Friday, March 22, 2013

Courage in Adversity

The economy seems to be in the tank. Many people are struggling and stress levels are at their peaks. I have seen families fight over pictures & silver trays in the estates of their paresnts. I have seen spouses split, firms split and businesses close.
 
In spite of these overwhelming odds, we WILL overcome. Not because of the government or even because we are extremely talented, but because we are a resilient and creative people. For those of us who are Christians, we will not  be forsaken though we may need to make some drastic changes.
 
Frankly, in the past few years I have been through some very difficult times. I have lost some clients. I have gained many clients. I have been extremely busy and I have seen some really dry times.  I have worked hard to maintain an upbeat attitude, but  some of the work I have done for "friends" remains unpaid and now I have to make some hard decisions on collections. I have worked on some matters in which I will never see a monetary value for the work performed.
 
These are the times that definitely try the soul. So what do we do in those times? We continue fight for what is right and do the best we can. We pray and plan and depend on our Provider. I KNOW that seems like a trite platitude, but I believe in Him and I have seen His mercies and favor over and over and over. Why now would I doubt His goodness?
 
The following are some scriptures that may be of help to you in hard times. Never, never, never give up.
 
You supply richly supply all my financial needs (Phil 4:19)
I walk in ever increasing health, I am refreshed in the Lord (Is 53:3-5, Ps 103:1-3)
I live under Supernatural Protection (Ps 91).
I Prosper in ALL my relationships (Luke 2:52) [this also means my business relationships and everyone I've ever spoken to or helped. It isn't limited to finances...it even means evangelically saving souls and storing up wealth people in the Kingdom of Heaven.
I consistently encounter God when I come into contact w other people...(I take this to even mean when they see, hear, or think of me) (Mark 16:17,18).
My prayers are powerful and effective. (2cor5:21, James 5:16)
God I am expecting great things, beyond what I can believe and even hope for from You because You do more than I could imagine and better than anything I could hope for (Ephesians 3:20)

 

What Do I Know About God on the Worst Day of My Life?" - as taken from "Flame On"
 
I know God is good. God is faithful.
God is sovereign.
Nothing catches God off guard.
Jesus Christ lives in me.
My sins are forgiven.
I know for certain I am going to Heaven.
God never makes a mistake.
God loves me unconditionally.
God uses everything that comes into my life for good.
God uses everything that touches my life - to accomplish His purpose.
God's grace is totally sufficient.
God's plans for me are for my welfare.
God's will for me is good, perfect and acceptable.
God heals. God delivers.
God sets the captives free.
God gives joy in the midst of adversity.
God will see me through this storm.
God will provide every need.
I don't have to carry my burdens alone - with the fear of anxiety and worry.
I don't have to live in fear of the future.
I don't have to live ashamed of my past failures.