EVEN IF

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,

for he who promised is faithful. -- Hebrews 10:23

Was feeling very heavy-hearted until I read this post on Facebook written by Victoria Wilguess, a young lady with an awesome testimony, who has been a great inspiration to me and many, many others. It made me want to make EVEN IF my theme for the coming year as well. 

In her words: A new year is coming!! My theme for this coming year is "even if." While we all hope and pray for the best year (it might be the best year!!), there will likely be things that don't go our way and things happen that are very hard.  . . . So for this next year, I'm surrendering to God and saying "even if." No matter what comes my way, I will praise You. ...if it is the best year, I will praise You! But even if it's a hard year, I will praise You too... God never changes. He is the same no matter what is going on in our lives. And He is so faithful.  . . . I KNOW with all my heart that God will be with me this year, in the great times, and the really hard times too. Even in the hard times, things will get better because He who promises is faithful! God is with us every moment on earth and in Heaven, everything will be made right and there will be no more suffering, loss, tears, pain, or sickness! . . . This is why I've always claimed Psalm 73:26 as my verse. It says, "My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Even if life gets hard, God is the strength of my heart forever!

Inspired by her words, I too am making a commitment to praise God, EVEN IF.

DON'T LET THE DEVIL WIN!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and

destroy; I have come that they may have

life, and have it to the full. 

(John 10:10, NIV)

In the midst of feeling very battle weary and ready to throw in the towel came two words of encouragement.  

The first one was a devotional written by my friend, Lara Love (click here to visit her website).  The title of it, DON'T LET THE DEVIL WIN! felt like a personal exhortation to keep on keeping on even, and especially, when I'm feeling battle weary.

The other was this great reminder that popped up in my Facebook memories.  

WHY DO I FEAR?

Do not fear, for I am with you; 

do not be afraid, for I am your 

God. I will strengthen you; I 

will surely help you; I will 

uphold you with My right 

hand of righteousness.

-- Isaiah 41:10, BSB

I know that fear is not of the Lord, I know that He is in control, I know that He loves me and I can trust Him, and I know He is right here with me, so why do I so often feel afraid?

This morning I started my quiet time writing a letter to God about my woes--I have not been feeling too terrific lately, which has at times been scary, and I've also been feeling overwhelmed by the mess of my life and my inability to get my head above water, and I feel so trapped by the results of my poor choices.

My answers came through my Bible reading of the book of Habakkuk, and one of my daily devotionals.

In the commentary to Habakkuk was a reminder to live by faith rather than by feelings no matter how dark things may be looking in the natural. "No place is too dark and no wall too thick for God's grace to penetrate in a powerful and life-affirming way" (Charles Swindoll).

My devotional reading was about not relying on your feelings and instincts when flying into a storm and the importance of letting your instruments guide you even when it feels wrong. 

In summary, when the storms of life threaten to confuse and disorient you, and you feel blinded by life's disappointments, DON'T trust your instincts or what your intellect or senses are telling you. Let God's Word be your guide. Trust Him to instruct you and lead you in the way you should go. -- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. -- Psalm 32:8, NIV

Later, I mustered up the strength to take some of my recyclables to the dumpster. I was going to drive, but felt prompted to walk over instead, and to take the more challenging way that is down the steps leading from the courtyard to the parking lot. As I did, I noticed some painted rocks on either side with colorful, encouraging slogans on them. The first one that caught my eye was the pink one at the top of  this post that says "You are as strong as this rock." 

I know in my own strength I am not, but it reminds me that I can do all things through Christ who is my solid rock and who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13, 2 Samuel 22:2).