This past week has been one of the most stressful weeks I’ve had in a long time. I fell into a rut of fear because business has been slow, bill collectors keep calling, and dollars seem more like pennies. It felt like everything was crashing down on me. I’m a very independent person who doesn’t like to be in debt. My financial security used to come from my job.
Just as I thought I couldn’t handle anymore God reminded me to rest in His love. I think God is allowing me to go through this to strengthen and train me to place all trust in him. God knows the amount of hairs on my head (Luke 12:7). He knows my every thought (Psalm 139:1-6). He knows what I need (Mathew 6:25). He is a God that can make water flow from a rock and rain bread from heaven (Exodus 16-1-36 and 17:1-7). After thinking about these facts, I realized all that stress was for nothing, because my God is mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17). He is my provider and my strength. No matter what you are going through, REST IN GOD’S LOVE to receive joy. There is joy in suffering! (Romans 5:3-5)
Doodles Invigorate 
This is a blog that NEEDS to go viral. This message is beautifuland true.
My prayers and blessings are yours today.
Thank you so much! I was nervous about writing this post. It’s a touchy subject for me.
I know where you’re coming from. It’s our human nature to try to fix things ourselves, but so much less stressful to take it to the creator
of the universe. Each test brings us that much closer to Him. Thanks for your words today.
Amen! Going through tests are so hard but work the fight. Thank you. 🙂
Great post my friend. Very deep. I am on a spiritual journey and I felt goose bumps as I read this! I have also struggled financially, and just when I thought I had hit rock bottom, God steps in and paves a way. Always and forever trust in him, lean on him, for he will never forsake you. The hard times will only allow you to look back and smile once you are in a different space.
Thank you for the words of encouragement, Nicky! I am expecting a miracle. I know God is always on time! Like you said, it feels like rock bottom but I’m holding on! I’m glad you shared that.
I know this place you are in may seem scary – but it is actually a beautiful place as you learn to trust in him with your life. He will show you he is your source for all your needs. He is precious and he loves you so much. Blessings to you and the beautiful intimacy you are growing in with the Lord.
Thanks Jacqueline! It is beautiful. I am so grateful for the intimate relationship I am building with my Lord.
God provides for the sparrows who do not even labor nor store away in barns. How much more important are you than they? He asks us to seek His righteousness first and all the things of life which are needed will be ours.
Yes, we will have times of trial. Yes we will see need. But if we can learn to pray to God for all things, and in every circumstance, good and bad, we move closer to Him. That’s what He wants, and what we need!
Thanks for this reminder, and prayers to you for better times ahead, my dear!
Steve Pejay
Thank you for the prayers! That scripture always puts things in perspective when I am in need. Our God is great because he takes care of us even when we can’t see it. Stress disappears when I move closer to God. He is awesome!
I always feel better when I’m “down” if I talk with Christian friends here or even at my church.
That’s why we all need each other, and why God set up the command to make friends of His children. We build one another up, encourage, and share with our Christian friends.
God is the best at reducing stress…He knows what we need and when we need it! And He always comes through…
🙂
Yes! I am glad you have great friends that love Jesus. God’s people need to stick together. We are family. 😀
It’s what Jesus is talking about throughout the bible, but a lot in the book of John.
Things like “…by this, (loving attitudes), people will know you are my disciples.” show how important sticking together really is.
I always liked the story about how a single string is easy to break. But if it is woven together with two or three strands, it is much stronger.
That’s how we are as children who love and share with each other are!
🙂
I was just telling someone I love the books John wrote because he gives clarity on how to live God’s greatest command.
You may or may not know this, but John is thought to be the one whom Jesus refers to as “the Apostle whom He loved.”
John had a big heart and a great faith. He was the only Apostle at Jesus’ crucifixion. He loved His Lord, so it makes sense that many people love his accounts of John, 1,2,3 John, and Revelation!
🙂
John is awesome. Stay away from the chips tonight! 😀
John is awesome! How about “diet chips?” lol…
(Man munching away, chips falling from his face…eww!)
Steve 🙂
Reblogged this on "light and salt" and commented:
Shannon reminds us of the simple yet absolute truth here!
I am standing in prayer agreement with you before God for his provision in your life….sounds like you already have much more than you say just in the way you think and the way you are standing on God’s promises to not forsake us – keep the faith! 🙂
Thank you! You are right. God is amazing because every time I think I don’t have enough, He reminds me I am rich in the spirit. All God’s children are rich! 🙂
By the way, the teddy sitting with potatoes always makes me smile. LOL!
lol you are the first person to mention the teddy bear! 🙂 to me, the visual of potatoes reminds me of waiting on him…..then the teddy bear reminds me of having a heart of a child….by the way…the teddy comes from Germany…where my wife is from….so glad to bring a smile to you! God’s love and blessings!
I love the meaning behind the visual. You have presented a new light to potatoes and teddies! lol
Poverty=Needs God
He loves to be there for us, so He keeps us wanting
He loves to come through at the last moment-so there is no doubt that it is Him
He would be so sad if you were rich and didn’t need Him anymore.
Struggling financially keeps us needing Him, which is the most important thing in a world that doesn’t know God.
🙂 I hope you can go back to my site and read the entry “The Golden Bowl of Worries that Jesus Holds”
Bless you sweety….I love your blog, what a concept!!!!
Thanks!
I am finding comfort in relying on God during hard times. I’m so grateful that he is a God that shows us how to overcome all obstacles and be prosperous with him in stead of independently.
I will check out your post! I am glad you are enjoying my doodles!