Today’s Truth

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance (Romans 5:3 NLT)

 

Friend to Friend

The story is told of a shepherd who tried to persuade his sheep to cross a swiftly flowing stream. Since sheep are naturally afraid of rapidly running water, the shepherd couldn’t get them to cross. Then he had an idea.

Picking up a lamb, the shepherd stepped into the river and carried the lamb to the opposite shore. When the mother saw that the shepherd had safely led her lamb across the stream, she forgot her fear and stepped out in faith and into the rushing current. Soon, she was safely on the other side. The rest of the flock followed.

Valleys are lined with disappointment and discouragement and sometimes streams of rapidly running water. Some people seem to thrive on adversity, emerging from their valley with greater strength and deeper faith. Others stumble and fall, giving in to discouragement and dropping out of the race. The difference in outcome is determined by the way we choose to handle discouragement.

We must respond to each valley with trust and faith.

We come, holding nothing in our hands, pushing no agenda, with one word in our heart—“whatever!” “Whatever You want me to do, Lord, I will do. Whatever You want me to say, Lord, I will say. Whatever You want me to think, Lord, I will think. Whatever path You have for me, Lord, I will walk.”

If you are like me, you sometimes think you don’t have enough faith. The amount of faith is not nearly as important as the right kind of faith—faith in God alone.

Faith doesn’t rest on what we have done but on what Christ has done.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance” (Romans 5:3 NLT).

When the valleys come, we are tempted to abandon our faith and strike out in our own strength when what we should do is embrace our faith in God, look for our Shepherd, and follow Him.

Faith rests in what Christ has already done on the cross and in our lives. Faith also hopes for what He will do for us in the future. Faith builds on the victories of yesterday to help us face the valleys of today and the questions about tomorrow. Faith in God is sure and certain, believing that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do.

When we believe God will fulfill His promises, even though we can’t see a single promise materializing, we are exercising faith. Faith doesn’t bypass pain. It does, however, empower us to deal with pain.

Faith steps up to bat and invites the opponent to throw his best pitch. Faith sometimes strengthens us, and other times, surprises us. Great faith is forged in the deepest valleys, beginning where our strength and power end.

 

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for each problem that points me to You. Help me see trials as handles for Your promises and tools for growth in my life. I choose to accept the lessons You want to teach me in the dark times and celebrate their truth in the light. Give me the strength and power to trust You completely.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

Now It’s Your Turn

What is your level of faith? What change(s) do you need to make in your life so you can look for God’s hand at work and listen for His voice alone? By faith, accept the truth that God is always at work in your life and thank Him for His steadfast provision.

 

More from the Girlfriends

It is sometimes hard to trust God, isn’t it? Mary’s book, 10 Day Trust Adventure, will help you learn how to step out in faith. Check it out! It’s on SALE in Mary’s online store.

 

 

 

Need prayer? Email our Prayer Team Director, Ginger Meador. Our prayer team would love to cover you in prayer.

© 2023 by Mary Southerland. All rights reserved.

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7 Responses to “Keeping My Eyes on Him”

  1. Sheila says:

    Mary
    Thank you for this devotion today. There are days my faith is not or where it should be. There are days I ask God do you hear me when my prayer doesn’t get answered. Myself and family are dealing with an addict son. I feel like that is all I’m praying for. He lives at home so we see and live this everyday. It’s hard to understand the whole thing. He was raised in a Christian home, so I’m not sure why he chose this path. There are people praying for him that have no idea what he looks like. My prayer today is that my faith gets stronger than it’s ever been and know without a doubt that God is in control of this. I’m keeping my eyes on God.

    Blessings

  2. Carol says:

    Thank you Mary for your (& God’s) inspired msg.!
    I’m going through a season of questions with God, like Girlfriend Shelia. Wondering and waiting for answers about my family, too.
    A break through came this week, by attending an intercessory prayer group meeting. God let me see, that He’s not tired of hearing the repetition of the request. He just wants to hear from us! HE wants to hear our hearts, His children calling out to HIM!
    Dear Shelia, continue to let God know you are holding up your son in prayer. Remember, Jesus is the honored High Priest in Heaven (Heb.7:22-28). He is waiting to hear your request and bring it forward to God, to remind Him of His sacrifice for you, and your family.
    Isn’t that a great promise? Claim that Bible passage for your son.
    Blessings to you, Mary and all the GIGs!

  3. Beverley says:

    Please pray for me. My dear husband died two months ago, and while I have family and friends who are supporting me, I am so tired and exhausted most days. I am in counseling with a long-time counselor. It’s just the hardest thing I’ve every done. He was only 65 with no health problems. I miss him so much! I will appreciate your prayers.

  4. Sheila, I know exactly where you are. I have been in that place and totally understand how painful it is. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Remember your God is with you and for you … and your son. There is no understanding addiction. It is simply one of Satan’s favorite weapons. I can honestly tell you that there is hope. Stand firm in your faith!

  5. Carol, beautifully said, my friend. I just say “Amen” to every word.

  6. Beverly, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I cannot imagine that kind of pain. I am so glad you have reached out to a counselor. Right step to take. God gifted these people because he knew we would need them. Please know my prayer team is praying for you. God is with you and will sustain you day-by-day.

  7. Sandy says:

    spoke right to my soul… thank you

"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well…" 1 Thessalonians 2:8