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Step by Step

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Many times, when things didn’t go my way, I felt frustrated. My mind kept dwelling on these issues and how I could have changed my reactions, responses and decisions for a better outcome. However, eventually the result would be a good one making me realise that although things seemed negative at that time, it was for the best. God guides me in the right way even if I cannot see the whole picture.

My experience with God shows that taking life forward one step at a time, trusting God to hold me and carry me over any broken step is the right thing to do. Whatever the state of the staircase, God will take us to the top to land at the place ultimately planned and prepared for us by Him. This applies to our worldly life here as well as to our spiritual destination. He will be there guiding us step by step.

Moving forward in life with this faith can give us a sense of peace and well-being.

Saying this, it does not mean that I am able to keep my mind from worrying. I do worry, but then God’s small, inner voice reminds me to leave it to Him. When I entrust it to Him, I am able to get through without over stressing.

Thank You Lord Jesus for guiding me throughout my life. I am sorry for the many instances when I worry unnecessarily. Thank you for getting me back on track each time. I don’t know how I could have gone through life without you. Thank you so much Lord Jesus.

A Time to Think
Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. –Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Time to Act
Believe in God’s power to transform you and situations around you.
A Time to Pray
Dear Lord, guide me towards Your plan. Help me to take the first step.
Daily Scripture & Reflection

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Time Alone with Him…

It’s been a long time since I wrote.

I have been too busy running and running, trying to finish this and that – so muddled up that even while praying, my mind was distracted with things to do.

Blogging also kept getting postponed.

God has been prompting me during the last week to get things in order. So finally, today I was able to focus. My time with God this morning was more fruitful and helped me analyse my feelings and see the futility of messing up my mind with insignificant concerns. They can wait. Time with and for God are more important. The rest can wait and happen as and when they should.

Surprisingly, the article below that I read today is also about time alone with God and reminded me about my priorities and how more focussed time will help God do His work in me.

When I prayed today, I realised how much I had missed this time with God where my mind was for Him rather than running wild about pending work issues. I used to feel so content every morning after my time with God, assured that He is in charge.

Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that it's time I got myself back into my well organised life starting with my time with you focussed on you alone so I can listen to your guidance. Thank you for the peace and assurance you give us. Thank you for bearing with me during my quick prayers, during times when my thoughts were elsewhere during prayer time. Thank you for holding on to me when I seemed distant. I don’t know what I would have done if you had just let me go in my own way without your support and prompting. Thank you so much Oh Lord Jesus!

Have You Ever Been Alone With God?
When they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples. MARK 4:34
Our Solitude with Him. Jesus does not take us alone and expound things to us all the time; He expounds things to us as we can understand them. Other lives are parables. God is making us spell out our own souls. It is slow work, so slow that it takes God all time and eternity to make a man and woman after His own purpose. The only way we can be of use to God is to let Him take us through the crooks and crannies of our own characters. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We do not know envy when we see it, or laziness, or pride. Jesus reveals to us all that this body has been harbouring before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look in with courage?
We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves, it is the last conceit to go. The only One Who understands us is God. The greatest curse in spiritual life is conceit. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we shall never say — “Oh, I am so unworthy,” because we shall know we are, beyond the possibility of stating it. As long as we are not quite sure that we are unworthy, God will keep narrowing us in until He gets us alone. Wherever there is any element of pride or of conceit, Jesus cannot expound a thing. He will take us through the disappointment of a wounded pride of intellect, through disappointment of heart. He will reveal inordinate affection — things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone. We listen to many things in classes, but they are not an exposition to us yet. They will be when God gets us alone over them.
From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

It is not what a man does that is of final importance, but what he is in what he does. The atmosphere produced by a man, much more than his activities, has the lasting influence.
Wisdom from Oswald Chambers, From Baffled to Fight Better, 51 L

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An all-powerful God is with us

Some of the biggest life blows come in the form of a diagnosis. Cancer. Disease. Chronic illness. Disability. Pain. It can send us spiraling. Yet nothing takes God by surprise, and he reminds us in the midst of bad news, we still don’t have to fear. We can trust him. Pray that God will flood your heart with the assurance that he holds you and will carry you through the toughest times in this life. Thank him in advance for his healing and strength. Believe his Word that assures you he is near to the brokenhearted and saves those whose spirits are crushed.
Find Hope in the Storm, Crosswalk.com

They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7

Today’s quote reminds me of all the people who are suffering due to the Covid pandemic.

People who have fallen ill.

People whose loved ones have been diagnosed with the disease.

People whose loved ones have passed away.

I pray that God gives them strength and assurance to get through the situation. Only God can give healing. Only God can hold us through these tough times.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
Psalm 34:17-20

It is a very scary situation.

Anyone can get infected with the disease at any time.

Prince and Prime Minister, slum dwellers and labourers.

There is no discrimination.

Covid-19 can infect anyone.

All are human.

Whether technologically advanced or uneducated, we are all helpless.

It shows that as human beings, there are issues and situations beyond our power, but God is all powerful. He will carry us through.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

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Nothing is impossible for Him …

This world can feel dark many days. And in troubling times, that darkness can hover closely. Yet God is still there. And he reminds us that he’s greater than anything we face in this life. His power is the one who can set us free from the pit we sometimes sink down into. Pray for God’s miraculous power to break through the darkness and cover you, lift you up, out of the place you may find yourself in today. Believe that nothing is impossible with him, ask him for his healing and grace to touch the deepest parts of your life.
Find Hope in the Storm, Crosswalk.com

I am very very worried about my daughter’s college admission. To get into a good university for the course of her choice, she needs to score very high grades. She was not able to perform that well.

Her last exam has been postponed due to lock-down in our country due to the Covid situation.

During all the worry about the pandemic and its effects, exams and admissions seem a silly reason to worry.

Still, it is a great concern for us because her future depends on it.

Although I keep saying that I am leaving it to God to guide us, worry and panic keep popping up in between.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

Dear Lord, please strengthen my faith and my trust in you to leave my worries into your loving, capable hands. Nothing is impossible for you. You can work wonders and miracles. Please please take care of my daughter’s admission, Lord.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26

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Martha or Mary???

When days feel full and busy, our time with God may get pushed out. Don’t fall for that trap. Time with God will always keep our focus clear and help us move in the right direction. He is able to multiply your efforts and fill you with great peace and joy even in the midst of chaos. Ask for his help to spend time in his presence, pray that he will help you to say yes to the best, and let the other things go.
Find Hope in the Storm, Crosswalk.com

This is very true and happens to me a lot. On days when everything is hectic and out of control, if I take even a few minutes in the morning and night to say a quick word, I am able manage my day in a more calm and organised way.

Although, recently I feel that a quick word is not enough and that I need to spend additional time even when I am busy. I feel that if I can find time for other unimportant tasks, I can set aside more time if I put my mind to it.

The question is – should I be like Martha or Mary?

When my daughter was in hospital for one week, I made time for prayer twice a day. When I look back, it was prayer that had grounded me, assured me and kept me from panic.

Sometimes, I do feel like neglecting prayer time, but with God’s grace and reminder I am able to go back to Him to spend time with Him.

Thank you Lord Jesus for not letting me go. Please keep a hold on me even when I waver. Thank you for being my rock and refuge.

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When the journey is too much …

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

When your energy is totally depleted because of extra commitments, when you’ve been sick and have nothing left to give, when obstacles seem to thwart your every move—these are the moments when Satan will gather his forces for a fresh assault on your spirit. But if you respond by turning to the Lord in prayer, He will show you a way out of hopelessness and discouragement (see Ephesians 6:10–11). When we send our burdens to heaven and rest in His Spirit, we can always count on Him to lighten the load.
Night Light for Couples

My husband and I have been struggling for over two months now over our daughter’s illness and our worries about her having sufficient health and energy to learn for and do her exams well enough to get into a good university.

Through all our worries, we have been holding fast to God. He has given us strength, guidance and assurance. Without God, I am sure that we would have broken down long back worrying about our single child.

The same is true when our son, my daughter’s twin, passed away when he was just 100 days old. God gave us the strength to get through the loss. He left behind our wonderful daughter, Rose, who is so precious to us that we wonder whether we are actually worthy to be her parents, if we are really worthy of the trust with which God entrusted her to us.

We have lost control of our emotions many times, we wonder if the way we bring her up, the advice and guidance we give her are right for her. Weak and sinful as we are, we trust that God is in charge of the situation and that He will guide her paths as per His will.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Thank you so much Lord Jesus!!

Below is the reading which I had mentioned above.

The Journey Is Too Much
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Elijah had just achieved a great triumph on Mount Carmel. Now he was thoroughly drained in body and soul. The devil, who delights in attacking us when we are vulnerable, took full advantage of the situation through Jezebel’s threat to kill Elijah. Exhausted and discouraged, Elijah sat down and prayed for it all to end. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4).
God heard Elijah’s prayer and sent His tender answer through an angel: “The journey is too much for you” (v. 7). After sleeping, Elijah found that a meal had been prepared for him. He ate and drank and received new hope and strength to continue.
When your energy is totally depleted because of extra commitments, when you’ve been sick and have nothing left to give, when obstacles seem to thwart your every move—these are the moments when Satan will gather his forces for a fresh assault on your spirit. But if you respond by turning to the Lord in prayer, He will show you a way out of hopelessness and discouragement (see Ephesians 6:10–11). When we send our burdens to heaven and rest in His Spirit, we can always count on Him to lighten the load.
Before you say good night…
Are you discouraged with life because you’re simply too tired?
Do you, and your kids, turn to the Lord in all moments of distress?
When has God responded to you as He did to Elijah?
We praise Your powerful name, Lord! You are the One who makes a way where there is no way. Forgive us for limiting Your power and Your love—which have no limits at all. We offer you our lives afresh this night. Amen.
From Night Light For Parents, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson

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Seeking God for Himself

When we no longer seek God for His blessings, we have time to seek Him for Himself.
Oswald Chambers, The Moral Foundations of Life, 728 L

The above quote is something to think about. Mostly my prayer has been requests and the routine liturgy with a request to make me do God’s will.

Recently I have been wondering about what more I can do for God, but was also trying not to stress about it since God will eventually lead me in His way.

I realise that spending more time to understand God, to seek Him through prayer, meditation and scripture is necessary. Blessings are always there for us. He knows what we need and what is best for us more than us.

Lord Jesus, thank you for leading our lives in your path. I know that you will do the best for us even better than any of our efforts and planning can achieve. Instead of focussing on prayer time with requests for blessings, please talk to me and teach me. Use me, Lord.

Leave everything to God

Hi All! Just read the below “Daily Scripture & Reflection” from Guideposts.

It has calmed my anxiety, especially about my daughter’s future and has relaxed me to face the coming week. I have realised that my plans and strategies to make her study my way will not work. Leaving it to God is the best course. There is no sense in forcing my ways upon her. Thank you God.

Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (The Daily Life Bible)
A Time to Think
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. –Corrie ten Boom, author
A Time to Act
Rejoice, the future is full of promise.
A Time to Pray
Father I hold tight to Your truth and trust You to work in my life
Guideposts, 19 July 2019

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Abandonment to God

I’ve come to realise that I am more concerned about what God can do for me, how I can grow more closer to Him, in what ways I can serve him, etc. I forget that I should just leave everything to Him. I need to quit trying. God can handle them. I just have to trust Him and let Him mould me.

How much ever I make plans, schedule things, organise, nothing is possible if God does not work on them. My constant stress and struggles are unnecessary when God has already sketched out, processed and executed all that is required to meet our goals and needs. I realised that I should quit insisting on outcomes that I think are best for my family while actually God has already set in motion His plans for the outcome that would be suitable for us, which will give us happiness, contentment and joy.

As mentioned in “The Utmost for His Highest”, “To fulfil God’s design means entire abandonment to Him.”

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God’s Sovereign Provision

Hi!! I’m back after a long time. Reason for my absence? Can’t give a genuine excuse. I was just caught up with a lot of issues, neglecting my blog. Was also lazy after that. So today I forced myself to start with the blog first before moving on to other tasks.

To tell you the truth, my mind has been occupied with worries about my daughter’s education. God has gifted her with intelligence. She easily understands lessons taught in class, but has been neglecting the actual studying part. Her grades are lower than expected. I wouldn’t say that she is not working hard. She is and I hate to put pressure on her, but this is her graduating year of school and college admission depends on her grades at the end of this year. Also, she has to prepare for entrance exams to get into the college of her choice. All these need extra effort.

I spoke to her yesterday about the need to put in more time if she wanted to achieve her goals. I told her that we are saying this to help fulfil her wishes and not for our sakes. If she wanted to set an easier goal, we were fine with it.

We have left the issue to God now and we have set out a new pattern for studying. The main issue before me is how to handle her, how to say “no” without aggravating her adolescence rebellion, to make her stick to the plan. I am trusting that God will guide us through.

“God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.” – Exodus 2:25

When the Israelites were suffering under the burden of Egyptian slavery and cried out to God for help, He heard them and instructed Moses to bring liberty to His people and declared that He would once again release them “into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8).

I know that God knows all our needs and is working out His plans for our lives. Maybe, my daughter’s goals and our wishes are not as per His plan. Whatever it might be, I know that the best will happen for her so she is able to live a happy, God fearing, peaceful, wonderful life. I have shared our needs and concerns with Him, which is what I do as part of my loving relationship with Him.

I understand that God loves it when we go to Him! He works in His unique way of wisely providing what we need, not necessarily what we want. I have decided to rest in His sovereign, loving provision.

Dear God, I am grateful I can come to You with my needs. Enable me to be content in whatever paths and provisions You choose for us, especially with regard to my daughter, Rose’s future.