Spiritual Encouragement

  
LIFE IS AN OBSTACLE COURSE
March 24, 2011

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 1: 1-3)

I have come to the conclusion that life is an obstacle course. The interesting thing about obstacle courses is that they are meant to be completed. They are not designed for failure – but for success. Challenging? Yes. Impossible? No.

Athletes train and practice. They learn to overcome each obstacle, each obstacle being different in some way. No doubt each that trains on an obstacle course reaches seemingly impossible challenges. And I am sure that they have a coach who encourages them, saying, “You can do this, you will learn how to conquer this.”

The more I look at the events in my life, I realize that each event has challenged me to grow and learn and overcome. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? God assures us that no, nothing is impossible with Him.

So, as new obstacles enter our lives – we can be assured that they are not placed in front of us in order to defeat us, but rather to challenge us to be stretched and learn.

Our coach? The creator of the course of our lives. He is the one who is cheering us on, knowing we will learn and grow and one day, complete the race in victory. It is He who grants us the ability to persevere and finally – reach the finish line.

The next time you encounter a seemingly impossible obstacle remember that no matter what it is, God is there cheering you on, encouraging you, and strengthening you so that you will face that challenge victoriously. We might temporarily falter, or feel we will fail, but God did not design us for failure. He designed us for success in the obstacle course we call life.

And at the end? A loving “Well done.”

Prayer: Father God, Thank you that at the seemingly impossible moments, at the horrendous hurdles we encounter, that you will always, always, always provide the way through as we cling to you in faith and grow in endurance. Amen.--Author Deni Weber, RestMinistries,com



What Has a Grip on Your Heart?
December 18, 2010
Think about the things that trouble you. Perhaps you’re dealing with financial need, relational stress, difficult circumstances, or lingering illness. What are we supposed to do with all the challenging situations we face? Jesus’ words can seem like a pat answer to our very real dilemma because saying, “Do not let your heart be troubled” doesn’t change our feelings.
However, a more accurate interpretation is, “Be troubled no longer.” Jesus isn’t saying that we are to deny our feelings and put on a happy face, but rather that we’re not to let anxiety conquer us. Yes, we will experience trials, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can endure struggles with the peace of Christ.
But how do we move from overwhelming distress to undisturbed tranquility? Begin
by focusing immediately on the Lord, not on the circumstance, trusting Him to help you through it. Read the Scriptures so you can understand His perspective on the problem and search out His promises. Then believe God and do whatever He says, because you can never have His peace without obedience. And lastly, present your troubles to the Lord in prayer, not just with requests for their removal, but with thanks for His strength to endure them.
The next time you feel a rush of fear or anxiety, remember Jesus’ remedy: “Believe Me!” (vv. 1, 11). If you trust that He loves you and has a good purpose for allowing that difficulty in your life, you can thank Him no matter what you feel or what the outcome may be. Faith always ushers in His peace.


Is Hope Just a Word?
November 20, 2010
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.”
(Psalm 31:24)

How the usage of the word “hope” has changed. Now we say “I hope so” when it’s an uncertain thing. We just “hope” that maybe thing will turn out okay.

In Scripture (according to Strong’s Concordance), the Hebrew words for hope means the following.1. to wait, hope, expect
a. (Niphal) to wait
b. (Piel)
1. to wait, await, tarry
2. to wait for, hope for
c. (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for

I rarely say – “I am waiting for it to happen!” or “I expect that it will happen!” It’s usually more of a “maybe it will happen” kind of thing.

How differently the Scriptural meanings make me view the words “those who hope in the Lord.” God wants us to wait expectantly. While the answer may tarry – the answer will come – and it will be the perfect answer. It may not seem so at the time. That is where we need to be strong and let our heart take courage.

I often “think” more than I “feel” things. I can tell myself that something will happen – the words coming from my thoughts. How much different it is to have that confident hope in my heart.

We who deal with chronic conditions often feel we have no hope. We might be thinking the worst. The diagnosis is a dreaded one. We may feel we do not have the strength to go on. Chaos may seem like it is reigning in our lives.

Yet, there is a place to put our hope that will not fail us. Somehow, someway, God will prevail. It’s not a maybe. It’s a certainty, if our hope is in God. If we place it anywhere else, it is misplaced and turns into that dreaded, fearful “maybe. . . “

With God it is a certainty. Our hope in Him is not misplaced. We can count on it.
Can you hold this in your heart? I hope so.

About the Author:
Deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her multiple challenges (Ankylosing Spondylitis, Porphyria, Celiac Sprue, and Atrial Fibrillation to name a few) have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic health challenges. She can be reached at EncouragingWords@me.com. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement.