I cannot, but God can

"I cannot, but God can"

We live in uncertain times and the worlds continues to be a scary place—bombs being detonated in airports and marketplaces around the world, we never know where terrorists might strike next. People are maimed and killed in gun crimes, we have racial unrest, wars in places like Syria causing mass movement of humans, we have disease, moral decay, corruption in high place, trouble families, women still dying as a result of domestic violence, neglected children—pain, sorrow and suffering on all sides.

At times it feels as if we are all alone in our suffering and it would be nice to crawl into bed and pretend nothing bad is happening in this world.  All things are given to us for a reason, we may not understand why, but they are and we just need to accept them — even uncertainty.  However, God doesn't want any of us to suffer and is always watching over us, which is why He says "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

When life is getting a bit much, turn off the news, find your quiet place and pray, read your bible, sing some hymns — lean on Him and He will give you rest and the strength you need to continue your day. Its amazing how you feel after timeout with God. He really does quench the thirst.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)

"God is not content to let us sink. He is teaching us how to tread water—to literally mount up out of our sea of fears and anxiety, to step out in faith, to dare the impossible, to place the soles of our feet onto the shifting surface of life and keep moving ahead. Those who learn this lesson of faith have a quiet peace in their eyes, even when the darkness gathers and the seas of life tun rough and threatening. They have confidences in the face of trials, of sorrows and even death itself that everything is ultimately going to work out as God intends. There is not a work of complaint or grumbling. They regard their circumstances as necessary to what God wants to do in their lives—which is always for their own good and for God's glory. Such people are a joy to be around. When you go to encourage and comfort them in their trials, you come away with more encouragement than you gave" ~ God's Loving Word by Ray C. Stedman (page 187)

As sisters in Christ we need to look out for each other and keep an eye on our sisters to make sure they are coping ok—with their families, their homes or with life in general. We don't live in isolation with big fences separating us from our neighbours (if you do, its time to knock them down) — we need to help and support each other as much as we can.  The Lord never once said "I'm too busy to help", He always found the time and we too need to behave more Christ like. 

To all my sisters-in-Christ, you are in my prayers this week. 

xxxx

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day i half done;

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Fathers full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,

His power has no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth, and giveth, and girth again.

Annie Johnson Flint