365 Times...

.... that's one a day for a year. Know what it is? It's how many times in scripture God tells us either to "fear not" "do not be afraid" "do not let your hearts be troubled"

I read a quote recently (wish I could remember where I had read the quote) that said
"God doesn't give us what we can handle, God helps us handle what we are given" I love that! How many times have we heard "God never gives us more than we can handle" - OK in the midst of trouble do we really want to hear that? I remember someone saying that to my husband's aunt years ago - her response: "does that mean if I were a weaker person I wouldn't have to go through this? " Yes, God allows the good and the bad to happen. He never promised it would be easy... after all, we made sure of that once that apple was plucked off the tree in the garden. But He did promise to be there for us - fear not, do not be afraid, do not let your hearts be troubled... trust Him - with all of your heart. Yes, He will help you handle, actually He will handle what has been given to you. Peace in your life doesn't have anything to do with circumstance, but everything to do w/ the authority of God in your life. Do not let your hearts be troubled... yes "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world" - Jesus' words to us in John 16:33 - one of my favorite scriptures! Jesus doesn't give us the peace that the world gives - that's escapism. Jesus gives us the peace to endure the storms that come. If you are led to it... He will lead you through it!

Our family is going through a difficult part of life. An aging parent... our trust in the Lord, our study of scripture and holding true to the Hope that is in Christ is what has prepared us to navigate this chapter in our life.

Friends, I pray that you hold tight to Jesus and resolve before trouble comes that you will trust Him! Keep on beliveing Him, keep on going back to him - focus on Jesus and his word not on your troubles and he will give you peace.