Christ Will Rescue You: July 2024

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

God’s Love is Your Refuge

When the person you love inflicts pain—whether physical or emotional—where do you turn for solace? In those moments of hurt and confusion, find refuge in God. Trust that His unwavering love will not falter. It is His love, grace, and mercy that will carry you through the darkest times. The psalmist encourages us in Psalms 34:8 (NLT) “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” This verse invites us to personally experience the goodness of God and assures us that those who seek shelter in Him will find joy. While others may offer advice on how to trust God, the experience of faith is deeply personal and unique. It’s something you must witness and taste for yourself to truly understand.

Even the most seasoned Christians face challenges, but through steadfast trust in God, we find the strength to triumph over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. As Romans 8:37 (NLT) declares, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” The trials we endure are not without purpose; they often lead us to a deeper understanding of His love.

Many people, including myself, face struggles that can feel overwhelming. Yet, there is a more effective way to navigate these challenges without separating ourselves from faith in God’s love and His power to help us. No problem is too big for Him to solve, but our faith must be firmly anchored in Him. I’ve learned that clinging too tightly to fears or past hurts can stifle our spiritual and personal growth. We can become so engulfed in our disappointment that we lose sight of the path to redemption and renewal. By trusting in God's ability to guide us, we allow His grace to clear the way, helping us to overcome obstacles and find a path toward healing and transformation.

Faith in God opens our eyes to the light of Jesus Christ. Consider the promise of 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT), which says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” By letting go and placing your trust in God, you open yourself up to His transformative power. When you surrender your fears and hurts to Him, you allow His love to guide you toward a better tomorrow, one where His peace and grace can illuminate your path forward.

Often, what we’re missing is this very trust. The darkness of our situations can overwhelm our senses, leaving us feeling stuck and consumed by emotions and thoughts that cloud our clarity. We may feel disconnected, struggling with confusion and frustration. Yet, by turning our concerns over to God, we invite His light into our lives, clearing the way for healing and renewal.

It doesn’t happen overnight. Transformation and the strengthening of our relationship with God is a journey, and it takes time to see the fruits of our trust in Him. But He never leaves or forsakes us, and with each step forward, you are moving closer to the peace and clarity He promises. Remember, His love is your refuge, providing guidance and support even when the path seems unclear. Trust in His timing and allow His love to lead you. He will turn your disappointment into the breakthrough that you so deeply desire for your life. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

A Collapsed House

In Job 1:18-19 (NLT), there’s this shocking moment where a messenger comes to Job with some heart-wrenching news: “Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’s home. Suddenly, a powerful wind swept in from the wilderness and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed, and all your children are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” Imagine the horror: a home reduced to rubble; children lost in an instant. It’s a nightmare that strikes right at the core of our sense of safety and stability.

When a home falls apart, it’s not just a physical collapse but an emotional one that shakes the foundation of our being. It also means a big hit to our sense of safety and stability. For many of us, this kind of disaster isn’t just a distant worry—it’s something we worry about all the time. Maybe your husband has threatened to leave, and you lie awake each night dreading the moment you come home to find their stuff gone. Or you might be juggling everything on your own, trying to take care of your family while feeling completely worn out. Bills keep piling up, and it feels like one more setback could be the tipping point that makes everything crumble. In these moments, you might feel like the “house” of your life is on the verge of collapse, much like Job’s home.

Whether it’s the fear of losing a loved one, the strain of being the sole provider, or the relentless pressure of mounting bills, these scenarios bring up the same deep-seated anxiety. Dealing with these challenges, we’re constantly trying to keep our lives from falling apart, feeling like we’re right on the edge of our own breakdown. But Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) reminds us, “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” In these moments of overwhelming stress, we can find comfort and refuge in God. He’s our safe place, a stronghold that can help us weather any storm.

Admittedly, it can be challenging to believe this when you’ve been shouldering everything for those you love for so long. It’s easy to feel worn out and discouraged, especially when you’ve carried the weight of responsibilities, sacrifices, and fears on your own. At times, it may seem like there’s no end in sight, and the idea of finding refuge and strength can feel distant and unreal. Yet, even in the midst of exhaustion and frustration, God’s promises hold true.

When you’re overwhelmed and feel like you’ve reached your limit, remember that you’re not alone in this. Matthew 11:28 (NLT) offers a comforting invitation: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Turning to God in these moments of struggle can bring renewed hope and strength, reminding us that there is a powerful source of support and comfort available, even when everything seems like it’s on the verge of collapse.

Our Heavenly Father doesn’t cause the painful situations in our lives, but He knows we will face them. 2 Peter 2:9 (NLT) tells us, “So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.” This means that, even in our most challenging moments, God is fully aware of our struggles. He has the power to transform our difficulties into opportunities for growth and beauty. All power is in His hands, and He is both willing and able to guide us through our trials, turning what seems like rubble into something stronger and more magnificent.■

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Shift from Reaction to Response

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT), our Heavenly Father gave the Apostle Paul a powerful truth: “9 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. 10 That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This passage reassures us that even in our darkest moments—whether we face physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual struggles—these are opportunities for God's strength to shine through. Our vulnerabilities are not just burdens but opportunities for God’s power to manifest in our lives.

Life’s unpredictability can bring us to our knees, but as God’s children, He has equipped us with the authority of Jesus Christ to overcome any challenge victoriously. By staying rooted in God’s Word, we can navigate life’s storms with confidence and resilience, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for spiritual growth. To make this happen, we must have faith in God. We shouldn’t give in to doubt when things get tough because God has promised to help us. No matter the severity of the difficulty, everything will be resolved when we remain committed to having faith in our Heavenly Father.

When we’re going through it and we feel like our backs are against the wall, we might think that our Heavenly Father has forsaken us. Some people who haven’t learned more about Him through His Word might even blame God for their misery, believing He is punishing them. But this is not true. God does not cause bad things to happen to us. He is a God of peace and has given us the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ so that His peace can continually dwell in our hearts.

Rather than focusing only on the problem, Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) encourages us to shift our thoughts to God: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” We need to focus our minds on God’s goodness, mercy, and grace. Instead of letting darkness lead us into regression, we should recognize that we can rise higher in Christ. By growing in faith and spiritual maturity, we gain a new perspective—one that transforms worry into joy in the Lord.

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) encourages us to cultivate thoughts and emotions that help us please our Heavenly Father. The verse states, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” In times of adversity, our natural tendency is to react impulsively, often driven by fear, frustration, and anxiety But instead of letting those negative emotions take over, this verse challenges us to respond with faith. Rather than letting fear control our actions, we’re called to trust in God and believe that He’s got our back. By choosing faith over fear, we stay aligned with God’s plan and open ourselves up to His guidance and blessings.

In practical terms, this means actively shifting our focus from problems to God's promises. Instead of dwelling on what might go wrong, we can remind ourselves of God's past faithfulness and His assurances for the future. This shift in perspective not only helps us manage stress and anxiety but also strengthens our relationship with God. When we make a habit of responding with faith, we’re not just coping with challenges; we’re growing spiritually and building resilience. Our faith becomes a powerful tool for navigating life’s ups and downs, transforming obstacles into opportunities for deeper connection with God and His purpose for us.

In real terms, this means shifting our focus from what’s going wrong to what God has promised. Rather than stressing about potential problems, we should remind ourselves of God’s past help and His promises for the future. This change in perspective not only helps us deal with stress but also strengthens our communion with God. When we make faith our first response, we’re not just handling tough times better—we’re also growing spiritually and becoming stronger. Our faith becomes a game-changer for navigating life’s challenges, turning obstacles into chances for deeper spiritual growth and, most importantly, forging a stronger relationship with God.■

“Shift from Reaction to Response”, written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.