[Faith-talk] FW: [thefamilyoffaith] Always the Same | Encouragement For Today

[Eric Calhoun]

I like this one.  Hope you will, too.  Last one for now.


Original Message: 
From: "TONY_at_FloridaHealth" <FloridaHealth21 at verizon.net>
To: <thefamilyoffaith at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [thefamilyoffaith] Always the Same | Encouragement For Today
Date: 
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:50:59 -0500

Always the Same | Encouragement For Today | Proverbs 31 Ministries


           
               
           
                       Always the Same
                        28 Feb 2011


                          (Hebrews 10:36 NIV) - "You need to persevere so
that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has
promised."


                        Turn off the alarm, stumble to the coffee pot,
get myself ready, eat breakfast, and drive to the office. My morning
routine is always the same. I could probably get through it with my eyes
shut and, truth be told, many mornings I do. Except for the part where I'm
driving of course.

                        Upon entering the office I begin another routine.
Five phone lines incessantly ring while clients impatiently wait to check
in. Appointments are made, changed and cancelled, all the while I smile
with a cheery attitude. After all, I am thankful to have work to do.

                        Anyone paying attention might think my life has
been reduced to unending days of "always the same." That may be the case
for now, but the reality is this time of sameness is simply one chapter in
my life story.

                        Just as other life chapters have ended, this
chapter will also end at some point, and God will turn the page beginning a
new chapter with daily challenges of its own.

                        When I think about my different life chapters,
I'm reminded to pray Psalm 31:14-15a over each of them: "But I trust in
you, LORD; I say, 'You are my God.'My times are in your hands" (NIV).

                        It's so important for us to remember that our
heavenly Father has ordained our days, even our "always the same" days for
our good and His glory. While we might see them as mundane, boring,
frustrating or even miserable, the Lord can use the circumstances of these
days to transform us into a clear reflection of Him.

                        In the midst of our circumstances we might long
for change, but we can rest in the One who never changes. Hebrews 13:8
tells us "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (NIV).
This verse is an encouragement to celebrate each day by persevering and
staying the course because Jesus "ever lives, and is ever the
same...merciful, powerful, and all-sufficient" (Matthew Henry).

                        The One who knows us best and loves us most is
present to provide everything we need to continue on until He changes our
circumstances.

                        Will you join me today, taking a closer look at
our "always the same days" and begin to see them as opportunities to trust
the One who never changes. The One who holds our time and our lives in His
hands.

                          Dear Lord, sometimes I get overwhelmed by
life's circumstances, but I thank You that You are my faithful Rock on
which I can rely. I choose to place my confidence in You and ask You to
help me persevere so I can receive what you have promised no matter what my
days look like. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

                        Related Resources:

                        Visit Zoe's Blog


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                        Application Steps:
                        Ask God to show you His purpose in your "always
the same" days.

                        Reflections:
                        How would my life be different if I celebrated in
the midst of this life chapter?

                        Power Verses:
                        Titus 3:14, "Our people must learn to devote
themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily
necessitates and not live unproductive lives." (NIV)

                        James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who perseveres
under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown
of life that God has promised to those who love him." (NIV, 1984)

                        © 2011 by Zoe Elmore. All rights reserved.

                        Proverbs 31 Ministries
                        616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews, NC 28105
                        877-P31-HOME (877-731-4663)