Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus has done for us. And because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love… Romans 5

I want to talk about how we have real hope in Jesus even when our days seem dreary. I remember when I first started going to church, I would intently listened to the sermons hoping I would have some sort of epiphany. Months and months went by but nothing felt different for me. I had not become enlightened but now looking back God had always been drawing me near to Him. Then one day, I visited a new church and the flood gates were blown wide open. It was as if this had always been my church, my home. Everything about it spoke to my heart…the worship, the sermon, the testimonies, the atmosphere.. That was the day I started to grasps the love God has for me and I was a completely wrecked. I wanted to climb on the roof tops and tell everyone I knew and didn’t know about this mystery man. That was the day, that my faith and hope in God became real.

Let’s take a look at the Israelites so you can see how their story may be your story too. Unbelief shut the Israelites out of the promise land even though God told them what they needed to do, they chose to go their own way, causing them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. They blatantly disobeyed God. God’s plan and desire was for them to enter into the land He promised their forefathers but their unwillingness to believe kept them out. Their hearts were hardened towards God because they didn’t believe what he could do for them. When we choose to go our own way, we never enter into His rest.

So, what is rest, really? Rest is knowing without a shadow of a doubt who God is and How much he cares about us. Let’s say that you are struggling financially trying to figure out how to get out of debt. You use all your resources and strength but still keep coming up short so you are anxious, panicked, and worried to say the least. Are you resting now? Chances are, no but you can rest once you begin to surrender your finances over to God. When you start to go to the only one who can truly help you, your works seize and they then become His work. When we are trying to fight our own battles, lean on our own understanding, and taking matters into our own hands we are essentially saying that God is too small and too powerless to handle such a big task. The question is do you really believe that God is too small and too powerless or is there something deep within you that knows He is the answer to everything in your life?

When that” something” happens in our lives that erupt such emotions as fear and worry; those emotions are normal and are there for a reason. You can look at them as red flags getting your attention” HEY YOU, I NEED YOU TO LOOK AT WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE” Then our part is to surrender it over to God and let the great one work for us while we rest in His promises. If you have an area in your life that needs God and I will tell you straight up, you do! Then what I suggest is to start looking at the promises in His word on what you are battling with right now.

We should be thankful that we have a high priest, counselor, mediator who does everything for us when we whisper, “Jesus, I need your help.” Go boldly before the throne of grace and lay your request with thanksgiving down.

The lies you will hear from the enemy will have you thinking

You’re not going to make it

God’s not going to help you

You are worthless

These are lies because you have been reconciled to Christ. Do you know that reconciled means equal? We have the same worth as Christ. So let me wrap this up with some food for thought….

When things are great and when things are terrible in your life, act in accordance by:

1. Staying in relationship with Jesus

2. Call on Him for all things and wait patiently as He works miracles on your behalf

3. All battles are not yours, they are His. Pray without ceasing

4.Be tender-hearted, courtesy, helpful

5. Turn away from evil. DO NOT RETURN EVIL FOR EVIL. It’s ok to be wrong. It’s ok for someone to go before you

Ways we know we are out of alignment with God

1. You don’t like yourself

2. You don’t like others

3. You compare yourself to others

4. You constantly worry

Stand on the word and promises of God and in His time, you will experience first hand His love for every little detail in your life.

xo