Encouragement for Today - June 14, 2012

June 14, 2012 Is This News or Truth? Lysa TerKeurst

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 (NIV)

News and truth aren't always one and the same. I'm learning this through a medical situation I've faced recently. I had a diving accident that severely damaged nerves inside my left inner ear. As a result, I have hearing loss and a horrible screeching sound that hasn't stopped since the accident weeks ago.

It's been very hard. I know in the grand scheme of things, I could be dealing with much worse. I know that. And it makes me greatly empathetic for anyone facing a chronic medical diagnosis. It's scary when doctors shock you with test results and you don't know what the future holds.

I've been honest about my fears with my friends. They've been so faithful to stand beside me, pray for me and send precious notes of encouragement. {And I hope this devotion might be a note of encouragement from me to you.}

One of the emails I received was from my friend Shaunti. It contained a line that stirred me: "Lysa this is news. This is not truth."

Wow.

I've always thought of news and truth as one and the same. What the doctor gave me was news. Honest news based on test results and medical facts.

But what I have access to is a truth that transcends news. What is impossible with man's limitations is always possible for a limitless God.

So, I find myself looking at the word impossible a little differently today.

Impossible, when looked at in light of Shaunti's note, could be completely different if I just stick a little apostrophe between the first two letters. Then it becomes I'm-Possible. God is the great I AM. Therefore He is my possibility for hope and healing.

I'm-Possible is a much more comforting way to look at anything that feels quite impossible.

I suspect many of us have things in our life that feel impossible. Maybe you just got some bad news. News of an impossible financial situation. News of an impossible job situation. News of an impossible kid situation. News of an impossible friend situation. News of an impossible medical situation.

Whatever news you just got or will get, I pray Shaunti's advice helps you too.

This is news.

And this is Truth:

I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

I AM FOREVER FAITHFUL.
"He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-He remains faithful forever." Psalm 146:6

I AM WITH YOU.
"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

I AM HOLDING YOU.
"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand." Psalm 73:23

I AM YOUR HIDING PLACE.
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

If there is any comfort for me during this tough time, it is knowing that somehow God will use this for good. And that God will be my possible in the midst of what can sometimes feel so stinkin' impossible.

Of course, I still have those less spiritually secure moments where I feel like I'm going to lose my mind. And cry. And pitch a little hissy fit.

Oh how thankful I am for my praying, encouraging, note-writing friends who help me focus on truth and not just the facts. I'm asking Jesus to send some your way today. And every time that word impossible creeps up and starts to steal your hope, see the words I'm-Possible and hold on to Him.

Dear Lord, You are I Am, I'm-Possible. You are the way, truth and life, and You are forever faithful. Thank You for being with me always, holding me and being my hiding place. Help me lean on these truths when the news I receive feels impossible. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Lysa and her friend Shaunti Feldhahn paired up to offer young women the truth that it is possible to find lasting satisfaction in God. Click here to order your copy of Made to Crave for Young Women.

Each week on her website Lysa shares encouragement that all things are possible. Sign up for free reminders by clicking here.

It'd be an honor to pray for you. Click here to leave your request and our team will pray for you today.

Reflect and Respond:
Impossible could be completely different if you stick a little apostrophe between the first two letters. Then it becomes I'm-Possible.

How will your view of your impossible situation change if you hold onto the truth that God is the great I AM, therefore He is your possibility for hope and healing? Remember, news and truth aren't always one and the same.

Power Verses:
Psalm 25:4-6, "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

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