Tag: submit

Fighting Discouragement

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Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:11

I fight discouragement.

Do you?

Same lies in my head.

Unanswered prayers.

Unchanged people.

Who are we to question Almighty God?

We are but a breath in all of God’s created beings.

God’s ways are higher than ours.

Then mine. Then yours.

He is above it all.

Even unanswered prayers.

Even unchanged people.

Even the lies still swirling in your head.

Our job is to submit ourselves to Him, asking Him to make us new.

Then pray for what God lays on our hearts.

After we pray, we are to give it all to God.

The unanswered prayers.

The unchanged people.

The lies in your head.

Now we sit and trust.

Yes, we can pray, of course, we should.

But as you pray, resist the urge to scoop the burden back up.

God’s got it.

He’s got it and all the rest. Why?

Because He knows all things and loves your loved ones even more than you, you must trust Him.

And He loves you more than you know, too.

Those lies in your head?

Give them to God.

Remember Whose you are.

Fully and completely loved.

Repeat scripture aloud, retraining your brain.

Your prayers are not unanswered.

They are answered in God’s timing.

In the mean time, pray, believe, and trust.

God’s got the rest.

Photos by Steve Gribble on Unsplash

Calling You

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But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

God is constantly calling on you.

He’s calling you higher, to live more honorably within His strength.

Or He’s calling you to come home.

To lay it all down.

To finally submit, allowing Him to direct your steps.

When He calls, what do you do?

What is your reaction to Him?

Scrooge, from Dicken’s Christmas Carol, was called multiple times before he finally changed.

The story begins with his nephew calling on him to celebrate Christmas.

Then two gentlemen ask for a donation to charity.

Some carolers sing to him through the door.

Marley, his dead partner for seven years that very night, appears and Scrooge still refuses change.

Scrooge keeps walking through that night, witnessing the past and future, only begging for a chance when he sees his lonely grave.

While our moments are not as bizarre as what Scrooge experienced, God still calls us.

Do you notice?

What did you do when that thought popped into your head, asking you to act on something?

Or when that person came into view, did you talk with them?

Did you answer the phone when they called you?

When the sermon appeared on your social feed, did you watch it?

When the prayer meeting calendar invite reminded you, did you ignore it or attend?

God’s ways are higher than ours and He is constantly calling us higher.

Up from our sinful selves, or continuing up if we are already His.

When He calls, will you answer?

Photos by Adria Berrocal Forcada, Ambitious Studio* | Rick Barrett, Dawn McDonald , & Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

Dwelling Forever with God

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Psalm 27:4

There is only one thing that truly matters.

Only one thing.

To dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

My days here on earth and forever in heaven with Him.

On earth, the Lord resides within your heart, attending your every moment.

Dwelling with Him means you actively pursue what He wants for you, not your own selfish desires.

It’s incredibly hard to maintain. On your own strength.

But that’s the point. You can with God working through you.

You can and you will if you submit yourself to Him, each and every day, dwelling with Him.

Forever dwelling with the Lord equals forever in heaven with Him.

Can you even imagine forever separation from God?

There’s nothing worse. Absolutely nothing.

The only thing that truly matters is to live forever with God.

Living within that perspective shifts our daily issues, choices and living to focus instead on God.

Seeking after God puts life into perspective.

You shine, knowing there’s a bigger purpose for your ways.

You smile, knowing God sees you and will guide your every step.

Remember your purpose, allowing not the cares of this world to stifle your precious joy in Him.

Photos by IONUT NEDELEA, Annie Spratt, Anita Austvika, & S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash

Eternity

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Jesus. He is all that you need.

He is everything.

He is the beginning and the ending, encompassing everything in between.

You will only win when you submit everything to Him. Jesus.

God created us. In His image, He created us.

Yet we sinned.

We messed up.

Remember Adam and Eve? It could have been us.

We would’ve been tempted just the same.

God created us for relationship.

Adam and Eve walked with God every day. Literally talking with Him.

Can you imagine literally having an audible conversation with God Almighty?

I would so love that.

But God saw how we messed everything up, allowing sin to enter our very selves.

God’s creation was suddenly separated forever from Himself, the very One who created us.

Yet, because of His great love, He sent His only son to die in place of us.

We must pay for our sins. And Jesus covers that for us.

Have you embraced your sinful nature?

Recognized your need for the Savior?

To spend eternity with God, you must acknowledge Jesus.

You can certainly live within yourself, denying God, Jesus, and your need for redemption.

Completely within your right.

But you will regret it.

When your earthly body fails you, you will meet your Maker.

And if you haven’t declared your need for a Savior, it will be too late.

You’ll forever live separated from life, health, and God Himself.

Turn to Him while you still can.

At the very least, consider the consequences if you are wrong.

What then?

Trust in Him.

Now.

He will NEVER fail you. Not ever.

You have everything to lose.

Everything.

But it’s your choice. Completely.

Photos by Davide Cantelli, Chris Flexen, Rod Long, & Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

Constant Decisions

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Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

When you choose to place God in control of your life, He covers you.

His power, love, and grace flow into you when you submit.

Only when you choose to submit, because it’s a choice.

Doesn’t say we only have to submit once, but implies instead a constant decision.

Going on, we must resist the devil.

Once we choose to do that, the devil goes away.

He flees. Why?

Because you decided to resist him.

Fully resisting the devil’s crafty lies and selfish whims happens only when first you submit yourself to God.

Having chosen to submit to God, God’s power helps you resist the devil.

Make no mistake: your choice is still involved.

Even as a saved by grace singing hallelujah Christian, you can still fall into the devil’s traps.

Easily.

The choice is yours.

But when you choose to submit first to God, it’s easier to resist the devil.

Why?

Because you want what God wants for you.

And news flash, it’s not the devil.

Shocking, I know.

Resisting the devil is a constant decision.

The verse doesn’t say you only resist him once, but again implies a continual action.

Seems simple, doesn’t it?

Yet we resist submitting. Instead we want control.

Purpose to submit yourself to God.

Purpose to resist the devil.

The devil will flee and you’ll be left with God by your side.

Today, if your soul’s heavenly selfie was taken, who would be walking by your side?

Photos by Ben White & Kyle Anderson on Unsplash

Slamming Open Doors

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

How often do you slam doors God has opened for you?

Often?

Never?

What does it look like when we slam a door opened by God?

Selfishness.

Pride.

All points back to us, wanting to be in control.

Thinking we know best.

Better than anyone else, including God.

A thought pops into your head to initiate a conversation with that one person.

You refuse the thought because it’s too hard.

Your dream job comes across your desk, but you deem it unavailable as you are past your prime.

Your family becomes distant while you are distracted by selfish gain, ignoring what you know you should do.

Marriage communication stalls as choices to spend time elsewhere grow with importance, because you know better.

But what if those were God’s whisper to you?

Why was prayer not the first point of action upon realizing the nudging of God?

Why decide apart from God without asking Him?

Doors are opened all the time by God.

As we choose how to spend our time, we either focus on our needs or what God wants for us.

Submitting to God with our whole self enables us to walk through doors God has opened for us.

Sometimes they don’t make sense.

But your spirit finds rest in the decision, knowing God is directing you.

Submitting requires humbleness.

Realizing you have zero wisdom apart from God Himself.

Doors can be big or small as each decision differs in size.

Dating the right person, choosing friends or jobs or homes all rank large on the door scale.

Choosing how to spend your time or deciding to talk with a stranger at the store are smaller doors.

Yet they all matter.

When you let God flow through your decisions, you’ll walk through His open doors, ignoring the doors He closes.

Humbly remember He is your everything.

Yet walk confidently as His beloved through the doors He opens.

Still unsure? Confirm those big doors with trusted loyal Christians. People who seek God on your behalf.

Again, requires humility to seek the wisdom of another.

Big or small, don’t ignore the hand of God. He regularly opens doors for you to further His kingdom.

Often we walk right past, distracting ourselves from His very plan for us.

Honor your commitments. Seek God’s will for your short life. And walk boldly into the future He has for you, through the doors He opens just for you.

Photos by Denny Müller, Beto Galetto, Jan Tinneberg, & Roberto Huczek on Unsplash

Valued

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

O Lord, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. you search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-4

Repeat after me.

I am loved.

I am safe.

I am valued.

Again.

I am loved.

I am safe.

I am valued.

Do you believe it?

You should.

God, who created you perfectly, loves you.

God, who stands as the ultimate protector of you, keeps you within His wings.

He protects you against the onslaught of the enemy, if you’ll allow Him to.

In order to allow God’s protection, you must trust Him.

You must ignore the lies, negating your value.

Your worth.

That you are loved.

God values you because He created you in His image.

He doesn’t make mistakes.

And His first mistake will not be and was not you.

You are loved.

You are safe.

You are valued.

Believe it and trust that God will order your steps according to His will, if you submit to Him.

He will bring others into your life for you to bless.

He will also bring others into your life to bless your socks off.

And He will perfect your ways as only He can.

Allow Him access to all of you.

Your thoughts.

Your desires.

Your choices.

As you submit to God, you will be filled with the peace of God which passes all understanding.

You will feel the love of God.

You will know you are safe.

And you will begin to see your value.

But only if you submit to God.

What are you possibly waiting for?

Self?

You will not, I promise, save yourself.

If you live for yourself, you will constantly be not only disappointed, but live in absolute misery.

Because life will disappoint.

Royally.

People will disappoint you to the point of rejection.

But God never will.

Choose God first.

Choose God first and you will forever live under His love, safety, and value.

There really is no choice.

Photos by Kate Hliznitsova, Catherine, Tyler Nix, & Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

Longing

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! Psalm 20:4

What is the longing of your heart?

The deep down longing?

To win the lottery?

To get married?

To make it through the day?

How bout to know God?

To know the living God, who made ALL things?

He wants to know you.

In fact, He already does.

Inside and out.

All those ugly things you don’t like to talk about?

He already knows.

All those deep dark fears, thinking you’re really not good enough?

He knows.

He sees your future fears.

He sees your past regrets.

He sees your broken heart.

He sees everything.

And you know what?

He still loves you.

Not only that, but He longs to have a relationship with you.

Jesus longs to fill your voids, canceling your debt upon your back.

Sometimes Christians keep their burdens.

We know we are saved, but we hold onto the things we regret.

We hold onto the things we wished were different.

Bitterness.

Anger.

Fear.

Unloving.

We hold onto it all.

But guess what?

God knows it all.

Every little thing.

And He still wants you fully as you are.

Come unto Him, lay down your everything, including that secret fear you’ve held for your entire life.

Might be scary, but it’s worth it.

Know why?

Because God, who knows the beginning from the end, will take your fear and hold it for you.

He will hold it.

When He holds it, it becomes love.

Your fear becomes perfect, because God is perfect.

He rights wrongs.

He cancels sin.

He creates beauty from ashes.

What are you waiting for?

Run to Him.

Submit, and give Him EVERYTHING.

In return, He will give you His peace.

His perfect peace.

There is nothing in this world that compares.

Nothing.

Photos by Vadym Lebedych on Unsplash

Toilet Paper

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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

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The spirit of fear is real.

And it is NOT from God.

Nor are the feelings of panic or anxiety.

They are also NOT from God.

Rushing to purchase extra toilet paper stems from fear.

Combing stores for even more supplies rises from fear when your pantry is already overflowing.

Submitting to anxiety while watching the news creates a response in your body that long term, will lower your immune system.

Science backs it up.

Fear is not good for you.

Fear binds you up.

Fear causes you to react irrationally.

It is the opposite of peace, which is ordained by God.

Instead of fear, God has given us power.

His power.

He has given us love.

His love.

And He has given us a sound mind.

His.

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When we refuse the thoughts of fear and embrace God’s words of truth,

When we submit to His love for ourselves and others,

And when we use His power to stay in peace,

Fear will melt away.

Anxiety will leave.

Our mind, body, soul, and spirit will be filled with Him.

Choose to focus on Him.

Choose to weight fear with wisdom.

You’ll be able to walk away from the toilet paper, the eggs, or the cleaning supplies at the store, leaving it for someone who really does need it.

Yes, we all like to be prepared, but let it rise from wisdom, not fear.

And in the end, trust in Him for all of it.

Even more toilet paper.

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Photos by Joseph Barrientos & Claire Mueller on Unsplash

Greatness

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We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done. Psalm 78:4

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Greatness does not lay in the office one holds.

Greatness does not exist in the way a person looks or what one possesses.

Greatness pours from character.

Excellent character.

Character that produces servant leadership, stirring the will to follow, bringing others alongside.

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Greatness does not exist apart from God.

Apart from God, we are not great.

Humans can do good things, yes, but on our own strength, our good things fall flat.

Flat as a pancake.

Greatness lies within all of us.

It’s there, waiting for God to call it forth.

Sometimes, God calls it out of us, asking us to walk on higher ground.

To walk above it all, carrying others alongside.

In order to be used by God,

In order to be called into greatness, we must submit ourselves to Himself.

Submit ourselves to His will for us.

Not think of ourselves first and foremost.

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Coming from DC last week, George Washington comes to mind.

His humble servant heart was called into greatness by God.

God used him to orchestrate our great country.

Think of the consequences if Washington had said no to God.

Had instead secured himself into the safety of Mt. Vernon.

What would our country be like today?

Would America even exist?

Submit yourself to God and see where He takes you.

Even if it’s influencing your immediate world, His greatness will be noticed.

The greatness God wants to call you into may or may not rise to the level of our founding fathers, Billy Graham, or Amy Carmichael.

But it just might.

Photos by AMY MECHAM on Unsplash

 

Not My Monkey

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments
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Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Not my monkey,

Not my circus.

Love that.

Means- it’s not my problem, said in an extremely funny way.

Whatever it is that threatens to pull me down….

Whatever it is that seeks to destroy my peace…

Whatever it is that begs to steal my joy…

It’s not my monkey, not my circus.

It’s not my issue, so I will not care.

I will choose to focus on God while I throw yet another issue at His feet.

The problems I think exist are not mine.

They are God’s.

My irritations I think plague me are not mine.

They are God’s.

They are God’s when I choose to fling them back to Him.

When I decide they are not my monkey, not my circus.

When I first discovered this phrase (thanks, mom!), I applied it only to things beyond my control.

Things that literally should not involve me, but genuinely bothered me.

After awhile, I began to realize this phrase covers really everything.

Everything that takes my peace.

Why?

Because God is in control.

I am not.

When we choose to rely on God and submit daily to Him, we rest in the knowledge that He alone holds our future in His hands.

And when He holds us and our future, we can stay in peace.

And peace evaporates when either a monkey or a circus intrude, wrecking havoc.

So, I began to repeat that phrase whenever I became irritated.

Irritated at whatever life threw me.

Because I trust God fully, He is in control.

And when He is in control, I am in peace.

This life is not my monkey, not my circus.

It’s God’s.

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Psalm 23:6

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

When I follow Your lead,

When I want nothing, because You provide all things,

Goodness and mercy will be with me every single day.

Your favor will be with me when I choose to have You on the throne of my heart.

When I move over and submit to Your ways, the mercy of God will stay with me all my days.

God’s mercy and favor in my life will follow me when I let the Lord, who is my Shepherd, lead me all the days of my life.

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And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Eternity with God.

When we put our trust in our Shepherd to lead us through life, He will lead us through it all: every hill AND valley.

But we never need to fear, because He provides all we need.

He prepares our souls for trials, walking with us through to the other side.

His protection extends to defending us in front of our enemies.

Forever dwelling with Him.

I want nothing less.

How about you?

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Submit

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Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

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For the love of God, stop.

Stop acting like you can control life.

Stop pretending you are actually in control.

God is.

He is the author of life.

He numbers our days.

Do you want your numbered days to be filled with worry?

Dread?

Mere panic at the thought of losing control?

Or do you want your numbered days to be filled with the transformational peace of God?

It’s your choice.

Daily, actually.

Yes, God gives us authority to make decisions.

To control our tiny corner of life.

But first, submit to God.

Ask Him how to order your day.

Talk to Him about your every step.

Then the peace of God will guide you.

Will you have trials?

Yes, but you’ll have joy in spite of it, knowing God is still in control.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He is the author and finisher of life.

And He loves you.

Completely.

Without reservation, He loves you.

Submit to God Almighty, who created you and the world in which you live.

Submit to God Almighty, who knew you needed a Savior and provided for you a way to eternal life.

Submit to God Almighty, who wants to lead and protect you, enveloping you in His perfect peace and love.

For the love of God, submit.

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Change the Picture

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Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Sometimes I ask myself what is God doing?

Why this or that?

We picture life a certain way.

Then our picture changes.

Why?

I remember we’re not supposed to know why yet.

We’re not supposed to know all the answers.

Yet.

We don’t hold the future.

But God does.

His mercy and grace are all around us when we trust Him to lead us through the steps of life.

He knows what to do next.

What lays beyond us on the horizon.

He will always provide the strength we need.

To do what He asks of us.

And He knows why.

Trust Him to take your hand.

He holds the compass and map.

Put on your walking shoes and sunscreen.

It’s a beautiful day for a walk.

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Photos by Gantas Vaičiulėnas & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Rewards of Faithfulness 

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Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

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Obedience.

Completely obeying what you know in your heart should be done.

Even if it sounds nuts.

If it goes against human logic.

Ever pray about something?

Yes, I know you have.

Your answer comes and shockingly, you don’t like it…

So you pray again, thinking you heard God’s answer incorrectly?

And He answers the same as before?

When this happens, listen to Him.

God really wants to share His plan for you if you’ll choose to listen.

We cannot possibly fathom all that He has for us.

If we choose to listen.

If we choose to obey.

Rewarding faithfulness.

That’s the outcome of our humble submission.

His ways are higher than ours.

Learned that again myself just last week.

Confirmation of His love.

That’s what obeying comes down to.

I pray this for many children everyday:

“May they hear Your voice, listen, & obey so they will know the TRUTH that will set them free.”

May this blessing fall upon you as well as you are faithful to God.

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Shalom

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The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

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Completeness.  Perfectly sound.  Intact.

God promises us His peace.

His perfect peace.

His shalom.

When the waters begin to sway your boat, He is there to speak peace over you.

In the stillness of the night, He’s there to cover you, keeping you safe.

How?

It’s a mystery to me, but it’s there.

If you ask for it.

Then after you ask, trust Him.

Trust that He’s got this.

He’s already put His plan into motion.

His perfect plan.

His plan might not look like your plan.

But as long as you seek His face and long to do His will, He’ll be faithful to show up.

To show up and lead the way.

In peace.

So, grab hold of God’s strong hand.

And seek His face.

Don’t ever let go.

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Our Focus

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Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Proverbs 4:25

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It’s not about me

or you.

Life.

Our lives are not to be lived for us.

Really?

Really.

Jesus is our focus.

Our lives should be lived for Him.

To realize His purpose.

To be used for His glory.

Sometimes life throws us a hard choice.

Our flesh screams no, but God’s spirit in us whispers yes.

We know.

Maybe if we remember why God put us here, we will listen to His voice first.

Because He is in every circumstance.

What does He want you to do?

And will you do it?

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Giving God Only Half

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He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

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Ok God.

You can have this area of my life and this one over here, but not that one.

My family needs You, but my job is fine.

I’m doing fabulous with my job – well, actually my 2 jobs, and I don’t want You to change absolutely anything about it.

So, I’ll keep a hold of my job because I want to stay in complete control.

You can choose the books I read, but I want to remain in charge of the tv shows I watch.

I know what I like and I don’t want to change any shows.

I deserve them, because I work hard!

I’ll let You alter my food and eating habits.

I really need You there.

I want to be healthy and in better shape, so I give You control of that area.

You want me to jog during my tv show?

Um, not going to happen.

I love that show.

Let’s see, You can direct my health, the dog, our home, my husband’s job, and our vacation plans.

I’m keeping my pride (really need that for work), selfishness (whose going to look out for me if I don’t), and distrust of everything I haven’t done myself.

Have You seen my dishwasher when I haven’t reloaded the thing?

So thank you for taking control of some things in my life.

I don’t have time to do it all myself, so thank you.

I’ll keep the other things for now as I am doing a pretty great job.

You sure knew what you were doing when you fashioned me!

So relieved we had this talk.

Pastor said we should surrender everything to you – said we’d be happier and more peaceful.

Don’t know how anyone could do that!

It’s too hard!

Not strong enough in my own strength, I suppose!

I love being in control.

Just using the gifts You gave me!

Looking forward to seeing You work things the way I want in the areas I gave You!

Faithful Companion

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Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

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 I lifted my tear stained eyes and looked upon my sweet Lord’s face.

Compassion dripped from His eyes as He scooped me into His arms.

My child, I love you.

I cover you this day with My peace.

May you lay every worry at My feet and allow Me to take it for you.

May you be filled with joy, knowing My sovereign power is flowing through your precious soul.

May you share this love with others, so all of My children can live with abundant life.  

I know the beginning from the end.

I will order your steps and you will not falter if you trust Me to lead you.

You may not always get your way, but your heart will remain in peace when you trust Me.

I have never failed you and I will not start now.

I long to be your constant companion.

There are so many amazing and profound things I want to share with you.

But you have to come to Me.

I am here, always ready and waiting for you.

I will never leave, because I love you with everything I have.

I created you.

And I never make mistakes.

Photos by Ave Calvar & Lina Trochez on Unsplash

 

Entertaining Doubt

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment
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Why do you doubt me?

Why do you doubt my love?

Why do you doubt my goodness?

Why do you doubt my plan for you, 

my personal love story written just for you?

Are you scared?

Lonely?

Trust me.

Completely.

Perfectly.

Wholly.

You must use My strength to do just that.

But I’m here ready to help.

Do not doubt me.

I am faithful to you right up through the very end of your story.

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Why do we entertain thoughts of doubt?

Because we don’t really believe God holds our life in His hands.

That He has our back.

Little moments of life stir up whispers of fear.

We listen to the whisper.

We think about the whisper.

Doubt creeps back in through our open door.

When we listen to the whispers, we unknowingly fling the door wide open, inviting doubt and fear to join us.

Sigh.

Make a list of your fears.

Now answer each one with God’s matchless truth, breaking the power of each fear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The LORD is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.  Exodus 15:2

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.                            Isaiah 41:10

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.   Isaiah 40:28-31

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next time doubt whispers in your ear, whip out the list and speak the written truth.

Immediately switch doubt into certainty.

Then go on your merry way thinking about something entirely different.

We mustn’t doubt God.

He’s been faithful to me in countless ways and He has been and will continue to be faithful to you.

No doubt in my mind.

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Up to Us

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29

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God is here.

He is here in my room at this very moment.

He knows my heart.

He knows my deepest wishes.

He sees every corner – the love for my husband and children…the fragile yet strong self-esteem…the hurt He will wipe away…sin I refuse to give up.

God is ever present – waiting for us to surrender ourselves so He can fill us up.

On our own, our hearts are complicated – disjointed with hurt and love.

When we daily choose to surrender ourselves to God, He comes into our heart and begins to clear away the debris.

But He needs to be invited.

Everyday.

He must be invited to do His work.

He’s always willing and ready.

We simply need to ask.

I know.

It takes time.

Healing, that is.

Why can’t He just sweep us clean with a super vacuum?

Because our hearts have learned things and we must learn new ways of dealing with life.

But the cool thing is this.

God will be faithful to heal every crack and remove every bit of debris if we daily surrender and allow Him to do what He wants.

Trust.

Complete gut wrenching trust.

That’s where God can do His greatest work in us.

When you think about the alternative, it’s relatively easy.

Rely completely on the One who holds every answer to every question known to man.

The Author of our life.

The Creator of all things.

Or…

We could simply rely on worldly wisdom, some of it well meaning.

But then we’re using our own strength and wisdom.

And we’re human and mortal.

We don’t know the future.

We don’t have the stamina or mental capacity to think of all the details in our lives.

I know I cannot possibly orchestrate my life and have peace and happiness.

But if I give it all to God, who does know ALL THINGS, I can rest knowing He’s got this.

He’s got my back.

Not only that, but He’s studied me and fills the details of my life with blessings.

He plans my future for good and surprises me with many daily ‘wows’.

And He’s waiting to do just the same for you.

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Peace or angst.

Clean heart or one full of debris.

Resting in God’s future plans or anxiously worrying about it.

I choose God.

How about you?

Photo by Sam Burriss on Unsplash

Turn Yourself In

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

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God is looking for you.

You’re a wanted soul.

Wanted for redemption.

For a relationship with the One true God.

Funny, though, because God knows just where to find you.

But He has always given us a choice.

To surrender or not.

So let me ask you this:

What are you waiting for?

What’s the hold up?

Fear?

Not being in control?

Would you, with your limited knowledge, rather be in charge?

Or God, who knows the beginning from the end?

But I like living for myself.

Ok, but your days are numbered and then what.

What about all of eternity which stretches far beyond your vision?

Oh, I’ll go to heaven, because I’m a good person.

Sorry, but you’re still full of sin.

And the only way to wipe the sin away is to trust Jesus to take away all your sins for you.

He will, because He loves you.

And He wants to be your friend.

There’s no strings attached.

Just ask.

But God saved you from more than yourself.

He wants you to make a real difference with others.

He wants you to have the peace of God in your life.

Maybe you’re a Christian, but your heart is still yours, wrapped up in what you want.

God wants all of you.

Only when you surrender your heart will God be able to step in.

When you put your total trust in Him, He carefully guides you with every single step.

It’s not always a smooth path, but He’s your constant companion.

And when He’s with you, you’ll have His peace which passes all understanding.

It guides your heart and mind.

So turn yourself in.

Trust.

And let God take over.

Saved From More

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Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22

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Saved, yes, for all of eternity.

From the punishment we richly deserve.

But I think there’s more.

The Hebrew word “saved” means to deliver.

To help.

To gain victory.

When we look unto God for our daily needs…

When we look to Him to free us from ourselves…

When we look to God to be our everything…

We are saved from fear.

We are saved from sin.

Every day.

Every time we look unto God.

We are saved moment by moment, each and every day.

Yes, thank you God, we are saved from an eternity separated from Our Creator.

But we are also saved from worry and fear, here and now.

But only if we look unto God.

Only if we clear away all else and place our trust in God.

For He is God and there is none else.

CHURCH ROOF AND CROSS

Photo by Nagesh Badu on Unsplash

 

Redeemer

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

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To regain.

Recover.

Exchange.

God is our Redeemer.

He exchanges our sinful selves for a pure soul worthy of heaven.

Nothing we can do on our own merit.

It’s through trusting in His saving grace.

He redeems our souls, but what about life here?

Does He redeem our situations?

Can He?

Is He able to pick up our mess and exchange it?

Does He make all things new in His timing?

Absolutely.

God is not only the Redeemer of our souls, but He is also the Redeemer of our lives here on earth.

He recovers lost years.

He helps us regain our strength.

Our trust.

He exchanges our brokenness for new life.

When tragedy strikes, He is more than willing to redeem our situation.

How?

By trusting Him.

By placing everything back into His precious lap.

By remembering His goodness and believing He has the very best for us.

Redeem.

To me, it means new life.

New breath.

New opportunities.

He has exchanged my sadness for joy.

Ask Him to do the same for you.

Photos by Maria Oswalt & Олександр К on Unsplash

Prayer

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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kneeling prayer of kid

May we press into Jesus

so that others see only Him

through our hands, our words, and our self.

May we focus so intently on Him

that we forget our selfish troubles

and our attitudes become pure.

May we remember why we are here on earth,

so friends can rest in their assurance of Him.

May we demonstrate His love and grace to others,

even when they don’t deserve it.

May we draw others to God through our very selves,

because our transformation has no explanation

other then God’s power giving us pure hearts.

And when we fail over and over,

may we press again into Jesus,

accepting His grace and forgiveness,

as we once again determine to be like Him.

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Temptations

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All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. Psalm 38:9

What are yours?

Your temptations?

Believing the worst about someone because of your own personal wounds?

Sneaking off early or wasting time at work because you feel you deserve it?

Not correcting the clerk who hands you extra change?

Embracing self-pity if you feel wronged, even if that was not the intention?

Succumbing to fear of the future when you are uncertain of life?

Satan tempts us according to our weaknesses and personality.

However,

When we belong to Jesus, His power in us keeps us from falling into temptation.

But ONLY when we decide.

That’s worth saying again:

God’s power in us keeps us from acting upon our temptation ONLY when we decide not to succumb.

 Satan’s goal is to remove our connection to God through temptation.

When we loose our connection to God, we are of no value to God.

God’s light in us becomes covered by sin.

And He cannot bring others to Himself through us.

Think back to a recent time when you were tempted to let your mood slide into the toilet.

When you succumbed, were you of value to God?

If you lashed out as a result, the opposite is true.

Ouch.

If Satan helps you to become of zero value to God, then what does it matter if you are God’s child?

Yes, your eventual heavenly reward, but I’m talking about our mission here and now.

Your every day life.

Your interactions with family, friends, and the great big world.

Recognize your weaknesses.

Look for Satan’s temptations to slam you to the ground.

And next time, instead of agreeing with the Tempter, declare “but NONE one of these things affect me”. (see post)

Stand instead with God, keeping His power simmering within you,

showing the world His great love.

Photos by Laura Baker & Ricardo Cruz on Unsplash

Witness God

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe y ou would see the glory of God?” John 11:40

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When faced with complaining, you have an opportunity to witness God’s power.

We cannot behave properly without God, so we must allow Him to work through us.

Disgruntled situations provide freedom to let God move.

But only if we choose to respond with life.

Most of us choose darkness or crabbiness when life smacks us in the face.

When that response feeds our flesh, poison is spread and God’s peace slips away.

What if we responded with love,

with grace,

with the wisdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit within us?

What if every moment of disappointment was covered with desiring God’s purpose,

His love,

with His grace and mercy?

What if we looked at every distressing situation with the opportunity to experience God’s sovereign help?

To experience God’s power changing us from the inside out?

We have the option to let God work through us.

Each time He does, we are covered with a layer of His mercy and love.

When we choose to bend our ear to His wisdom, He responds with heaps of Himself.

I know it’s not fun to witness disappointment.

But instead of wallowing in self-pity, choose life.

Think about how you now have yet another opportunity to trust God.

To trust your precious Savior who wants what is best for you.

And when you trust Him, He fills you again with His perfect peace.

So the next time disappointment stares you in the face, think instead, “Oh sweet relief!  Here comes more of God to blanket my soul.”

Then choose to depend on Him to keep your attitude holy.

Photos by Євгенія Височина & Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

 

What Moves You?

Published on by amylinnea7 Comments

My dear mother shared this verse with me today:

“But none of these things move me….” Acts 20:24

Paul goes on to explain his pristine focus on the mission God had entrusted to him.

Earthly things didn’t move him.

Including death.

How about you?

What moves you?

Or should I rephrase this:  what shouldn’t move you that does?

Moods

Disappointment

Unfairness

Jealousy?

I’m so guilty.

Situations can move us in an instant towards ugliness, selfishness, or (gasp) distrust in Almighty God’s plan for our lives.

“But none of these things move me….” Acts 20:24

Plaster this verse somewhere to retrain your brain.

Try replacing the word “things” with a more personal noun:

None of the children’s moods move me.

None of the sales calls annoy me.

None of the traffic moves me.

(Literally, I’m not moving.)

None of my mindless chores move me to irritation.

None of my unanswered prayers will move me away from God.

Notice the key word repeated in each phrase?

None.

That means ZERO percent of it affects you.

NONE of it dares to move you from living in peace to living with fear or worry.

Wow.

Why is it even possible for none of these worldly things to move us?

Because we’ve already won.

Jesus is victorious.

The power that raised Him from the dead lives in me.

And you.

I’m going to wave my arm like a princess, declaring “But none of these things move me”.

Join me and keep your peace.

Photos by Church of the King, Ales Maze, Esther Ann, Ben White, & Alex Perez on Unsplash

Peace or Panic

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Choose you this day whom you will serve.  Joshua 24:15

Who is your master?

Who are you serving?

God?

The flesh?

Christians are quick to say God, of course.

We do lots of business in God’s name.

And most of it is good.

But – who runs your mind?

Are your thoughts more anxious than peaceful?

Are your actions more unpredictable than steady?

Are your moods all over the place or calm?

We are trained.

It’s how we think or respond to the moments of life.

Is peace our automatic reaction?

Or is it panic?

Choose to serve God.

Choose you this day whom you will serve.

Take every thought and cleanse it with God’s truth.

Every single one.

Retrain your brain.

Serve Him not only in your actions, but also with your thoughts.

Will you choose Him?

Photos by Priscilla Du Preez, Mark Olsen, & Thomas Dewey on Unsplash

Right Where You Are

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also. Psalm 95:4

He has you where He wants you.

Jesus.

He places us in spots where He can use us.

Do you ever wonder why He chose this spot?

I do.

Sometimes things don’t make sense.

Logically.

But that’s not our job.

To make sense of it all.

That responsibility rests on God’s shoulders.

Our job is to trust Him.

Trust that He knows what He’s doing and will cover us with His feathers (Ps 91).

His protection. His grace.

I’ve had quite the journey lately.

My favorite teaching place never materialized.

My first teaching job nicely pushed me out the door.

My “dream” teaching job evaporated.

My first long-term sub job was a mistake.

My next job offer I refused as I knew it wasn’t God’s plan.

But the very next day, God flung wide the door.

It is so right.

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My job doesn’t make any logical sense.

Why?

Because I jumped multiple grade levels.

I’m implementing a new program with a new subject.

And was hired less then a week before school starts.

But I know God’s here.

I’m right where He wants me.

And I know I’ll do an amazing job – ONLY because He will guide me every step of the way.

I don’t have my teacher safety net filling me with lessons from years past.

Everything about this job is foreign.

(might launch into a kindergarten calendar poem with 13 year olds)

The absolutely only thing I can do is rely on Him.

It’s comforting.

Peaceful.

Step out of your comfort zone.

See where God takes you.

And yes, my first day was fabulous.  🙂

Photos by Nadine Shaabana, Priscilla Du Preez, & Anton Sukhinov on Unsplash

Your Precious Little Heart

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1

I find this funny.

Funny like haha, yea, right.

Oh wait – is God serious?

How can I possibly ignore life’s troubles?

Well, God didn’t say ignore life’s troubles…

Just don’t let my heart become overwhelmed with them.

Oh.

How in the world can I do this?

I’m still searching for a job.

My child’s faith is lost.

Sometimes my heart still mourns the child in heaven.

My……… (insert anything you could possibly worry and fret over).

Now take a breath and listen.

~~~~~

God knows.

He really does.

He knows and He is above all of it.

He will lead you down the right path.

He will pour wisdom over your brain and quiet your soul.

He will fill every corner of your body with peace.

But you have to decide something.

To let not your heart be troubled.

Trust God will take care of it and you.

Trust, and God will be faithful to fill your mind with His perfect peace.

Ready?

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Photos by freestocks & Joice Kelly on Unsplash

Obvious

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1

It should be obvious I am Your child, Lord.

That I spend time with You.

Sweet Jesus, please give me Your eyes.

I want to see things through Your lens.

Your filter.

I want to see things as they really are.

Not as I imagine them to be.

Help me see Your ways working.

Silence the things I imagine as they are not of You.

Allow me to see only what You want me to see.

And Lord, please give me Your ears.

Help me to hear Your thoughts.

Only.

Your ways.

Your ideas.

Your truth.

Only.

Filter out the noise demanding my focus.

Silence the thoughts in my head that question actions and words of others.

Let me hear the pure sound of their love and Yours.

And let them hear mine.

Let me be Your hands and feet.

I want to bless others as You have blessed me.

Put Your hand over my mouth when I’m tempted to speak ill.

Give me words to speak when You have something to say.

Close my ears to lies and open my ears to the truth.

Cleanse me from the inside out.

I have absolutely nothing without You.

But with You, I have everything.

Photos by Wim van ‘t Einde, Natalie Thornley, & Kevin Young on Unsplash

Seeing God

Published on by amylinnea11 Comments

You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me cup again. Psalm 71:20

Ever see God work?

Witness His marvelous plan unfold?

Take a breath and look around.

He’s working in your children’s hearts.

He’s organizing your thoughts.

He’s ordering your steps.

He’s revealing nuggets of wisdom just when you need them.

He’s providing a way through life.

He’s solving your mini issues which can overwhelm any person.

Your precious life is in His hands and He’s actively showing you the way.

You knew He would.

Come through.

Deep down, you knew.

Yet you still allow stress to step into your mind, completely distracting you.

Did you catch that?

We allow stress to literally step inside our mind and take over.

Completely distracting.

Hmmmmm…….

Oswald Chambers is one of my favorite authors.

Been reading his devotional for years.

His words are steeped with truth:

Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything.  Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret. and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.

I want my family to be stamped with the presence of God.

Imagine if we all submitted to God and asked Him to work through us each and every day.

How blessed we and our families would be.

Not to mention everyone else God places in your path.

I’m in.

Are you?

Photos by Johannes Plenio, Ameen Fahmy, Riccardo Annandale, & Bernard Hermant on Unsplash

It Starts With You

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. Psalm 52:8

Everything.

How will you respond to what life throws at you?

When stress stares you in the face, how will you behave?

Panicky?

Unable to breathe?

Grumpy pants?

If that’s your response, your body will respond in fear.

You will lash out in anger.

At the very least, your mood will be in the toilet.

You will think everything is impossible.

Peace.

Calm within the storm.

You can choose to dwell on the promises of God or not.

If you do, God will be with you in the midst of the smallest infraction.

Or the giant storms, too.

And when He’s with you, He gives you unbelievable peace.

Life might be in a whirlwind, but you can stand without falling in the center, because God is there with you.

At the end of this week, my beloved and I are marrying.

So incredible.

God has blessed us with each other.

Along with these amazing weeks comes work.

Lots of work.

Packing and moving.

Combining and organizing our new home.

Wedding details.

Children and their sweet needs.

Start of school.

Putting together my classroom.

Normal family stuff like meals.

(how bout cereal for dinner?)

Brain space becomes extremely limited with the to do list.

Small tasks look enormous.

But God is in control.

He is fully able to cross every t and dot every i for me.

For us.

I just have to ask.

So do you.

Let Him take your worries, big or small.

He’ll take care of them as He walks beside you.

And focus on your blessings.

The incredible moments God brings to you as He fills your heart’s desire.

And joy will be your companion as you walk down the path of life God has for you.

Photos by Jakob Owens, Katie Moum, DESIGNECOLOGIST, & Greg Shield on Unsplash

Don’t You Dare Stumble!

Published on by amylinnea5 Comments

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. Psalm 54:4

Ever feel like you are trying too hard?

Like you are holding everyone and everything up by yourself?

It’s precarious.

One small bump and everything can come crashing down.

Falling into pieces.

One word.

Don’t.

Let God carry everything.

He holds the entire world in His hands.

He can hold your world too.

You can’t control circumstances.

Reactions are others to give.

Yes, you can do your best.

And you should.

But leave the results up to God.

Stand in His peace, knowing He has your back.

He’s got it.

He’s in your hands as you care for your children.

He’s in your words.

Actions.

And prayers.

I know, I’ve said this before.

Many times.

But we all need reminders, don’t we?

And here it is:

God’s got this.

He’s in charge, you are not.

So let Him carry whatever it is that is bothering your precious mind.

And just simply be.

Photos by Don Starkey, benjamin hershey, & Jose Francisco Morales on Unsplash

God Himself Will Restore You

Published on by amylinnea15 Comments

God Himself will restore you. 1Peter 5:10

Really?

God, who created all things, will personally restore me?  He cares that much about me?

Yes, and more than we could possibly know.

We are in His thoughts.  He knows the number of hairs on our head.

When our lives are turned upside down…..when we don’t know where to turn as life gets messy…..when a pressing issue rears it’s ugly head, God will reach down, scoop us up into His arms, and restore us.  

Make us whole. Return us to a state of regeneration.  Health.

God helps correct our mis-steps and will restore us if we are relying on Him.

If we act before we are certain we have heard from Him, when we are faithful still, He will give us the help we need to turn back.

What?

I thought if we daily submitted ourselves, we would not make any wrong turns.

I know, but we are human.  Not perfect, remember?

The key is to keep submitting yourself, your time, your life to God.  

Because when you mess up, and you will again and again, God will be faithful to always guide you back to His ways.

How will He do that?  Impossible to know.

It’s just a promise we can cling to.

 Will we look the same when he’s done?

Nope.

When God restores, He makes all things new. In other words, even better.

So, not only does God promise to Himself restore us, but He will make all things new.

When you are in the pit of despair, cling to that promise. It will be alright.  

God has your back. Not only that, but He will bring you back to life.

Abundant life.

Sounds great, so how does a person grab onto this promise?

Surrender.  Trust.

Bow before the Almighty God and ask Him to redeem you and lead you into life everlasting.

When you surrender your will to Him, placing your gut level trust into His hands, He will be faithful to restore you.

Incredible.

Photos by Aaron Burden, Francesco Gallarotti, & Ben White on Unsplash