Realize I am not God
Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, that He has the power to help me recover.
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“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
In the first chapter, we admitted we were powerless. Now in the second chapter, we come to believe God exists, that we ARE important to Him and that we are capable to receive His power to help us to recover. All we have to do is believe and receive. In the second chapter we find the hope in Christ alone through His promises: “He will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” Isaiah 61:3
On Tuesday, Leslie talked with us about 3 amazing truths about God: That God exists; you matter to Him; and He has the power to help you. From the beginning of Creation, we have acknowledged that God exists—just take a look at the stars, the mountains, the oceans—all the magnificent artwork of a God who loves us enough to splash beauty all around us. Ok, so we believe He exists but do we really believe we matter to Him? Leslie did a beautiful job showing us through His word and David’s psalms that yes, we matter so much that God keeps track of all my sorrows. “He has collected all my tears in His bottle and has recorded each one in His book.”Psalm 56:8
Wednesday, Kim gave us a reality check on keeping plugged into God’s power. After all, do we really think we can run our TV’s, computers, game stations, ovens, microwaves, or coffee pots without power? How do we then expect God to answer our prayers and pleas for help without being plugged into Him? Knowing who He is and believing His promises: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2
On Thursday, Amy took us through praying for God to fill us with His love, let His power wash over us and heal our hurts, habits or hang ups. Then we began learning the importance of writing about what God is doing in your life through this study, so you can look back and are encouraged as you journey through the eight choices. Finally, sharing with each other along the way. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 We are to encourage one another through our walk. We will run into times when we do not want to deal with issues we are facing. However, through accountability and sharing throughout the study, others will encourage you to press on toward the finish. Receive what God has in store for you.
I want to encourage you with another promise from His word:
Verse 5 goes on to say “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. I will never leave you nor forsake you.” What amazing promises of hope we have studied and learned this week.
“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.”
— Joshua 1:3 —
Let’s Pray:
Most gracious and loving Father, we are so overwhelmed by the fact that we matter so much to You that You give us a crown of beauty. You record our tears and that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Father, as we begin to lay down our hurts and habits, and trust You will heal our hearts, please give us the courage to change what we know we can and let You change what we cannot. Give us wisdom and strength to finish this journey and endure while the miracles happen! We give all the glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!!
Your Assignment:
As you go into the weekend, I would challenge you to search who you really believe God is. What are some of His characteristics. Share your thoughts. Then how can your relationship with God help you face the areas you need to turn over to Him? Remember, comments made here are public. You do have the option of signing in anonymously.
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This was a pretty eye-opening chapter! I am excited to see what Chapter 3 has in store for us!
Yes, this book is an exciting book. So glad you have joined us!! I pray as you continue on this journey, that the Lord blesses you beyond what you could have ever inmagined!! 🙂
Love Love Love the verse from Joshua! It's not one I'm familiar with so I think I'll be pulling out my Bible to read it fully! We've had an awesome week! Thanks, Laurie!
Yes, agree – it has been an amazing week! Joshua is a chapter of the Bible God took me too and had me study for about a year. He showed me that although I spent years tearing down my life, He could rebuild it, restore relationships and everywhere I went, He would take captive for me. As I turned my life over to Him, He gives me the assurance that He won't ever leave me. The whole journey of Joshua from Egypt to crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land is amazing!!