Several days ago another factory closed in our county leaving hundreds without jobs and families with now uncertain futures. A friend of mine was recently laid off unexpectedly due to lack of business. Another friend is waiting to hear if their company will stay open. A sweet sister of mine has been fighting an on-going battle with cancer for years where she will be in remission, on chemo, in remission, on chemo. Stock markets plummet. Gas prices soar. And in a few weeks we will know who the new president of the United States will be. On the upside of change: babies are born, couples marry, good health reports are received and each day the sun will rise and it will set and God's mercies are new each morning. Life changes.
So often it is easy to look at our circumstances and base our value of life or our hope in what we see or in what others tell us. A few years ago when the gas prices first soared panic seemed to prevail among many. I, too, remember wondering how it would effect our family budget. My husband and I had both made significant job changes, had a daughter in college, a son about to enter college and our budget just didn't allow for large fluctuations in gas prices at that time. One morning I heard someone preaching and part of her sermon was about the fact that God is in control. Not the government, not Wall Street, not the oil companies. It is God who is our provider and the one in whom we place our hope and our trust. From that moment on I took a hold of that and claimed it mightily every time I felt myself looking to others for my security or provisions. Yes, governments, employers, oil companies and family can have an effect on our lives and change our circumstances. But it is ultimately God who is our source of security, food, peace and day-to-day provisions.
James 1:17 tells us: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." I love the Lord's words in Malachi 3:6 "I the LORD do not change". How reassuring is that! Can't you just hear Him proclaiming his steadfastness?
Remember that no matter what changes you face or are presently weighing heavy on your heart - the LORD DOES NOT CHANGE. He is and will be the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) That you can count on. Hallelujah!
Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God who does not change and a God who is jealous for us. You have promised us in your word that you will fight for us, that you will provide our daily bread and that your grace is sufficient for each one of us. You are so amazingly good to us. For those today Lord whose hearts are heavy with uncertainty and burdens, I pray a special blessing of peace and prosperity upon them. You know their needs and I ask that you would show yourself to them today. Lord, I rejoice in who you are, who you have always been and who you will always be. Glory to God Almighty! In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Humbly His,
Kim
1 comment:
Hi Kim,
Thank you so much for your comment on my blog...you are an encouraging sister. One thing that I've discovered by being part of Beth's blog community is that the women on there are genuine, loving, women of God. It has been so uplifting and a precious source of encouragement and joy for me during this most difficult year.
Your post was very fitting for me at this time too. How important for me to know GOD DOES NOT CHANGE!!! He is still speaking to me when I thought that He'd gone silent! Thank you Lord!!!
Thank you for your love and care sweet sister!
Bethany
PS. Come back anytime!
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