God’s Attributes (the longer list)

I have struggled with my image of God through the years. When I began to study the Bible, it completely changed my view of God. I hope that reflecting often on some of these verses will encourage you and help you to see God in a new light.

P.S. For anyone who may be feeling a little impatient or rushed, there is a short version of the list available 🙂 Anyways, onto the list…

God is gentle
A bruised reed he will not break, a dimly burning wick, He will not quench.
-Isaiah 42:3″

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
-Matthew 11:28-30

He cares about you
“Cast all your anxieties and worries on God for he cares for you.”
-1 Peter 5:7

“He is not slow about His promise as some count slowness but rather is forbearing towards you, not wishing that any would perish but that all would reach repentance and be saved
-2 Peter 3:9

Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
-Isaiah 49:15-16

He listens
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
– Psalm 116:2

He delights in you
“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
-Zephaniah 3:17

He gives generously
My peace I give to you, my peace I leave with you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled or afraid.
-John 14:27

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
-Romans 8:31-32

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
-Matthew 7:7

My God shall supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Jesus Christ.
-Philippians 4:19

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
-Psalm 37:3-4

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.
-1 Corinthians 2:9

He likes to reward people
Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who diligently seek him.
-Hebrews 11:6

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
-Matthew 6:19-20

Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
-Ephesians 6:8

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
-Luke 6:38

He rescues
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
– Colossians 1:13-14

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
-Psalm 34:18

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
-John 3:16

He shall deliver you from the snare of the enemy.
-Psalm 91:3

I will rescue you for my sake—yes, for my own sake. I will not let my reputation be tarnished and I will not share my glory with idols!
-Isaiah 48:11

He understands what we’re going through
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
-Hebrews 4:14-16

He (Christ) was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
– Isaiah 53:3a

He cares about our sorrows
You keep track of all my sorrows.. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
-Psalm 56:8

He gives us strength and power
Why then do you complain that the Lord doesn’t know your troubles or care if you suffer injustice? Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary. No one understands his thoughts. He strengthens those who are weak and tired. Even those who are young grow weak; young people can fall exhausted. But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles  they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.
-Isaiah 40:27-31

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
-2 Corinthians 12:9

He wants to heal us
But he (Christ) was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
– Isaiah 53:5

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
-Psalm 147:3

He wants to bring us hope
I have come so you may have life and have it to the full.
-John 10:10

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
-Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
-John 8:12

He has even more hope for us in heaven
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
-1 Peter 5:10

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have troubles. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
-John 16:33

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
-John 14:1-3

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
-2 Corinthians 4:17

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.
-Revelation 21:4

He is a friend
A man who has friends must be a friend, but there is a friend who stays nearer than a brother.
-Proverbs 18:24

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
-Romans 5:11

He is a teacher and a guide
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
-Psalm 32:8

Lean not on your own understanding but acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall make your paths straight.
-Proverbs 3:6

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.
-Isaiah 48:17

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths,bringing honor to his name.
-Psalm 23:3

He is compassionate
It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.
-Lamentations 3:22

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
-Psalm 86:5

Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering.
-Isaiah 49:13

He comforts
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.
-Isaiah 66:13

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
-2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?
-Isaiah 51:12

He wants to help us through troubles
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
-Psalm 46:1

Cast your burdens on the Lord and He shall sustain you.
-Psalm 55:22a

I have cared for you from the time you were born. I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is gray. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you.
-Isaiah 46:3b-4

Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place,  it won’t be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
-Isaiah 43:1-3

Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loves us.
-Romans 8:37

He is close
I will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord.
-Zechariah 2:10b

God has always been your defense; his eternal arms are your support.
-Deuteronomy 33:27

For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
-Isaiah 41:13

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
-Psalm 23:4

He gives rest
My presence shall go with you and I will give you rest.
-Exodus 33:14

The Lord shall give you rest from your sorrow.
-Isaiah 14:3a

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He restores my soul.
-Psalm 23:2

There is no mission impossible with God
With humans it is impossible, but with God, nothing is impossible.
-Luke 1:37

I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?
-Jeremiah 32:27

His ways are beyond our wildest imagination
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.”And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
-Isaiah 55:8-9

He gives us the commandments because He cares. He doesn’t want us to have unnecessary troubles of our own making.
Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.
-Isaiah 48:18

“But no, my people wouldn’t listen. Israel did not want me around. So I let them follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas. Oh, dear people, will you listen to me now? Israel, will you follow my ways? I’ll make short work of your enemies, give your foes the back of my hand. I’ll send the God-haters cringing like dogs, never to be heard from again. But, you will feast on my fresh-baked bread spread with butter and rock-pure honey.”
-Psalm 81:11-16

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.
-Psalm 119:1

Many blessings.
If you have any verses to add to this list, feel free to comment.

Our True Identity

I’ve really struggled with low self esteem. Maybe you can relate. I went through the typical teenage akward stage complete with acne, braces and skin as white as Casper the friendly ghost’s. Any unkind comment I heard, I believed and, if someone said I was pretty, I managed to quickly forget that. I’ve now turned 29 several times and I still struggle with feeling like the “ugly duckling”

A kind minister spoke with me about our identity in Christ. Thankfully, the Lord does not see us as we see ourselves. We’re unbelievably valuable to Him, so much so that He was willing to suffer so that we could be healed and become whole.  (See Isaiah 53)

Here’s some of the verses that the pastor gave me and some that I liked as well. I hope they bless you and I would encourage anyone struggling with low self esteem to read the Bible and find passages that encourage you. Words are so powerful, what we think about day after day can have a profound effect on how we feel about ourselves.

We are God’s Works of Art

I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.
-Psalm 139:14

“For you are God’s masterpiece, created in Jesus Christ for good works which God prepared beforehand to be your way of life.”
-Ephesians 2:10

We are God’s Friends

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
– Romans 5:11

I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
-John 15:15

We are Chosen

He chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and without fault in His eyes.
-Ephesians 1:4

God has identified us as His own, putting His seal on us, guaranteeing we will be saved on the day of redemption. Therefore, we should not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way we live.
-Ephesians 4:30

We are a New Creation

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
-2 Corinthians 5:17-21

We have a new nature to put on. We are created to be like God, truly righteous and holy. Therefore, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
-Ephesians 4:23-24

We are Valuable

We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us and was given to us by God. We do not belong to ourselves, God bought us with a high price.
-1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Yet it was our weaknesses Christ carried; it was our sorrows that weighed Him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
-Isaiah 53:4-5

We are God’s Children

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
-Ephesians 1:5

We once had no identity as people, now we are God’s children. We once had received no mercy, now we have received God’s mercy.
-1 Peter 2:10

We are Lights in this Dark World

We were once full of darkness, but now have light from the Lord. So, live as people of the light.
-Ephesians 5:8

In that way, you can prove yourselves to be without blame. You are God’s children and no one can talk against you, even in a sin-loving and sin-sick world. You are to shine as lights among the sinful people of this world.
-Philippians 2:15

We Have the Mind of Christ

For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
-1 Corinthians 2:16

We are Strong Because of God

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
-2 Corinthians 4:7

We are Supermodels in God’s Eyes

Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say. Forget the people of the past. For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.
-Psalm 45:10-11

You’re the handsomest of men; every word from your lips is sheer grace, and God has blessed you.
-Psalm 45:2

We are Victorious

We belong to God, we have already won the victory because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.
-1 John 4:4

Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loves us.
-Romans 8:37

We are Citizens of Heaven

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Philippians 3:20

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory
-.Colossians 3:1-4

God doesn’t want you to beat yourself up

Photo credit: Wikipedia

I’ve randomly opened my Bible to Isaiah 58 many times, which makes me think there’s some sort of message I’m supposed to be learning from it. In Isaiah 58, The Israelite people are being  extremely hard on themselves in an effort to impress God.

They are fasting and going to God’s Temple every day.  They even say to God “We have fasted before you! Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!” (verse 3)

And God’s reply is that this is NOT the kind of “fasting” He wants. He doesn’t want them to be hard on themselves to try to impress Him while they keep on fighting and quarreling and hurting each other.

Instead He wants them to “Share food with the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, give clothes to those who need them and not hide from relatives who need their help.” (verse 7) Secretly, I was kind of bummed when I read the not hiding from relatives part. 😉 Just kidding.

The passage goes on to say that if they will help each other out, “Their light will shine out from the darkness, The Lord will guide them continually, giving them water when they are dry and restoring their strength.” (verses 10-11)

Do you ever beat yourself up when you feel guilty? I’m pretty good at being hard on myself. The thing is that doesn’t really accomplish anything and God doesn’t want or need us to tear ourselves apart. What He wants is for us to simply care for each other.

Blessings

Related articles from other authors

• Getting Closer to God (trinityspeaks.wordpress.com)
• Insights from Isaiah 30 (markconner.typepad.com)
• God’s Hope For A Sinking Ship (yourgodmoments.wordpress.com)

There is a morning coming

The Penance of David, Psalm 51 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Many times in the Psalms, David cried out expressing his honest emotions. He expressed depression and frustration. Even though he was the king of Israel, he had troubles and cried many tears. He even spent many years hiding and running for his life. He knew what it was like to mess up and fail greatly. But, after all the suffering, he found hope.

In Psalm 30:5, 11, 12 David wrote

For His (God’s) anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,

that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

I’ve often felt discouraged, depressed and disheartened. It’s easy to feel when things go wrong that God is angry with me, that things are hopeless. Many times, David’s situations were pretty bleak and he did some things that could have made God very angry forever. If God can forgive David and turn his weeping into joy, God can do the same for you and me.

Blessings.

Related articles

• Is David Your Soul Mate? (shareaverse.wordpress.com)
• The Psalms 5 – A Prayer for Protection (revthechristianlife.wordpress.com)
• When It Feels Like It’s All Been Taken Away From You (shepherdssheep.wordpress.com)
• Why Are You Downcast, O My Soul? (learningtobeblog.wordpress.com)

Cervical Dysplasia and God’s Grace

When I first found out that I had severe cervical dysplasia and needed surgery to prevent it from turning to cancer. I was shocked and scared. I had been celibate for several years and have only slept with one man my entire life – my ex-husband. I didn’t realize how common HPV was and I wasn’t expecting to suddenly have any problems with my celibate lifestyle!

As I was preparing for the upcoming surgery, I opened up my Bible and read Isaiah 43:

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Shortly after that, a friend happened to e-mail me and ask how I was and through talking, I found out that she was dealing with something sort of similar. We were able to support each other through our struggles. Some wonderful people prayed for me and I made it through the surgery with no complications. I was back to work the next day. My doctor assured me that she got it all and this worked 90% of the time to keep the dysplasia away.

Six months later, I found out that the dysplasia had returned and was severe once again. I was discouraged. I began to wonder if I did something wrong. Did I not get enough sleep? Did I not eat enough vegetables? Is God angry with me? At age 31, I had a hysterectomy to prevent cervical cancer.

I asked God why this was happening to me. I heard a message on the christian radio station, reminding me that life is like embroidery. It may look like a mess on one side, but when you turn it over, it’s something beautiful. Right now, I’m not going to be able to totally understand everything, but it will ok. In fact, it will be something beautiful someday.

The most important thing I take away from going through heartache and pain is that Jesus Christ CHOSE to be wounded so that we could be healed. (See Isaiah 53). He carried our sicknesses and our weaknesses. He went through incredible suffering on the cross so we could be whole. Whenever I start to feel discouraged like God doesn’t care or he’s angry with me, I just need to look at what Jesus was willing to put Himself through to heal me. Whatever happens with our bodies on earth, we will be fully healed and whole in Heaven for sure.

I hope you have been encouraged and blessed. If you want to read more about Christ and being assured of a spot in Heaven, please visit Path to Heaven.

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• What to Do After an Abnormal Pap Test (everydayhealth.com)
• God Out of the Box (myheartsmission.com)

Keeping Things in Their Proper Perspective

I heard a great story about a college freshmen writing home to her parents that I wanted to share:

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’m sorry that I haven’t written home for awhile but now I want to catch up on all that has happened these past few months. Are you sitting down? Don’t read this until you are sitting down. Alright.

Well, there was a fire in residence hall. Don’t worry, I’m okay. I just broke my leg jumping out the second story window but it’s healing and I found some place to live. Fortunately, the nice gas station attendant who called 911 let me stay with him at his place. It’s more of a basement apartment really. But, don’t worry, it’s cute. Mom and Dad, I also wanted to tell you that we’re in love. We’re going to get married. I know this may seem a little sudden to you, but he’s a great guy and comes from a great background. His dad is a gun bearer in Africa.

Our wedding will not be for awhile though. First I want to have the baby. Yes, that’s right. I’m pregnant. Also, the doctors are testing the baby to make sure I don’t pass HIV onto the child. Yes, you read that right. I am HIV positive now. I can imagine this all must be a shock to you. I know you will come to love this child as if it was one of your own children. You will be great grandparents.

Mom and dad, there is one last thing I have to tell you. I’m not really pregnant. I’m not HIV positive. I’m not getting married or living with a gas station attendant. I did not break my leg. There was no fire. However, I am getting a D in English and an F in Math and I wanted you to keep those grades in their proper perspective.

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May you keep all the trials and heartaches in your life in their proper perspective. This world and all it’s problems is not the end. These things you’re dealing with today may very well have a solution or some kind of improvement during your lifetime. But, as a Christian, I can remind myself that God is by my side, on my side and that there is heaven to look forward to after this life and all it’s problems pass away.

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Related Articles:

• The Path to Heaven
• Not Yet Home
• Our True Identity
• God’s Attributes

Comfort in the Face of Rejection

I’ve dealt with quite a bit of rejection. It hurts and the really scary thing is I started to believe every unkind word that was ever said to me. Yet I managed to disregard the compliments. That can lead to incredible darkness and depression, trust me. When I see it in other people, it seems so unnecessary and pointless. There’s too many wonderful people out there who feel like freaks because someone else needed to cut them down to make themselves feel better and they bought every lie. 

Other people are not the keeper of the truth. They are just human beings faced with the same inadequacies and heartaches we all go through. I was reading Isaiah 51 in the Bible again today, and if you are struggling with rejection and hurtful comments, this if a great chapter to read.

It comforts me immensely because it puts rejection and scorn in their proper perspective. It says that we don’t have to be afraid of other people’s insults because they’re going to pass away, but God’s righteousness will last and his salvation will go on forever. (Isaiah 51:7-8)

It goes on to say that our current sadness will disappear and we will be filled with joy forever. Then God compassionately reminds us that He, Himself, is the one who comforts us, so we don’t need to be afraid of mere humans who wither like the grass and disappear. (Isaiah 51:11-12)

When we’re feeling alone, when others have rejected or abandoned us, God is still there. Thankfully, He comes to us with open arms even when we’re at our lowest, when we’ve turned our backs on Him and when we’ve done horrible things. He sees us as people of incredible value. 

To read more about your value in God’s eyes, visit “Our True Identity“

To read more about beginning a relationship with the God
who’s ready to forgive you, visit “The Path to Heaven“

Get back up…again

Sometimes I get frustrated when I fall back into the same bad habits over and over again. I’m not alone. Even Saint Paul struggled. In his letter to the Romans, he wrote, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:19). Saint Paul made an incredible positive impact on the world – not because he never failed – but because he kept getting back up.

There’s times when I feel discouraged. I don’t feel like trying yet again. What keeps me going is knowing that God still has not given up on me. He loves us. He chose us and He will NEVER throw us away. (Isaiah 41:9).

We do not walk through these struggles alone. In Isaiah 41:10, God promised, “Don’t be afraid for I am with you. don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Never forget that God’s hand is victorious. Since He is helping us, we WILL be victorious.

Here’s the best part. Not only does God forgive us and help us win this struggle. He also still wants to bless us – even after we’ve failed again. He longs to give us water in our valleys and deserts. He wants to satisfy our parched thirst and plant trees in the midst of our barren deserts (Isaiah 41:17-19).

Get back up once again and keep it up as many times as it takes. The Lord Himself is rooting for you, helping you claim the victory and the blessings.

Blessings.

A big part of claiming God’s forgiveness and blessings comes through a relationship with Christ. Visit the Path to Heaven to read more.

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Related articles from fellow bloggers:

• Isaiah 42:1-4 (ayearinchrist.wordpress.com)
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• Used of God, Even During Troubled Times (todaysfreshmanna.wordpress.com)

The God who sees you

I was touched reading the story of Hagar in the book of Genesis. Hagar was taken captive as Sarah and Abraham’s slave girl. In that day, when a couple couldn’t have children, it was the custom for the husband to sleep with the slave. The resulting child was considered the “heir” of the childless couple. Since Sarah and Abraham were childless, Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham as “his wife”. Hagar became pregnant and started lording it over Sarah. This angered Sarah so much that she started being cruel to Hagar. When Hagar couldn’t take it anymore, she ran away.

Hagar found herself pregnant and alone in the middle of the wilderness. There was no one to care what happened to her and her unborn child. Until God stepped in. An angel of the Lord came and told Hagar that she was going to have a son named “Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress.” (Genesis 16:11).

The angel then asked her to go back to Sarah and Abraham. Somehow, they all managed to live together for many more years and Hagar and her son were fed and clothed. Eventually, however Sarah ends up throwing Hagar out of the house and she finds herself wandering in the wilderness once again with her now teenage son. Abraham does give them food and water, but when they run out, Hagar bursts into tears because she’s afraid her son is going to die.

Then, God comes to her once again and asks,

“Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”  Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. (Genesis 21:17-19)

When no one else was around to care or help, God saw. God cared. The situation Hagar was in was crappy. She should never have been sold in to slavery. Sarah could have and should have treated her better. Sometimes, unfortunately, really sucky things happen in this life. The temptation I have often fallen into is to get angry at God for allowing bad things to happen. When I’m hurting, it can easily start to feel like God doesn’t care. That’s why I like this story so much.

If God sees Hagar’s situation and is willing to give her water in the middle of the wilderness, He is certainly aware of our situations. In fact, in Psalms 31:7 it says “I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.” 

If you’re facing some kind of trial and it feels like God doesn’t care about you, please hold onto hope. God sees you, He hears your cries of distress and He still cares. You’re not alone. Don’t give up. You will get through this and it may be that someday, you will be the angel who will help others who are feeling all alone.

Blessings.

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Related articles from fellow bloggers:

• We All Need Someone To Take Our Hand Through the Pain (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com)
• Genesis 21 – God keeps his promise (candylehnen.com)
• Windows to our Souls-El Roi (greerhome.wordpress.com)
• I did not come on my own, but he sent me. (tvaraj2inspirations.wordpress.com)

You Are Not Alone

Sometimes, I can start to feel pretty alone and cynical. Not everyone is kind in this world. But what I keep forgetting is that there still are some kind people out there. The Lord has not forgotten us and He can send other people to help us.

I have some stories about times I was a moron and other people and the Lord did come through to help.

One time was when I was on my honeymoon with my ex husband. I had only been married a few days. Neither of us were very fond of the outdoors or insects. So, we were at a big park. I wanted to go into the buggy woods to see the lake and he didn’t. So, we agreed I’d go down the trail a few minutes, see the lake and come right back. Well, I forgot that I had NO sense of direction. I couldn’t find my way back even though it was only a few minutes away. After a half hour of wandering around in the woods, I found my way out. Except that I wasn’t anywhere near where I needed to be. I had no idea how to get from where I was to where he was waiting for me. So, I just kept walking. I walked around in the countryside for hours. Remember – I have no sense of direction. I can’t find my way when it’s a short trail let alone wandering around out in the middle of nowhere! I was praying, hoping God would help me get out of my mess. Eventually I found my way back to the main highway, which in itself was a miracle for me. Unfortunately, I still had no idea how to find my then husband but at least I knew how to get back to the hotel which was many miles away.

At one point, an ambulance came speeding down the highway in the direction I’d been and I thought, “Hmmm. I really hope they aren’t looking for me!” A few minutes later, an ambulance pulled up next to me on the highway and stopped. The driver asked, “Are you _______” And I said, “Yeah, I am” (By now, I’m feeling like a total moron.) The driver replied, “Well, we’ve been looking for you, get in.” So I got in and the ambulance took me to the police station. Then the cop drove me back to the park where my then husband was waiting.

Apparently, some nice people had come to the park about a half hour after I’d gotten lost. They had a cell phone and were able to call for help and comfort my ex who was worried sick. While I was alone and in trouble, those kind people, the local ambulance drivers and police departments were all looking for me. By some miracle – I managed to not trip and hurt myself on the rocky trail. I managed to not run into the wrong people and I managed to find my way to a spot where the search party could find me. I was rained on and tired after hours of walking but I was ok.

Oh no, I’m being a moron again…part #2
Another time, I decided that I could get home on the gas I had in my car. I was wrong. As I was nearing my exit, my car started slowing way down. Stepping on the gas pedal did nothing. I managed to just barely coast onto the exit ramp by driving on the shoulder while annoyed motorists sped by on my left. After I came to a complete stop on the shoulder of the exit, I flipped on my hazard lights, turned my car off and looked for my purse.

Unfortunately, I had forgotten to take my purse that day. It was at home – a few miles away. I had no cell phone, no credit cards. I did find twenty dollars in my car. Halleluiah! I figured I could walk to the nearest gas station, buy a can and walk back. Before I was able to even walk off the exit ramp, two people had rolled down their windows and asked if I needed a ride to the nearest gas station. It wasn’t that far away, so I walked.

But, it was nice to know that there were several people who were willing to help me out in my predicament. When I got back to my car with the gas can, a cop happened to be driving by. He pulled over behind me and put the gas in my car for me. (And speeders can thank me, because while he’s helping me, he’s not out writing tickets!) So, three people stopped to help me in a mess I basically got myself into.

The next morning, my car wouldn’t start on the little bit of gas that was in it. I prayed, “Lord, if you’ll get me to a gas station, I WILL fill it right up this time.” On my second attempt, the engine purred to action (oh, such a beautiful sound) and I drove right to the nearest gas station.

Oh brother… moment #3
I went to the grocery store with my debit card. Unfortunately, the pin for the card wasn’t working anymore. I didn’t have a backup plan. (I know, big mistake). The store didn’t accept credit cards, so they couldn’t run it through without the pin. My cash was at home. I asked them to hold onto my groceries while I went home and got some money.

As I was walking out into the parking lot, feeling pretty down for a number of reasons, I heard a woman behind me call out “Mam…” I turned around and she said she would like to pay for my groceries for me. Wow. I was amazed by such kindness. I wouldn’t let her because I’m stubborn. But, it really meant something to me to have someone be so kind and concerned about someone else. That was a gift to me that was greater than the money she could have given me.

If you’re feeling alone, take heart. It’s ok to reach out. There are many kind people out there, please don’t let those who aren’t discourage you. I hope these stories also help people to know they are not alone when they feel like morons or get themselves into a big mess. I know all about that! And remember – God can send US to be his angels to help others when they are in distress.