Is it just me?

Is it just me, or is everyone's circle of family and friends going through difficult times? The great (or he is in my eyes!) Charles Stanley said "before Jesus ever sets before us an "impossible" task, He knows what He is going to do. But He watches us and tests us to see how well we will react - either in fear, confusion, or faith!" When Jesus was getting ready to feed the 5,000, He asked Phillip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" John 6:5.. It goes on to say that Jesus said this to test Phillip (vs 6) Jesus knew He was going to feed these people with no problem. The test is do we trust Jesus when He brings an impossible situation in our lives? My first thought is fear. Wow, do I have lots of work to do to overcome fear.
I would say to those family and friends, there are going to be hard days, no doubt about it. Don't think you are exempt because you pray and read your Bible, and even go to church! God is ready to test your faith. Will you pass the test? Through Bible study and prayer is where you will grow your roots in Christ - stay grounded; and of course, go to church to worship and fellowship with other believers. Until the day Christ returns, we are going to have trials -
"Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near!" Luke 21:27-28. Hallelujah and Praise God. I can hardly wait!!

Blessings!
Gayle

P.S. Don't forget to hug your daughter!!

His Yoke is easy....

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30..
What does it mean "take my Yoke upon you and learn from Me?" According to the Life Application Study Bible, A yoke is a "heavy wooden harness that fits over the shoulders of an ox" from there, a heavy piece of equipment is then attached and the oxen pulls it." When Jesus says, "take My Yoke upon you" that doesn't mean He will take the burdens away, but He will give us the means of carrying them so that they are not too much for us. We will always have sorrows, pain and discomforts of the world, but He carries them instead of us. Why is it so hard for me to give up all those "things" that He will gladly carry for me? Why does my stubbornness prevent me from just giving it all up?

I recently had someone tell me "aren't you glad you have the Lord in your life?" I cannot even fathom living this life without Him and learning from Him.. I know there are many Christians who are just plugging along carrying all the loads (including me most days) I don't know about you, but I want to live for Him, serve Him, not compromise my beliefs for Him and rest in His Love. Plus, give Him all my burdens and struggles. I have been excited hearing the Lord speak to me these past few weeks and I look forward to see what He has in store for me next!

My prayer for you is that your load will be made easy by letting Jesus just do His thing in your life today!!

Blessings to you & don't forget to hug your daughter!
Gayle