Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Wednesday to you all! It’s so good to be back with you today…and my prayer is that we will always live with the hope that God is on our side…no matter what we face in life…and no matter what attempts to remove us from His loving presence…Amen!
This morning, as I’ve been relaxing and watching the snow fall outside my office window; God began to lead me to a song titled… “You Know My Name”...and as I was listening to the song; He began to remind me that He not only knows our name from the time He first created us; but because He does know our name…He can also hold our hand and walk us through the darkest moments we face in life…and one of the best verses in the Bible that reminds us that He does know us by name; is found in Jeremiah 1:5a, which reads… “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;"
How many times have we felt forgotten in life, especially during times of affliction? Moments such as these can make us feel forgotten by God; but I’m here to remind you that God hasn’t forgotten the one He created. Remember…He has known you from the very beginning…and one thing I know…He doesn’t forget us, during these difficult times of need. Maybe He doesn’t always answer our prayers at the time we expect Him to; but He is there in the shadows of these darkened moments…working to repair what has been broken within our lives.
You know, there is one thing that I have truly learned to do, while facing moments of affliction; and that is to continually search God’s word for the truth that can keep my mind and heart free, from the deceptive lies that Satan attempts to take me down with; so today, I would like to share another Bible verse with you that God has used as a reminder to me that He truly does know us by name…and this Bible verse is found in Psalm 56:8, which reads… “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” When I think on the words in this Bible verse…I not only feel drawn to God; but I also see the connection that God has with us. Just think…God not only watches over us; but He also keeps track of every sorrow that crosses our hearts; and the tears that have fallen from these moments are stored and recorded in His book. In other words…He’s constantly in touch with us…making sure that we are alright, even when we don’t always see it that way.
You know…out of all that I have experienced in this life of mine, I have come to truly see how moments of affliction definitely have a way of turning our thoughts around, while working to keep our hearts low. It seems that when we don’t see or experience anything good; then we begin to wonder if we have truly been taken captive by these moments of affliction; but one thing I would like to remind us all of today; are the words in Isaiah 43:1, which reads… “But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
No matter what is hurting you today, I would just like to remind you; that these moments of affliction don’t own you; for you belong to the One who created you…and one thing I know…God does not create anyone or anything, unless He knows that He can love that person or thing first…and since He was the One who created you out of love; don’t you think that He will always know you by name?
Have a very blessed day…and ALWAYS remember that God has loved you, even before He created you…and because of His true love for you; He will never forget you…or forsake you…Amen!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

​Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Tuesday to you all! I truly hope and pray that your day is off to a great start…and as we begin this time together, I also pray that we will truly experience the love of Jesus in our hearts each day…a love that can keep us lifted up during these difficult times…Amen!
Today, I would like to start out by relaying a message to you, from Jesus’ heart to yours…and what He longs for you to know; is that He truly loves you! You know…with all that is taking place right now, we can sometimes find it difficult to believe these words of love. In fact, the evil that surrounds us at times can make it seem as if Jesus has forgotten us and walked away; but I have found that these difficult times are actually the moments, when Jesus’ love does draw closer to us. Maybe life isn’t going in the direction that we thought it would go…and maybe it seems as if Jesus isn’t answering our prayers; but He’s there…and even though it may not be His time to fix what’s been broken…He will remain close; for it says in Psalm 34:18… “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Even before beginning this writing today, I was thinking on how it’s not always easy to convince those who are deeply hurting, of a love that can be so real and so true…and as was thinking on this; God led me to a few Bible verses in Romans 5:6-8, which reads… “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7) Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Can you imagine anyone in your life ever dying for the wrong that you have done? Yes…maybe someone would be willing to give up something for you, for the good you have done; but I don’t think that anyone would ever be willing to die for someone else… especially for the wrong that they have already done.
Through my own past…I came to see that when I would endure hard times; that this would also seem to be the time when people suddenly disappeared and walked away; but here, we read about One who never chose to walk away from us; but instead, One who longed to draw closer to us, by giving up His entire life for us....knowing that we weren’t perfect people.
I believe that once we can come to truly see what Jesus gave up for us on the cross; that is when that perfect love will hit our hearts and become real. We must remember that Jesus didn’t just say, “I love you;” but instead, He proved that love through action, as He became the complete sacrifice for us…what love!
You know…even though we come to see and experience this love that goes way beyond any other love we’ve ever known; there can still be times when we struggle to hold tightly to that love…so may I encourage you today, with a Bible verse from Deuteronomy 31:6, which reads… “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Remember one thing today…Jesus never forsook you at the cross; so why would He ever forsake you now? We must remember that this great love comes from a big God…One that is greater than any other thing that we might experience in life; so we need to let His love be strength for us right now…and place our trust fully in Him, rather than what is taking place around us. When we can truly take hold of this perfect love; that is when we will know without a doubt that Jesus will always be there, to walk us through these difficult times…Amen!
Have a very blessed day…and may you always feel and experience the most perfect love…the love of Jesus! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Monday to you all! I hope and pray that your week is off to a great start…and that no matter what you may be facing at this time; I pray that you will be able to find the strength through Christ to focus on the past moments of His faithfulness in your life, rather than the problems that stand before you right now…Amen!
During the past few days, I have been struggling with a little discouragement, as everything lately had seemed to be crumbling down around me. As Keith and I began to spend some time with God yesterday…I honestly didn’t know if I could focus on any writing or Bible reading, due to how I was feeling. Even though I was thinking this way…God seemed to be thinking a different way, as He began to take me back to some of my past journals….writings that came about at one time…from His heart to mine.
As I began to open up the first journal; this is what I read… “It seems as though the plain and simple path now has ruts and obstacles in my way. I guess that Satan saw that life was too easy with You Lord; so now he’s come along to make it difficult.
This thorn that he now wiggles deep within my soul, has brought deep pain to my body…along with other difficult moments of struggle; but I must remember who I serve…and it’s not this thorn that is attempting to control my life.
Help me Lord, to not follow after this controlling pain; but rather, help me to follow after your controlling power. Lord, You have taught me many times that even though Satan afflicts us…it’s truly your power that controls him…and the affliction that he places within us. Lord, let me be a mighty warrior in your army…one that follows You, while trusting You. May I not sit in these ashes of despair; but may I stand strong, even with these wounds I bear for You. Let Your words fill my thoughts with words of encouragement; that I may not give up. Take me to higher ground Lord, and let me rise above the enemy; that he may become powerless, while You stand even more powerful within my life.
Thank you Lord, for reminding me of your strength and goodness! So now I press on…knowing that You will lead me to a place in my life, where the wounds of this battle will once more be made whole…a time when these scars will once more become a reminder to me of Your faithfulness…knowing that You will always be there for me, when other battles arise.”
After reading these words that were written about a year or two ago, I began to see what God was reminding me of...which became His way of stepping in and helping a soul that just couldn’t get back to her feet.
In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read… “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23) They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
No matter what we walk through in life…and no matter what seems to fail us or let us down in life; there is One whose faithfulness continues on…One who can make each new day, into something brand new.
Even as I read these words from my journal once more, I am reminded of a God who can be much more for us, than any other person or thing…for He knows the heart and every thought that comes from the hurt we bear.
No matter what has attempted to take you down lately…don’t get stuck there. Instead, let God bring you back to your feet…and know at the same time; that this God is a faithful God…One who will never let us down, when life seems to bring us down.
Today, I praise God for His loving faithfulness to me, which has truly become a reminder to me… that I am truly loved!
May God bless your day with His very best…and may you also know that He longs to be there in the same way for you too! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

​Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Friday to you all! I truly hope that your day is off to a great start! Before we begin our time together, I would just like to thank God for bringing us through another week…and my prayer is that God will always be there for us in the days to come…to shelter us and keep us safe from the storms of life…Amen!
Last night, as I was lying on the daybed in my office…looking out the window; I noticed that some of the old and dried out leaves from autumn were still hanging on the big maple tree. While lying there…looking out to whatever caught my eye; God began to show me that even though we had experienced several high wind storms over the past few months…these leaves still weathered those storms.
You know…we too can go through some pretty bad storms…and these storms can make us feel like we’re barely hanging onto life. Even though these storms can make us feel rough and weathered; we need to stop and realize that no matter how we were shaken or tossed about…we still made it.
As I was thinking on this deeply today; God began to lead me to a couple Bible verses in Isaiah 25:4-5, which reads… “But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall, 5) or like the relentless heat of the desert. But you silence the roar of foreign nations. As the shade of a cloud cools relentless heat, so the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled.”
These storms we face in life can come in different forms; but the one thing that caught my eye, while reading these two verses; is where it says…“For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall,”
I have come to see within my own life that a storm can stem from pain and illness…and also deep heartache; but there can also be strong storms that form from the ruthless acts of people. In fact…these kinds of storms can seem so overpowering; that we find ourselves believing that the storm will never find it’s end; but just as these leaves on the maple tree have weathered the snow, wind and rain; we too can weather these storms that try to take us down…and why…because God is greater than these storms…and He can truly become a tower of refuge to us…a place where we can find ourselves sheltered within His almighty hands.
No matter how strong these storms may appear to be; we must remember that Jesus is the master of the storm…the One who not only allows these storms; but also the One who controls these storms. Evil may attempt to make us believe that it will defeat us, through these storms that appear to be so destructive; but when we can find the strength to take our eye away from the darkness of these storms…to focus on the One who has control over the storm; that is when we will once more experience a hope that will help us to see that these storms can be silenced, as a calm overrides the soul…a calm that truly reveals to us…that with God, we can survive any storm of life…Amen!
Have a very blessed day and never give up on life; for with each storm that attempts to take us down, comes a rainbow of hope…a hope that will always remind us; that with God…everything will be just fine! Take care & God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

​Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Thursday to you all! I hope and pray that your day is going well…and that we all will truly experience God above all else…that we may be able to continually find a reason to press on…no matter what comes our way…Amen!
There is one thing I have truly experienced lately…and that is the hand of God at work in my life. It’s amazing how God’s presence can continue to shine forth, even in the midst of these dark moments we’re facing…that is, if we are anticipating Him, rather than what could possibly come forth from the difficult times that surround us.
When I was going through some of the deepest darkest moments of my life…moments, when I couldn’t even begin to see a glimpse of hope; God brought a song to my heart and here are some of the lyrics… “So you've lost your will to live. Seems you're down to your last friend and the weight of the world keeps trying to pull you in. Though you failed at plans you've made…don't forget all the steps you've made. He has brought you this far…He can take you the rest of the way. Don't give up. Don't give in. Give it all to Him…cause He cares so much more than you know. When it seems who you really want to be; is someone you'll never become…just look how far you've come.”
Now if we were to look at what is happening around us; then I could easily see why we would want to give up…and why…because when we are caught up in the story of what seems to be taking place at the time; then that is when we also find ourselves believing that this story won’t have a good ending. The only problem with this; is that only God knows the ending to our story…and if we continue to follow what the problem is attempting to convey to us; then we just might miss out on what God truly had planned for us, through these difficult times.
We need to remember every single day…that it’s Satan who longs for us to give up; for this is his way of weakening us…to a place where he can control us. If we want to remain strong through these hard and difficult times; then we must shun the thoughts that are attempting to bring us down and connect with the One who can keep us standing through it all.
The hope that we can take hold of today is found in Joshua 1:9, which reads… “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
If we are going to truly be able to rise above everything that is taking place around us; then first, we need to quit focusing on the thoughts that can keep us caught in a web of discouragement…and even more; we need to remember that no matter what we may face…our God is there, in the midst of it all.
Life may not be easy…and the struggles we face may work overtime to control us; but when we know in our hearts that God is there…no matter what; then we won’t have a desire to give up; but rather, we will have the strength to go beyond the evil that’s surrounding us…to discover something new.
If I had one Bible verse to encourage you with today; then that would be 2 Chronicles 15:7, which reads… “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." Like the Bible verse says…we need to become stronger than the deceptive thoughts that are being used as a means of taking us down…and how do we do that…first we stop trying to remain strong on our own broken strength and take hold of a strength that is greater than weakness…a strength that only comes through Jesus Christ. Once we have discovered a strength that can keep us high above these discouraging moments; that is when the will to give up will lessen, while the desire to pursue something better will become greater…and from there; that is when we will find ourselves pressing on with the strength of almighty God, as we continue to pursue the blessing that can come forth through these difficult times.
As we close, I pray that we all will discover a strength that is greater than weakness…one that can easily become a reminder to us…to never give up or give into the evil that surrounds us…Amen!
Have a very blessed day and I will see ya soon!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

​Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Wednesday to you all! It’s so good to be back with you today…and my prayer for all of us; is that we will know in our hearts that God is a God that ALWAYS prevails…no matter what may attempt to take us down…Amen!
This morning as I was getting ready to begin my day, I was thinking on the evil that seems to be out of control in this world. Moments such as these can actually attempt to take our thoughts to a place where we feel that the lies and deception of this world will prevail above the truth.  
You know…I think the thing we need to do each day; is to remember that the power of evil can never supersede the power of God, even though these forms of deception have a way of making these difficult times seem so real.
As I was focusing on these thoughts this morning; God began to take me to a Bible verse in Isaiah 54:17, which reads… “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me, says the LORD.”
One thing I have truly come to see over my lifetime; is that God didn’t give us His word, just so we could read it like any other book or novel; but instead, He gave us His word to help us through these unexpected moments of life that would come our way.
We must keep reminding ourselves of the power of God and focus solely on that power, rather than the so-called power that seems to be descending upon us through deceit…and even more, we must always remember that the blood of Jesus is much more powerful than any weapon formed against us through evil.
During these trying times of life, we can question God, as to where He is in our lives and in this world; but the thing that God has taught me personally; is that everything doesn’t always happen in the way we think…or even in the timing in which we think it should happen. Even though these difficult moments of life can make us feel as if God has left us alone in the dark moments of despair; we can rest assured of one thing…Jesus didn’t defeat Satan at the cross, only to end up defeated. Yes…Satan is going to throw some pretty wicked weapons our way…weapons that he longs to defeat us with; but I know a God who will step in with sword and shield…to become the mighty warrior we need…One who will never allow any weapon of evil to prosper or succeed.
As we close, I pray that we all will hold to this truth that God has given us in His word…and that we won’t allow ourselves to be drawn into deception; but that we will know in our hearts that God will ALWAYS be there for us…no matter what!
Have a very blessed day in the Lord and I will see ya soon! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Monday to you all! I hope that your week is off to a good start…and that you will truly come to see that every day is a new beginning…a time when God can take the worst of our yesterdays and make them into something brand new…Amen!
Last night, as I ended my Sunday, I was experiencing some rough moments…and as I closed my eyes, I began to talk with God and say… “Help me Lord, to walk beyond today…to see a brighter tomorrow.”
You know…in these times that we are living in right now, we can experience moments, when we feel so weighed down by all that is happening around us…and moments such as these have a way of dictating what tomorrow may be like, while attempting to steal the hope that we once had living within us. Moments such as these can become so intense; that we begin to feel as if we will never see the light of a good day again; so today, I would like to start out by sharing a special Bible verse with you that’s found in 2 Corinthians 4:16, which reads… “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
I don’t know about you; but some days can be so difficult to get through. As the hour glass continually drains itself of the time we have left here on earth, it seems as if the trials and troubles of this life only intensify…and there can even be moments when these times of affliction overtake our thoughts…and before we realize it, we have let go of God’s hand…to take hold of what is already weighing us down.
One thing that always seems to catch my eye with 2 Corinthians 4:16; is where it says… “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” We need to realize that if we are too focused on where these moments of affliction have led us…and what they may have already done to our hearts and minds; then that is where we will become convinced that there is no hope for something better to happen.
What we need to remind ourselves of each day; is that even though these moments of affliction have affected our minds and hearts…and even though they may have also affected us in other ways; that doesn’t mean that God can’t mend what’s been broken and bring about something new. When we can continually remind ourselves that each day gives us another chance in life; that is when I believe that we will find the strength through Christ, to emotionally walk beyond the moments that are attempting to take us down…and from there; that is where we will be able to look for a brighter tomorrow.
No matter what you may be facing right now, may I encourage you to not allow these moments to trap your mind and heart within a pit of despair; for even though the day may not appear to be what you thought it would be; God is at work within you…working to bring about a brighter tomorrow.
Have a very blessed day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
PS…Tomorrow, I won’t be on the blog; but I will hope to see you again on Wednesday.

​Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Friday to you all! I pray that your day is going well!  As we begin this time together…my prayer is that our hearts would become more preoccupied with Jesus, rather than the problems that seem to be surrounding us at this present time…Amen!!
You know…while living in the midst of these troubled times; there is one thing we need to remember…and that is how important it is to remain connected with Jesus. If we have a heart that’s truly filled with His presence; then we can rest assured that nothing will be able to invade our hearts but Him.
As I was thinking on this a few days ago…I was truly awakened to the fact that we do experience much more needless suffering within our lives because we tend to allow negative thoughts and feelings to fill up the heart, which only creates a clutter within the heart; that prevents Jesus from doing what we long for Him to do.
As I was thinking more and more on this today; God took me to a Bible verse in Psalm 51:10, which reads… “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Each day we need to keep our hearts free from the clutter that can attempt to suffocate the heart. Now days, it’s so easy for our minds and hearts to drift into what is taking place around us. Moments like these can attempt to overwhelm us…in a way that only causes these thoughts and feelings to become stored up within the heart. Once this takes place; that is when hope begins to dwindle, as Jesus becomes more distant in our lives.
As we walk through these darkened moments of life, we need to allow Jesus to create a new heart within us…one that is free from clutter; so the light of His presence can illuminate the heart and keep hope burning brightly within us.
As I have been thinking on all the changes that have been happening in this world lately, I have also come to see how easily we can find ourselves walking down these broken paths. Let’s face it…life here on earth has become something much different, than what it once was. Even though this world has a way of changing into something we never thought could ever be; that doesn’t mean that Jesus has changed in power…or in strength. I think the thing we need to come to grips with today…that will help us to keep these cluttered thoughts and feelings outside of the heart; is to walk beyond the storms that surround us…to seek something better and brighter, even if it’s only discovering a closer connection with Jesus; then what we once had before the storms began to rain down upon us.
No matter what we may be facing…and no matter where these moments have taken us; we need to remember one thing…and that is to keep the heart open to Jesus; because let’s face it…we need Him to be in the heart…to guard, guide and protect us, from the evil that seems to be surrounding us now days. When the heart can remain free from thoughts and feelings that stem from worry, doubt and fear; that is when Jesus will remain within the heart…to fill our hearts with only Him…and if we have a heart like this; then like I said before…nothing will be able to invade the heart and keep us from the help and hope we so desperately need right now…Amen!
Have a very blessed day…and remember to always make Jesus first and foremost within the heart. God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

​Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Thursday to you all! I truly hope and pray that your day is going well…and even more, I pray that you will ALWAYS know that God has control over whatever may come your way…AMEN!!
First of all…as we begin, I would like to say that it’s good to be back with you today! Over the past 24 hours or so, we were experiencing a bad wind storm…and you won’t believe this; but the wind gusts got up to 60 mph, which I have never experienced before.
As Keith and I were visiting in the living room…preparing to begin another new day, the lights began to flash on and off, until they went off for good…so here I was with no power or internet service.
After getting around and making a phone call, I actually didn’t know what to do with myself; because I was so used to my daily ministry schedule…so after getting around, I decided to try and prep something for dinner, just in case the power was to come back on.
First, I started out by making some no-bake granola bars. Even though I didn’t need my oven, I still needed a stovetop to melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips…so I’m saying to God… “How can we do this?” Before I knew it, an idea began to spring up in my thoughts, which led me to Iight a 4 wick candle and safely place it in the kitchen sink. From there, I took a large cooling rack and placed it from the center part of the sink, to the other edge of the sink. Once I got it all set up, I took a small saucepan…and you won’t believe it; but the peanut butter and chocolate actually melted…and before I knew it, the granola bars were finished. After finishing the granola bars, I began to braid some bread dough with ham and cheese stuffed in the middle…and from there; I put everything in the fridge and cleaned up the kitchen.
Once I was finished with everything in the kitchen, I decided to go outside and fix a few of my bird feeders and just relax…so out the door I went. As I was listening to the wind whip through the pine trees; I began to focus on the power of God…and I was quickly reminded, as to how this wind was only an ounce of the power that must be contained within this powerful God.
Now as I sit here with you today, I am not only reminiscing back to what I experienced yesterday; but I am also seeing the calm after the storm. In other words…a day with no wind or rain…only sunshine and beautiful birds surrounding me at the feeders.
Before beginning my time with you today, I began to search God’s word for a Bible verse or two that would inspire us even more…and God led me to a few Bible verses in Matthew 8:23-27, which reads… “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24) Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25) The disciples went and woke him, saying, "LORD, save us! We're going to drown!" 26) He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27) The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Here these disciples had journeyed with Jesus; but yet, they still stood amazed at how He was able to calm the storm. Don’t we realize that with every storm, there has to come a time of calm…a time, when a powerful God walks us out of the darkness of the storm…and into the sunshine of a new day?
Just as the sun sets and rises again; so too, does God work…with not only the storms that surround us; but also the storms that enter our lives…and no matter what comes our way, we can rest assured…knowing that with this powerful God…a time will come, when we will once more be able to experience the calm after the storm…Amen!
Have a very blessed day…and I will hope to see you soon! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

​Hello everyone…and a very happy and blessed Tuesday to you all! I hope that your day is off to a good start! As we begin our time together today, my prayer is that we will no longer fear weakness; but rather, know in our hearts that the grace of God is greater than anything that may attempt to take us down…Amen!!
During times such as these, we can find it so easy to get caught up in weakness and the difficult moments that stand before us. Isn’t it amazing how Satan can try to convince us that nothing will ever be great enough to save us from these difficult times?
As I was searching God’s word for a Bible verse that would help and encourage us all; God led me to a few Bible verses in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, which reads… “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9) And he said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Many of our circumstances may not be exactly like Paul experienced; but one thing we can truly have confidence in; is that God’s grace is more than sufficient, for whatever we may be facing at the time.
When I first discovered these Bible verses; it was at a time in my life, when I truly had felt that all hope was gone. As I look back to these moments in my life…I see times, when I did as Paul…begging God continually to save me; but even though God didn’t respond at the time I wanted Him to…and even though God didn’t answer my prayer in the way I wanted Him to; He did show me that His grace was sufficient…through the way He sustained me.
You know…there can be times, when we feel as if we are about to go down with the evil that seems to be controlling our lives at the time; but I’m here to encourage you and say that just as God spared Paul’s life…and my life too; He will be there for all of us…and until that time, we just need to rest in His loving arms and know that His grace is more than sufficient to save us from these trying times that surround us.
I remember a time in my youth, when I was sitting in a Sunday school class…and our teacher was speaking on the word “Grace”…and the one thing that truly stuck with me throughout my life; is what she shared with all of us that day…and this is what she said… “Grace means “God’s Riches At Christ Expense.”   
We must come to one realization today and that is this…Christ didn’t give up His entire life to free us; so that He could stand by and watch this world or even our circumstances place us back in bondage. I believe that when we truly come to the realization of all that Jesus did for us on the cross; that is when we will truly believe in His saving grace.
Maybe this world is slowly falling apart; but I know a God who is ready to catch us and draw us even closer to Him. Remember…those who truly accept Jesus into their hearts are now His children…and I don’t know about you; but I don’t believe that Jesus is ever going to allow any harm or destruction to fall upon His children…the ones He loves…and the ones He died for.
When we can truly see the grace of God as a shield to protect us; that is when we will truly come to see God as something greater than what surrounds us…and that is when we will also know in our hearts that nothing can ever be greater than God’s grace…Amen!!
Have a very blessed day…and ALWAYS know that you are surrounded by the loving presence…of a God who loves you so very much! God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane