walk by faith

I read a post on social media last week that’s tied to a particular prayer I’m lifting. The post’s words seemed to point in the opposite direction of where I hope the answer to the prayer will settle. I heeded it as such, and just about had a meltdown! Doubt stormed in, and I was crushed, worried, and defeated. I heard the answer as if it thundered from heaven: NO! DONE! OVER!

But that moment of temporary weakness was all me. I can’t even blame it on Satan’s tricks. God *ain’t said* no to nothing (yet). In fact, He continues to order that I keep praying. I let what I saw in that post—just two short sentences—dictate my faith. But thank God, He’s merciful. He quickly returned my focus to Himself and the purpose to which my prayer is tied. Back on track…

Friends, this post’s message is simple: Don’t let what you see determine what you believe. If the Lord has led you to hope in something (and God will give you His desires for His purposes and will, anyway), keep the faith. God will see it through, and we have no reason to doubt Him. I don’t know what you’re believing God for in 2020, but stay in the Word, keep praying, and know God will deliver! Expect manifestation!

**And take a quick lesson from me: Take a break from social media! It’s too noisy sometimes (even the positive things) and can interfere with focused prayer and study. Facebook can wait!

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

Credit: Unsplash

God is just a prayer away…

God is just a prayer away. Never too busy, hear every word you say…

So go the lyrics to a gospel song I remember from back in the day. Might be a little outdated, but for me, the words are still just as true.

In this summer season of busyness, I just wanted to pause here on New Day and offer encouragement to those who may be going through...

In families where there’s suffering and need and unrest, know God is just a prayer away. He’s working even if it doesn’t seem like it.

If you’re losing hope because after six interviews, the answer is still no and the funds are running out, God is just a prayer away. A door with your name on it WILL open.

If your marriage is in trouble because of this reason or that, call on God. We may be weak, but He is strong.

If you’ve lost a loved one and can’t seem to get back to life because the hurt is so overbearing, know God’s got you. One day at a time.

Friends, God is still in control. He still sits on His throne and works and does as He pleases. He HEARS our prayers and answers them. He may not come when you want Him, as the saying goes, but He’s always on time. He works perfectly in our lives, constantly, powerfully. He works perfectly.

Join me in believing that, won’t you? He’s working it out. And even in the midst, always, always give thanks.

“Cast your cares on Him, because He cares for you…” 1 Peter 5:7

broken crayons still color

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

Part of New Day’s Summer Series and featuring guest blogger Ebony Moore.

 

Crayons are pretty simplistic. Wax, combined with dye, wrapped in paper of the same color as the dye. What you can do with crayons, however, is a thing of wonder. Things are made beautiful with crayons. Something that might otherwise appear lifeless takes on a completely different persona when treated with the colors that are transferred by the crayons. Children delight in using crayons to color within (or outside of) the lines of their coloring books. Artists have used crayons to fashion masterpieces on canvas and paper alike. There is an entire industry built around this simple object.

I remember coloring with crayons as a little girl. I specifically remember trying to meticulously stay within the lines, fiercely concentrating on whatever it was that I was coloring at the moment. In my concentration, I recall wanting to make some colored areas darker than others. This required that I bear down on the crayon harder, and almost always resulted in me breaking the crayon in two. In this act, another wonder of the crayon surfaced. You see, many things must be discarded after they’re broken. They can’t be glued, or sewn or taped back together. They are of no use, and are thusly relegated to the trash. But not crayons. Crayons are awesome. Because even when broken…

Crayons still color beautifully.

The color is just as vibrant and spectacular when the crayon is in two pieces as it was when it was whole.

Pause for a moment and consider that.

Broken crayons still color—beautifully.

It’s the same with us. Many of us have been broken or are currently in a place of brokenness. You may think that your brokenness makes you useless, damaged goods, fit only to be thrown away. You couldn’t be more wrong. You see, just like a broken crayon, we are still of use. We still possess gifts, talents, and acuities that God desires to use to beautify his Kingdom.

Consider the words of Psalm 139: 13-16 (NKJV, emphasis mine):

13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me,When as yet there were none of them.

What a powerful thing to consider. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You were skillfully fashioned by the One who created all; made in His image and likeness. You are a thing of substance. You are a thing of beauty. Even and ESPECIALLY in your brokenness. It’s time to take your place in the Kingdom. Your brokenness doesn’t disqualify you. It positions you to be fit for the Master’s use. The enemy’s perceived trash becomes treasure in the hands of an almighty God.

You are His treasure. And you color beautifully!

 

Ebony Moore is a believer, mother, poet, and thinker. And a sister in Christ. You can find her blogging at Something New Every Day: https://somethingneweveryday269.wordpress.com/about/

And please forgive the formatting. WordPress doesn’t often favor the cut and paste option.