"For the Lord will not cast off forever, but though He cause grief, He will have compassion according to the abundance of His steadfast love; for He does not afflict from His heart or grieve the children of men." Lamentations 3:31-33
When bad things happen, it's sometimes difficult to believe that God loves us. We can read verses like this one, or hear similar words from a friend, yet still we wonder if it's true that God cares.
Sometimes we hear the testimonies of other people who have come through challenging circumstances with stronger faith and love for God than when they started. They tell of how the Lord carried them through the storm, and as impressed as we are, we doubt that God will do the same for us. These thoughts do not come from our Heavenly Father. They come from Satan, the enemy of our souls, who hates it when we put our trust in the Lord, believing in HIs love for us, even when all looks hopeless.
When doubt creeps in, we must look to the cross and remember that our Savior endured the unbelievable torture of crucifixion out of His love for us. He came to earth for one purpose: to give His life to redeem us, so that we might live (1 John 1:9). We don't need any more evidence than the cross of Christ to believe and accept that God loves us. Sometimes I think we Christians have become desensitized to this enormous truth! Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the irrefutable evidence of God's love for humanity; of God's love for us! Hold fast to it!
Today's music video The Power of the Cross by Keith and Kristyn Getty is one of my favorites. It is the gospel put to music.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
So true. Just because we are believers doesn't mean we will be spared any trials or unfortunate circumstances. God DOES promise however, that He will be by our side through it all. Loving us and supporting us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
You're so right, Betsy. He never leaves us. What a great gift we have received! Hugs.
DeleteI love that song. Brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it or sing it. It's true, what you have written...any doubts are from our enemy. How very difficult and seemingly impossible to stand in faith when the worst happens...but the Lord will stand with us. I pray I have that strength!
ReplyDeleteIt's a very moving song, Karen. I feel the same way. God will answer your prayer for strength if and when the need arises. XO
DeleteIt is so true that God is always with us and sometimes while we are riding out the storms in life we think where is God? Well he is always with us just sometimes things are going to a new place on his schedule and not ours. We want instant relief from pain and trials but sometimes we have to stay in them to learn something important. Great post hope you are doing well. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on, Kris! xx
DeleteThank you Nancy, for your continued words of encouragement.. and the heartfelt scriptures you share with us. So appreciated and needed! xoxox
ReplyDeleteIt's my pleasure, Marilyn. Thanks so much for your uplifting words. Hope you are well. xo
DeleteGreat post. He didn't promise us as believers that everything would be always be easy and wonderful. But He did tell us that in this world we will have trouble - and He told us how to handle that. Do NOT fear - for HE has overcome the world. That bring peace. Thank you for faithfully sharing what God puts on your heart.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
Hello dear Nancy, hope you had a lovely Labor Day weekend! Sorry I've not been around much of late, it has been quite a summer.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo