December 3, 2010
Holding Fast to the Faithful One
Today's Truth
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Friend to Friend
My husband and I were in a waiting period. His company had gone through a merger and was collapsing positions and territories, which left his employment in jeopardy. For months we didn't know if Brad would keep his job or if he would need to look for another one. During that time, God bid us to trust Him.
Choosing to trust God is so daily, isn't it? When I only looked at the "what-ifs" of Brad's job situation - the possible unemployment, the grueling process of job-hunting, the financial strain unemployment would bring, and the uncertainty of the economy - my faith and God-confidence shook and waned. Fear and doubt knocked on my heart, suitcases in hand, wanting to move in and take up residence. On the other hand, when I fixed my eyes on God, looked at His character and at the ways He had brought us through hard times in the past, my faith was strengthened. Courage, confidence and joy knocked on my heart! They are much better residents!
The Old Testament book of Ruth features the heart-warming story of Ruth and Naomi: two women who faced difficult circumstances and an uncertain future. Following the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to move back to her homeland of Israel. Though she freed her daughters-in-law to stay in their home country of Moab and re-marry, Ruth refused to leave Naomi's side.
Determined and loyal, Ruth held tightly to the mother-in-law she loved deeply and to the God of Israel whom she now called her own. Though our natural tendency in hard times is often to try to go it alone, I've learned from Ruth, and from my own experience, that in turbulent times it's vital that we hold fast to our faithful God and to the ones we love.
"Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her."
But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her" (vv. 15-18).
God breathed hope into the souls of Naomi and Ruth through their kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. The book of Ruth goes on to tell a fascinating account of how God lovingly cared for and blessed Naomi as He used the faithful friendship and kindness of Ruth to "renew her life and sustain her" (4:15). She traveled back to Bethlehem as a broken, depressed and hopeless widow but was comforted and restored by the loving hand of God.
Like Naomi, when I experience difficult times - like the one Brad and I were facing last fall - I must choose to trust God. Some days I choose well. Some days I don't. Choosing to trust is essential.
How can we choose to trust God? I've found that my courage to trust is bolstered by playing praise music, meditating on God's goodness, reading Scripture, and praying. Those things collectively renew my mind and strengthen my faith.
No matter what challenges you face today, take comfort that God knows every issue on your heart and is able to shoulder your burdens. Hold fast to the faithful One. Your challenges do not fall outside the scope of God's ability to intervene. God is mysterious, He's powerful, and He's able! When you lift your eyes from your situation and fix them on your Savior - when you choose to trust Him - you will find peace in the pain and strength in the struggle.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Let's Pray
Holy Father, You know exactly where I am right now and You know the circumstance of my life. Please give me the courage to be gracious in my relationships, and help me to trust You today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Go back and read the book of Ruth. (It's only 4 chapters!)
Look for the ways that Ruth and Naomi held fast to God and to each other through trying circumstances.
List three difficult times that God has brought you through.
Examine your heart to see if there is any fear or doubt hanging around. Then choose to trust God as you lay each situation down before the Faithful One.
More from the Girlfriends
CHRISTMAS is right around the corner! If you still have people on your list to shop for, my new CD, Uncluttered, is now available exclusively on my website. (It won't be in stores for a few more months!) I've never been more excited about a CD project! The songs of Uncluttered are purposed to sweep you away from life-noise and to focus your heart and mind on the one thing that matters: your relationship with Jesus Christ. We have a low-priced bundle SPECIAL available too! For more information, go to http://www.gwensmith.net/store/specials.htm.
A portion of today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen Smith's book, Broken into Beautiful. In Broken into Beautiful, Smith invites you to hear the stories of women with shattered dreams, shameful secrets, and damaged souls ... and of the loving heavenly Father who makes them beautiful again. A perfect stocking stuffer or gift of encouragement!
Got FACEBOOK?? Let's meet there and do life together on a whole new level: http://www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic
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Originally published Friday, 03 December 2010.
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