This adventure we call life is beautiful. The Lord intends on teaching His children in all the adventures we face. What a blessings these lessons can hold for our lives.
1. God knows His children, and He is interested in the small details.
Matthew 10:29-31 “ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
I went to purchase my Chacos for the WR this week. I reminded my mom to remind me that being “matchy matchy” was not a priority. However, after purchasing my chacos and one piece bathing suit…the Lord provided the small details for me anyway. My shoes are blue and yellow and so is my one piece (which was only $9.99 with tax, huge blessing)! As I reflected on His blessings, I thought, I am foolish for thinking He doesn’t want to bless His children (even in the silly details).
2. He is faithful even when we pray flippantly or without true belief He will answer.
Psalm 26:3 “For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.”
Ephesians 3:20 “ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”
I have prayed some prayers over the past week that I wanted to see results from, but in my heart, I didn’t think would come to pass. However, He is faithful to provide. I was blessed to have His faithfulness wash over me throughout the weekend through fellowship with friends and quiet time studying His Word. On Sunday as I walked into church, I overheard the band practicing a song “You Revive Me.” This was a specific prayer I had been asking…and as I heard the band practicing, I remember just praising the Lord for hearing the prayers of His children and wanting to give more abundantly that I can imagine. Then during the worship service as I sang this song, I remember physically feeling His Spirit wash over me. I felt as if His breath was breathing life back into me. What a neat experience!
3. Trials will come (they are inevitable), but how will I react?
1 Peter 5:8-10 “ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
On Sunday we continued our study of 1 Peter…and even though our pastor didn’t touch on these verses in particular, they stuck out to me. As I have faced trials and temptations from Satan, I was encouraged by this reminder. Knowing that the Lord will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish me as long as I rely on His strength and promises to endure through the trial–His work is for the better, but it can take time and I might endure suffering to get to that place. I can overcome doubts, fears, and temptations because He is already victorious.
4. Fellowship with other believers is essential for the renewal process–am I choosing to be intentional with my time in fellowship?
Acts 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
This ties back into my prayer for the week as well. I was asking the Lord to provide opportunities to fellowship with other believers to help spur me on and that I would use the time wisely to build up the kingdom (not just ‘have fun’ hanging out). The Lord was quick to answer my prayer with this too. On Saturday night, I spent the night sharing life with a friend—sharing struggles, encouraging each other, praising the Lord for the work He is doing in both of our lives. It was a meaningful time for me to connect with her as my sister in the faith but also to evaluate and reflect on the work the Lord is doing around me and through me.
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I am very thankful for the teachings of the Lord…I love watching the adventure He has put in my path unfold. I celebrate the work of our faithful Lord. I praise Him for being steadfast and loving. I worship Him for giving me a new day to work through life’s adventures that change and mold my heart to reflect my Savior.
Psalm 100
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
