else you can help and encourage in these times.

How great is our God!There’s absolutely nothing his power cannot accomplish,and he has infinite understanding of everything. Psalm 147:5 TPT

For some more thoughts on the overcoming fear and having the courage to keep standing, please visit these posts …

Are you feeling fearful?
Courage to keep standing
In the Battle
Be strong and of good courage
Courage to do the little things

Are you feeling fearful?

Are you feeling fearful today? There is so much going on in this world that can cause us to experience fear. But what is it that we are afraid of? And what does God’s word say about those fears?

Are you fearful of ‘not having enough?’

With all the media reports about our economy, are you feeling fearful about not having enough?

God’s word says …

The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.
I always have more than enough. Psalm 23:1 TPT

And in Matthew 6:31-33

So then, forsake your worries! Why would you say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For that is what the unbelievers chase after. Doesn’t your heavenly Father already know the things your bodies require? So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Matthew 6:31-33 TPT

I know sometimes it can be really hard to believe the truth in this scripture, but I encourage you to meditate on it and ask God to give you faith to believe it.

Are you fearful of anxiety crippling you?

Are you feeling fearful, wondering if you are losing your grip on reality and that anxiety is taking over?

God’s word says …

He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.
His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.
That’s where he restores and revives my life.
He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure
and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness
so that I can bring honor to his name. Psalm 23:2-3 TPT

And remember Jesus left us with His peace …

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

Are you fearful of loneliness?

Are you fearful of being alone and having to face things by yourself?

God’s word says …

Lord, even when your path takes me through
the valley of deepest darkness,
fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. Psalm 23:4 TPT

God tells us He is always with us.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Are you feeling fearful of the enemy?

Are you feeling surrounded and powerless?

God’s word says …

You become my delicious feast
even when my enemies dare to fight.
You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit;
you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows.
Psalm 23:5 TPT

You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you. 2 Chronicles 2:17 NKJV

Here are four ways we can ‘position’ ourselves when we are feeling surrounded by the enemy:

  1. Meditating on God’s Word
  2. Worshipping God
  3. Having quiet time with God
  4. Being in the company of believers

Are you fearful about the future?

Are you feeling fearful about the future?

God’s word says …

So why would I fear the future?
For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life.
Then afterward, when my life is through,
I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!
Psalm 23:6 TPT

Our eternal destiny is heaven. Our God has the victory, and we are more than overcomers in Jesus Name.

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NKJV

So while it is important to be aware of what is happening in this world, let’s always remember to keep reading God’s word, meditating on it and declaring His promises.

No more fear in Jesus Name. AMEN!

For some more thoughts on the overcoming fear and having the courage to keep standing, please visit these posts …
Don’t fear – Draw closer to God
Courage to keep standing
In the Battle
Be strong and of good courage
Courage to do the little things


Let’s dream the impossible

What do you believe God is capable of? Maybe your answer is, “Everything, because in Luke 1:37, the angel Gabriel told Mary, ‘For nothing will be impossible with God.’ ” That’s a great answer. So let’s dream the impossible and write a list of all the things you would like the ‘God of the impossible‘ to change in your life or the lives of those you love.

What’s on your list?

What’s on your list?

Re-read it.

Is the list complete? Is there anything you have subconsciously put in the ‘That will never change’ basket, so you haven’t bothered to put it on the list?

Things like …

… the medical condition that doctors said would never improve or change?

… those areas of deep emotional pain that you don’t dare to think about?

This week I wrote a list with some of these ‘This will never change’ items, and it really challenged me.

Yes, I believe God is the ‘God of the impossible.’ I have witnessed Him change many circumstances in our lives over the years.

Have you become complacent?

But perhaps now, with some of the things on my list I have become complacent, even apathetic, with the thinking that it will be okay if that doesn’t change. And perhaps it will be okay. But is that how God wants us to live? in the okay?

I’m not so sure.

The apostle Paul tells us…

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

Content – is that content for the status quo?

Or is that content knowing that God is in control, He is at work in the unseen and that He has a plan?

Be content – God is in control

For me, I’m going with the second idea of contentment.

I remember the time in 2015 when we found out the tumour in Victoria’s brain had grown for the third time. We were devastated. During the following three months there were many tears, conversations with God, reading of His Word, declaring of His promises and building faith to once again believe His promises.

Declare God’s power

Around that time a friend sent me a message with Ephesians 3:16-21 …

May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].

May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,

That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];

[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience];

That you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] –

To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Ephesians 3:16-21 AMPC

The God of the impossible

I had never read this scripture before. When I read it for the first time, I was in a place of absolute desperation, not knowing what would happen to our child. It was one of those moments when I knew without a doubt that God was speaking to me through His word, reminding me of His power and that He was indeed the ‘God of the impossible.‘ That truth helped me to move back to a place of faith and that contentedness knowing that God was at work in the unseen.

And indeed He was at work. The next routine scan showed the tumour had stabilised without any human intervention. And whatsmore it has remained stable for four years.

Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen! Ephesians 3:21 TPT

So today let’s take each of the supposedly ‘unchangable’ items on our list and declare that we will …

Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Ephesians 3:20 TPT

Let’s dream the impossible, in JESUS Name.

For some more thoughts on putting your confidence in God please visit this post:
Keep asking
He is Able – Day 16 – Drawing Closer to God devotion

If you are looking for more encouragement today, check out my podcasts.

Are you having trouble standing strong in faith?

We all have times when we struggle to keep standing strong in faith. The times when we start to ask questions like, ‘God what are You doing?’ and ‘God, what do I need to do?’

Keep standing

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, says he is longing to visit and equip them to keep standing in faith.

I yearn to come and be face-to-face with you and get to know you. For I long to impart to you the gift of the Spirit that will empower you to stand strong in your faith. Romans 1:11 TPT

The Amplified Bible says it this way,

For I long to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift, to strengthen and establish you. Romans 1:11 AMP

The Message Bible says it this way,

The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! Romans 1:11 The Message

The gift of grace

Paul talks about the gift that will help the Romans to stand strong in their faith, and strengthen and establish them. What is this gift?

I found this explanation in the MacArthur Study Bible ….

Romans 1:11 Spiritual gift. The Greek word translated “gift” is charisma, which means “a gift of grace” – a spiritual enablement whose source is the Spirit of God. Romans use this same term to describe: 1) Christ Himself (5:15,16); 2) General blessings from God (11:29; 1 Timothy 6:17); and 3) specific spiritual gifts given to members of the body to minister to the whole (12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-31; 1 Pet 4.10,11). Paul probably intends to encompass all 3.

Going with the ‘encompass all 3’, let’s explore the concept of ‘the spiritual enablement whose source is the Spirit of God.‘

Recently in a radio interview about our journey with a child with cancer I was asked about “Finding meaning when things don’t go the way you had dreamed.”

“Finding meaning” could also be expressed as ‘How do you come to a place of standing strong and trusting in God when you are overwhelmed with disappointment and grief?”

Processing disappointment and grief

For me, the answer is about the processing of disappointment and grief. A processing, that to get the best outcome, must be facilitated by the Spirit of God.  In my experience that processing involves many aspects including:

Having authentic conversations with God, expressing my inner most thoughts, heartaches and fears, and then giving Him time to speak and minister to me.

Having authentic conversations with people God brought into my life, close friends, counsellors, support groups.

Gaining an understanding of the stages of grief, which helped to normalise the process for me. I can  highly recommend a short but very informative book, Good Grief – By Granger E. Westberg.

Regularly reading God’s Word, expecting that He would speak to me through it, helping me to understand that He did understand the pain I was in. The Psalms so often reflected all my emotions! When I was feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next, the declaring of this scripture brought peace.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Constantly surrendering my plans, my dreams for me and my family to God. For me, this mostly happened during times of worship, usually when I was in my car by myself.

Increasing the ‘closet’ time I spent with God by, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, getting up earlier to have that daily quiet time with Him. That was truly a spiritual enablement whose source is the Spirit of God. Getting up an hour earlier, having a more focused time of worship, prayer, listening and reading God’s word transformed my relationship with God.

So there are some of the key activities I did that enabled me to stand strong in my faith during challenging times. Easy!

But no, it is far from easy. Mainly because we have our own thoughts and ways of doing of things, and processing disappointment and grief with the spiritual enablement whose source is the Spirit of God, is all about doing it God’s way.

Continually surrendering all

It is a continual surrendering of all we know and letting God have control. It is repeatedly choosing to say “Jesus, you are Lord of my life, all of it!”

Every activity we undertake in this process must be accompanied by that desire to believe that God is good, He is faithful and that He has a plan. I say desire because sometimes the reality is we don’t believe that God is good, but we want to believe it. We need God’s help to get back to that place of belief. Remember the father’s prayer in Mark 9:24….

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” Mark 9:23-24 NKJV.

It is the spiritual enablement whose source is the Spirit of God, which really does enable us to process disappointment and grief well, bringing us back to that place where we can declare with certainty in our heart scriptures like Romans 8:37-39

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 NIV

Ask God for His help

So today, if you are having trouble standing strong in faith, I encourage you to make the time to sit quietly with God, tell Him how you really feel, ask Him for His help to enable you to believe that He is at work in the unseen, declare His word and then choose to worship Him in faith.

And we know that in all things God works for the good for those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

For some more thoughts on standing firm in Jesus Name please visit this post: Stand firm – Day 19 – Drawing Closer to God devotion.

If you are looking for more encouragement today, check out my podcasts.

Pray without ceasing

This morning I had no thoughts on what to write. My heart is heavy for the suffering this country is going through with the bushfires, and I have a great sense of helplessness. Last night I struggled to pray, ‘Please bring rain God.’ So my words shifted to ‘Please make it not be as bad today as predicted. Please give the firefighters strength. Please protect people.’

Perspective comes

Earlier this morning I was frustrated by a technical issue with my PC. And then I remembered the people who will be wondering if they will have a home by the end of the day. And the people who have chosen to stay and protect their homes. Perspective came.

Where to start?

But still the question is there, ‘What do I write about today?’ So I ask God, ‘Please tell me what to write about today.’ He simply responds, ‘Me.’

Start at the beginning ….

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 NKJV

The earth. Our temporary home. Heaven. Our eternal home.

Then God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27 NKJV

God forgive us for not taking care of all you have given us.

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV

When we are seemingly hemmed in, help us to trust that you have gone before us, you are with us and you will not leave us.

God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge!
You’re a proven help in times of trouble – more than enough and always available whenever I need you. Psalm 46:1 TPT

Sometimes your help comes in ways we don’t expect. You are always more than enough. Thank you.

For this how much God loved the world – he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life. John 3:16 TPT

Jesus Christ. Choose to believe in Him.

And since we now have a magnificent King-Priest to welcome us into God’s house, we come closer to God and approach him with an open heart, fully convinced by faith that nothing will keep us at a distance from him. Hebrews 10:21 TPT

We open our hearts to you God.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

We choose to trust that your ways are higher than ours and that you are at work in the unseen.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and eliminate death entirely. No one will mourn or weep any longer. The pain of wounds will no longer exist, for the old order has ceased. Revelation 21:4 TPT

We know the end-game. Eternity with You, our Heavenly Father. Thank you.

The Lord’s prayer

Let’s finish with the prayer Jesus suggested we pray, from The Passion Translation ….

Our Father, dwelling in heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the centre on which our lives turn.
Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven.
We acknowledge you as our Provider of all we need each day.
Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
Rescue us every time we face tribulation
and set us free from evil.
For you are the King who rules
with power and glory forever. Amen.
Matthew 6:9-13 TPT

Today is a good day to ‘pray without ceasing’ for this nation.

For some more thoughts on God as our source please visit this post:
God is our source – Day 18 – Drawing Closer to God devotion

If you are looking for more encouragement today, check out my podcasts.


Not by might

There is a scripture that the Holy Spirit often quickens to me when I am unsure what to do about a situation. It starts with ‘Not by might ….’ I have some thoughts about the action I want I take – but often those actions are rooted in my own hurt and strong desire to see change. They are not necessarily the actions God wants me to take. That scripture is …

And he answered and said to me, “This is the word of Yahweh to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by strength and not by power, but only by my Spirit,’ says Yahweh of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 LEB

Take a moment

A recent example. Without getting too specific this week I was concerned about a situation and what it would mean for 2020. I didn’t want a repeat of what had happened in 2019. I had a plan of action, but I wasn’t entirely comfortable with it. Notice all the I’s in those few sentences!

That feeling of uncomfortableness made me stop and take a moment to speak with God, “God, please help me, I’m not sure if I should do this.” And then this scripture came to mind, thank you Holy Spirit.

So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 NIV

Listen to God

“Not by might

Nor by power

But by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty

Yield and wait

My next words to God were something like this, “Okay God, by your Spirit. I will do nothing. I’m going to trust that if You want this conversation to happen, then you will orchestrate it.”

Within an hour I found myself with an opportunity to speak to the exact person, able to say what I wanted to say, knowing that I was being heard, and that 2020 would have a different outcome to 2019. Thank you Jesus.

God’s ways are higher

This was not the first time that God has used this Scripture to remind me that His ways are different to mine, and always much better! But it’s more than a reminder, every time it has been a call to action.

Actually it has been a series of actions that involve me:

  • surrendering my plans
  • examining my heart regarding my motives for wanting to take that action, repenting when necessary
  • waiting on the Lord to see what He was going to do
  • being ready for what God would ask me to do

In every instance of this happening God has worked in His mysterious ways, resolved the situation and brought about the change – all glory to Him.

Perhaps I need to add this scripture to my daily prayer …

“Thank you for this day Jesus. Thank you for loving me. Help me today to remember that it is not by might, not by power, but by Your Spirit, that all things will work together for good. …..”

We don’t have all the answers

In our world today we are surrounded by the narrative, “You can do it. You can make it happen. You are in control of your destiny.” I disagree with these statements, from the perspective that they are all relying on us – you and me to make it happen. We are imperfect and don’t have all the answers. The future is unknown. Furthermore we don’t know all the intricacies of people’s emotions and motives.

But God does. And when we surrender our life to Jesus, and change the narrative and acknowledge that He is the one that empowers us to do it; He is the one who makes it happen; and that Jesus is the one who offers us an eternal destiny, only then we will live a fulfilling life here on earth.

Only by His Spirit

A life where we are not forcing change, we are not living by our inadequate efforts alone, but instead day by day we are becoming more dependent on our Heavenly Father and His ways. We are growing the fruits of the Spirit and becoming the blessing to others that He has called us to be. Only by His Spirit.

Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Zechariah 4:6 NLT

For some more thoughts on living life God’s way please visit this post: God’s Armour – Day 21 – Drawing Closer to God

If you are looking for more encouragement today, check out my podcasts.

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