faith – Page 3 – GREENLiGHT

Jacob Was Afraid. But God Had A Plan…

Jacob was Afraid to Go…but God had a plan.

I love Joseph! His brothers were mean to him. They sold him as a slave. But God had a plan. My focus was always on Joseph and how he loved and trusted the Lord. It meant everything to me throughout my life. Then a bible study that I attended opened my eyes to Jacob—Joseph’s dad; the mean guy. Jacob the deceiver. I actually disliked him most of my life. Why? He deceived his father and brother Esau in getting his birthright.

But later in life when he was old and grey, he longed for his son Joseph who he thought had died because his other sons had told him so.

Then, when the Lord finally opened the doors for Joseph, and he was in charge in Egypt, Jacob was asked to visit. But he was afraid. He didn’t want to lose his youngest son.

I never thought much about Jacob, who was a deceiver in his early life, yet was himself deceived by his father-in-law years later. He had to work 14 years to get Joseph’s mom, Rachel. No wonder he loved Joseph so much.

The point is, Jacob was afraid to go to Egypt because he could not see the future. Yet, God had a plan! When he finally gave in and went, he not only received back his youngest son, Benjamin; he also received back to life, his other son Joseph! Oh, how the Lord works if we only trust Him!

I walked away from that study thinking of how scared I am at times because I cannot see what’s around the corner. I can’t see what lies ahead. But through Jacob’s experience, my mind has been rekindled to trust the Lord who holds the future.

When you can’t see, obey and trust Him. He will work it out. Find out more about GreenLight: When God Says Go

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:11)

When God Says No…

My grace is sufficient for you

How many times have we asked the lord for something and he said no? Im sure there are many times.

Personally, as a child my dream was always to become a nurse as I love taking care of others. For some reason my path turned and I ended up in banking which (through my responsibilities), wet my appetite for the Human Resource role. I transitioned into pharmaceuticals, then more direct healthcare managing several medical clinics. As I reflect, his purpose was to place me in an area where I was more able to affect patient care through pharmaceuticals and clinical care through other healthcare professionals.

On the other hand, Cancer took my mom, grandma, and sister from our family despite our prayers for healing. Though I miss them terribly, his response was to provide them with spiritual healing from the wear and tear on their bodies. I couldn’t be selfish in wanting them around me much longer.

So remember, sometimes God says yes. Other times he says no. The important thing we can do is to trust him. His plan is always best for you.

Take some time this season to reflect on the path he has taken you through. He has given you the GreenLight.

Blessings overflow.

We Forgot to Pray!

hands portrait child — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

My grandson RJ awoke with a start and with a loud outburst panicked “We Forgot to Pray!” I replied with a big grin “so let’s do it now.” To which he replied, “no, it’s not night, night.”

Caused me to think of how often I ‘forget to pray’ and when the spirit urges me, I postpone it for the ‘right’ time. With God, any prayer time is always the right time. What about now?

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)

Everything Is Make Believe …

Everything is make believe. It’s what you make yourself believe.

The Gift…

One Christmas, my boss, gave me a gift. It was an envelope. Being the sentimental person that I am, I tucked the envelope away to read later. I love reading and value words. Four months later while going through some stuff on my nightstand, I discovered an envelope. Curious, I opened it wondering why—or if I had forgotten to open it before. Sure enough, I had. When I opened it, there was a Christmas card that had a gift of $100 in it. With a gasp, I immediately called and enquired the reason she had not asked if I had seen it. She just smiled.

It caused me to think. God gives us many valuable gifts packaged in different ways. But if we never open it, we will never receive the value He has in store for us. Why not open your gift today? Accept the value He has for you.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Go And I will Tell You What to Do…

All things work together for good

When God says go, we need to move. Be obedient to His instructions. Partake. Step forward in faith. Then He will show His mighty power as He did with men of old.

Peter, when he was told to cast his net on the other side asked, “Lord I am an expert fisherman. What you are asking me to do, does not make sense. It will not work.” The Lord answered—try me. In faith, Peter did and could hardly bring in the fish.

In the same way, Cornelius was instructed by God to go, and he would see Saul praying. Me Lord? How can I? Don’t you know? Can’t you see that this is the man who has been harming the people who speak directly in your name, yet you are asking me to go see him? Well yes, Go to Ananias’ house. Then Cornelius stepped out in obedience and went to Ananias’ house. There he saw Paul who was immediately healed and went on to become one of the greatest teachers of all times.

Samuel was told to go to the house of Jesse, and he would be told which of his sons to anoint. Lord, how can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me. The Lord replied, “just go, and I will tell you what to do.” Samuel obeyed, went and anointed David who became one of the greatest kings, leader, and writer of many psalms that edify today.

The point is when the Lord speaks—obey. Even when things don’t make sense, just obey and watch Him work things out for your good. Remember it’s not your plan, it’s His! He will work it out!

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)KJV

GreenLight: When God Says Go…

I’ve always asked God to give me the GREEN LIGHT when I’m driving to work and running late. Whether He does, is not the point. The point is Green Light is like finding out the will of the Lord. We find that out step by step; day by day; walking with Him.

We cannot get green lights before we’re on the road; or before we get to the intersections. At the lights, we are told what to do—Prepare to stop; Stop, or Go.

That’s how it is with God’s will. When we get to life’s intersections (whether it’s decision-making, trials, job or career, business, relationships, or other), He tells us what to do, where to go, and what to say. Abraham did it with his son when he said God will provide the lamb to be slaughtered.

Step by step; day by day; with obedience and faith, you too can know God’s will for your life.

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes9:7)NIV