Let Faith Remain Strong

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – (James 1:12, NIV)

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. – (James 1:12, MSG)

If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! – (James 1:12, TPT)

Life is full of trials, challenges and difficulties. We can either persevere and place our faith in Christ, or we can fold under the weight the world wields our way. God is faithful as we trust in Him. Our experiences during the struggles help our hearts recognize the beautiful blessings that He has for us as we remain in Him. Not only do we have hope for eternity, but we have hope for the here and now. No matter what lies before us, Christ has promised to be with us, if only we choose to let Him in. Some of my greatest blessings have come after struggling and trusting God through my darkest days. I would not recognize the true joys I have been given, if it were not for the times where He walked beside me in the difficult and painful. We are blessed as we persevere. May we ever seek the Lord in faith, trusting that He is who He says He is, and will do what He promises He will do. 

Blessed are the ones,

Who choose persevere;

Through trials they face,

Trusting God is near.

Ever He’s present,

To give strength and peace;

We must keep trusting,

For He holds the keys.

Keys to our freedom,

The doors to all grace;

Life in abundance,

As we seek His face.

Allow His love in,

No matter what comes;

His promises stand,

‘Til our time is done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are blessed as we persevere through trials trusting in You. Thank You that You are faithful to Your promises, for You grant us help and hope every day that we draw breath. Forgive us for the times that we have lost sight of the truth of who You are and how You love. Teach us to turn in trust to You through all times. Show us how to love, support and encourage all those around us, in the same way that You do for us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You through the trials and praise You for Your presence and blessings that lie before us each new day. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13

Empowered Plans

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. – (Proverbs 16:9, NLT)

We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. – (Proverbs 16:9, MSG)

 

When we are living life in pursuit of the Lord, it is indeed good to press in and keep moving forward towards that in which we feel we are being called. Though there is rarely a “yellow-brick road” to show us the way, the Lord opens and closes doors to help determine our steps as we choose to continue to walk in pursuit of all that He has for us. He strengthens, equips and provides what is needed as it is needed, so that we can continue in the direction to which we are called. May we pursue the plans that the Lord has placed in our hearts, and trust Him to provide what we need to live them out.

 

With hearts open wide,

May we seek pursue;

The plans that we hold,

As God sees us through.

For plans are just plans,

Without the Lord’s touch;

In Him there’s power,

To accomplish much.

Whatever He asks,

Is what can be done;

Through His tender grace,

The Most Holy One.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we set our hearts on You, You direct our steps. Thank You that You place plans in our hearts, then equip and empower us to carry them out. Forgive us for being fearful when direction is unclear in our own eyes, and teach us to trust You more. Show us how to let You lead us and guide us in all things at all times so that we would walk in the way You call us to live. Help us to love others in such a way, that they turn to trust in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we make plans in pursuit of You, but allow You to direct our steps. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? – Psalm 71:19