Psalm 23:2
“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”
During times of uncertainty, I am reminded that our faith champions God’s peace and tranquility. Granted, I didn’t say that we become exempt from trials. In fact, James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” We are instructed to lean upon God’s perfect understanding (not ours) as he gently leads us by peaceful streams and allows us rest.
I have been reminded several times today through providential occurrences that we are not exempt from trials of any kind…but nothing surprises God as all things must pass through His hands before it reaches you or me.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Earlier today, I was also challenged by a passage sent from my accountability group. Philippians 1:20, “My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
This added to my 2018 God-honoring goals. No matter what is happening around me or within me, I pray that Christ will be highly honored…it’s always about a testimony!
Challenge: As you begin a new year, challenge yourself to fully submit to Christ and live boldly for Him.
Thankful,
Christian Armetta
My Deliverer 
“Bless the Lord, O my soul! And all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.” Ps 103:1
Thank you for such an inspiring reminder to trust God in every situation and circumstance.
Paul tells us to glory in tribulation because they come to make us and not to brake us!
In Romans 5, he tells us the trials of life produces fruit of righteousness in our lives!
In essence God’s “pruning is for our fine-tuning.” This is similar to a piano tuning so that it can produce beautiful music; we are tuned through our trials to be instruments that produce righteousness.
We are more than conquerors… meaning we are victorious even before we enter the battle.
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, states, “…we do not lose heart, even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
May we remind one another and ourselves about God’s promise to come and bring us with Him.
Blessings,
Rita
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Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you Lord for the gifts that flow from my friend’s mouth!
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