Giving Thanks in Times of Trial—But God
Giving thanks can be difficult when trials pile up one on another. 2020 has tested people around the world in ways no one ever imagined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreGod Seems Silent When Our World Spins Out of Control
God seems silent when our world spins out of control. When people seek to destroy each other with hate, violence, and destruction, fear threatens to dislodge faith.
God Seems Silent When Our World Spins Out of Control
2MefromHim Devotionals
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
God seems silent when our world spins out of control. When people seek to destroy each other with hate, violence, and destruction, fear threatens to dislodge faith. Hope runs low.
Our world heaves in the throes of COVID-19, riots, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. Some perceive it as contrary to God’s loving nature to allow circumstances to run their course and not intervene. However, even when we cannot understand, the Lord is still with us. God promised to never leave or forsake us. He is present even when our world spins out of control.
When people seek to destroy each other with hate, violence, and destruction, fear threatens to dislodge faith. #riots #fear #faith Share on XGod Seems Silent When We Cannot Understand
Recently, a young Cooper’s hawk began to sit on the roof outside our kitchen door in the morning. One day, I heard a persistent tapping on a skylight in our family room. The young hawk was walking on the glass and pecking with his beak. Right below the skylight sat my laundry basket with bright red towels on top. Perhaps, he was confused by what he saw but not reach.
Have you felt that way? Frustrated by world events yet powerless to act? Unable to offer words of sanity and comfort? Perhaps you feel your prayers bounce off the ceiling without being heard. Confusion. Doubt. Fear. Questions. Hopeless. Helpless. Alone.
Have you felt that way? Frustrated by world events yet powerless to act? #hopelessness #helplessness #powerless Share on XWhen God Seems Silent, We Can Be His Hands and Feet
Just as the young hawk couldn’t understand what he saw, we’re powerless to trace God’s hand in the events of our world. It’s not easy to trust and never question the wisdom of God. Yet, He never promised freedom from trials, but to go through them with us. If we fail to accept what God sends with trusting hearts, we refuse His greatest blessings. To hope in the face of the unknown enables us to believe Him and trust His word as never before.
Let God speak love through you. Be His hands and feet in a lost and fearful world. #Godislove #love #COVID19 Share on X
Perhaps, like the hawk, we must move on from what we cannot understand and seek those things we can accomplish. We must trust God to control what we cannot. How can you reach out to those touched by prejudice, violence, tragedy, or virus? You can express thanks to law enforcement and first responders. Pray with and for those without hope, who turn to violence rather than God. Let God speak love through you. Be His hands and feet in a lost and fearful world.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 #God #wisdom #purpose Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, June 1, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
Finding a Sense of Peace in Unsettled Times
A sense of peace is hard to come by in these strange days we’re living. Life has a surreal quality and I’m not alone in wondering if things will ever be close to normal again.
Finding a Sense of Peace in Unsettled Times
A 2MefromHim Devotional
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
A sense of peace is hard to come by in these strange days we’re living. Life has a surreal quality and I’m not alone in wondering if things will ever be close to normal again.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 #peace #Jesus #fear Share on XWhen I Lack a Sense of Peace
Unsettled thoughts interrupt my prayer time. Matters that were priorities before the quarantine seem amplified by new concerns. I sometimes feel close to tears. We’re separated by social distancing, confused over health guidelines, and our country seems more divided than ever. My heart cries, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.” Often, I wonder what God is doing through the COVID-19 crisis, earthquakes, fires, and unrest.
Often, I wonder what God is doing through the COVID-19 crisis, earthquakes, fires, and unrest. #COVID19 #fear #God Share on XA Sense of Peace Demonstrated
As I contemplate the mountain views spreading out from my window, it’s obvious that nature isn’t disturbed. The birds sing without care. The trees turn greener by the day. Nothing in the natural world has changed. I’m reminded of Matthew 6, where Jesus reminds us that the birds neither sow or reap, the flowers of the field don’t labor or spin because they know their heavenly Father will take care of all their needs. (Matthew 6:19-24)
I’m not to worry about how our economy or health will survive the pandemic. My hope isn’t in health or government officials. Hope comes from God, the loving Father who knows everything I need. Worry won’t add a moment to my life but it might subtract a few. Stress over relationships, money, or future plans can only bring me harm. My heavenly Father knows what is coming. He sees the future as clearly as he sees today and has seen the past. God’s knowledge of my needs at every moment of my life is perfect. His plans to provide are already in place. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Regaining a Sense of Peace
When Jesus spoke to his disciples before the crucifixion, he knew the dangers they faced, the uncertainty and persecution that would come. He knew their faith would be tested and their hearts confused. They would be afraid and he would no longer be with them in physical form to comfort them. Yet he promised to leave them with peace nothing like they had ever known—a peace that could overcome anything the world brought against them.
The early Christians faced a world every bit as uncertain as our own. Death threatened them because they believed. Yet John wrote, “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5)
My task is to remain in the peace of God. When I feel upset, my thoughts must turn to his promises. My certainty rests in Christ alone. My sense of peace resides in the Prince of Peace who lives within me. I will overcome.
My sense of peace resides in the Prince of Peace who lives within me. I will overcome. #trials #pandemic #Jesus Share on X© Copyright Norma Gail Holtman, May 14, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
When God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me
When perfect peace eludes you, where do you turn? In these days of home quarantine, social distancing, job loss, a divided country, and general unrest, it’s easy to lose my focus on the One who promises perfect peace.
When God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me
2MefromHim Devotionals
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
When perfect peace eludes you, where do you turn? In these days of home quarantine, social distancing, job loss, a divided country, and general unrest, it’s easy to lose my focus on the One who promises perfect peace.
God Reveals Perfect Peace
I gaze out my window at the quiet mountain scenery, where birds soar on the breeze, and patches of snow linger on the tallest peaks. What a picture of perfect serenity! My heart slows after fluttering with unrest while I prayed over situations that distress me. My breathing evens. Tense muscles relax. Nature can offer a glimpse of God’s perfect peace.
Job 37:7 says, “So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor.” God never intended that we should live in stress and fear. When he is my light and salvation, the stronghold of my life, my refuge and strong tower where I can run for safety, I have nothing to fear. Therefore, when I feel a sense of unrest, it alerts me to the fact that I’m not resting in God. I need to cease my labor and concentrate on him.
When I feel a sense of unrest, I need to cease my labor and concentrate on God #stress #Quarantinelife #Godislove Share on XWhen God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me, I’m Captive to Unsettling Thoughts
In reality, perfect peace has eluded me for a long time. Perhaps like me, you’re working your way back to that place of shelter and safety. Dissension in family relationships, life-altering changes, deaths, and my own tendency to fear traps me in a place of unrest, focused on people and circumstances.
However, even though I spend time in God’s word, if I don’t let his words sink deep into the soil of my heart, they die like flowers in drought. Rather than standing steadfast, I’m captive to every unsettling thought that enters my mind. Can you identify?
Even though I spend time in God’s word, if I don’t let his words sink deep into the soil of my heart #scripture #meditation #faith Share on XWhen God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me, I Need to Remember Who Holds Me Safe
Sometimes I feel like a sheep while a wolf stalks nearby. Yet, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Isaiah 49:16 tells me, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Jesus echoes the same thought in John 10, where he says that no one can snatch me out of the Father’s hands. Don’t you love the imagery of being held safe, like a little bird in the hands of God?
I long to abide in Jesus so deeply that nothing causes my trust to falter. Therefore, if I must return to God’s word time and again throughout the day, I will do so. My place of refuge is safe in the Father’s hands. Will you try that this week when fear threatens?
My place of refuge is safe in the Father’s hands #security #JesusChrist #hope Share on X© Norma Gail Thurston, April 25, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
When that Frustrated Feeling Goes Viral
I’m frustrated and I want this quarantine life to be over! I’ll bet a lot of you are with me on that one.
When that Frustrated Feeling Goes Viral
2MefromHim Devotional
Do not be angry and frustrated. Do not fret. That only leads to trouble. Proverbs 37:8 (NET)
I’m frustrated and I want this quarantine life to be over! As a matter of fact, I’ll bet a lot of you are with me on that one. The COVID-19 virus has people in every level of society, every part of the world, every age and background frustrated on some level.
Do not be angry and frustrated. Do not fret. That only leads to trouble. Proverbs 37:8 #anger #frustration #relationships Share on XWhen Life Makes You Frustrated
If you’re high-risk, it’s scary! As a matter of fact, my husband was laid off. We’re stuck in our homes, the kids are out of school, everything is complicated. We question whether to wear masks or not and wonder if it’s safe to go to the store. Our internet is slow. I tried to make masks but my sewing machine has a broken gear. We’re trying to sell 3 vehicles but no one is buying. I’m certain you could add to the list. Oh, did I mention the refrigerator smells, even after being cleaned out and washed? When frustration gains a foothold, it goes viral fast.
If he was totally human, Jesus had reason to be frustrated on a daily basis. He lived and traveled with a group of men who failed to understand who he was. Moreover, they argued with each other, tried to gain a privileged position, and didn’t get what he was sent to accomplish.
The Antidote to Feeling Frustrated
Time after time, scripture encourages us to not give into anger, refrain from worry, treat others with patience, and focus on the good. After Paul lists all the excellent, noble, praiseworthy things we should concentrate on, he puts us in our place. Philippians 4:12-13 says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Quarantine life makes us more than a little stir crazy. As a result, I need to concentrate on things that increase my satisfaction with my circumstances. However, God knew COVID-19 with all its ramifications would happen. Our peace and contentment come from Jesus Christ. Therefore, my feelings of stress and fear indicate my lack of trust.
Our peace and contentment come from Jesus Christ. #hope #peace #JesusChrist Share on XMaking Good Feelings Go Viral
I don’t want to be difficult to live with. Therefore, each day I will find something I can praise God for and encourage someone else. I will choose to treat those around me with grace and love. Likewise, kindness only costs thought and time. Let’s make joy and glory to God go viral. After all, he is still in control.
© Copyright, Norma Gail Holtman, April 19, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
