Be Transformed

 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

I am a believer. I know when one thinks negative thoughts negative events seem to pop everywhere. When you think positive thoughts… well, negative events pop up then, too. In this verse, are we being reminded that this world – with its multiple problems – is here, right now, our unwanted reality check. Are we required to be burdened by that? Burdened, no; called to be responsible and responsive, yes. To be that servant citizen, believers are transformed by the promise that in all times and places God is present, which leads one to ask, "What can I, as a believer, do to make the world a better place?"

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Trust

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Trust in the Lord

And lean not on your understanding

Be strong, banish fear and doubt. Remember the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

The road ahead is unknown for all of us. Some take the path of least resistance; others beat out a new path. The choices are ours to make. Choose to be courageous and extraordinary, after all that is the way God made you. Different from everyone else and particularly gifted to fulfill a role in life only you can fill.

Being courageous does not mean being foolish. Trying to climb a mountain without proper training is likely to be a disaster. Climbing with the right equipment and instruction can lead to an exciting adventure.

“I am weak,” does not mean, “I am helpless.” God gives us the ability to do whatever is set before us. He is with us through the trials and setbacks. God is in our corner whether we succeed or fail. Each is a lesson learned as we head on down the road, ready for new experiences, fearless and trusting. 

Five trust affirmations from the Book of Psalms:

• Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV
• But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5 NIV
• The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7 NIV
• The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 NIV
• ...in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11 NIV

Oswald Chambers, a teacher and speaker in the early 20th century, and author of "My Utmost for His Highest," wrote, "I have to learn that the aim in life is God's, not mine. God is using me from His great personal standpoint, and all He asks of me is that I trust Him, and never say – Lord, this gives me such heart-ache.... He simply asks me to have implicit faith in Himself and in His goodness."

When I have that heartache, the question of why, I am reminded that trust can be my only response. The road ahead is sometimes rocky, sometimes difficult, often challenging, that doesn't mean I shouldn't walk down it trusting full out that I have the Lord of all in my corner.
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If you would like to receive notification of updates to Joy in the Morning, please enter your e-mail under the "follow by e-mail" box in the upper right column. This blog is written by a mature (in age only) and imperfect Christian who loves the Lord. Please like and share if you find this message inspiring. Bible verses are from BibleGateway.com

 

God With Us

Challenged

Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

What is your challenge today? There will be one, probably several. What will your attitude be, one of despair or one of faith? Will you bemoan every trouble and cry over every slight, or will you give it up to God and allow his Spirit to get you through whatever the crisis might be? It is normal to slide into panic when life surprises you in negative ways, but it is not in your best interest to stay there. Panic overload causes us to make decisions we regret, say things we can never take back, and generally keeps us in a state of uncertainty bordering on fear. God is present in the moment. He can find us, even when we can’t seem to find him. His promise is to never leave us come what may. I don’t see anywhere in that promise that life will be easy, but that He will be with us, giving us strength, sharing – and sometimes fully bearing – our burdens, and giving us hope. Each day brings opportunity, and yes, challenges. The challenges create opportunities to get closer to God and to each other, and often prove to be the very thing that leads us to understanding and enrichment.