Alignment

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

Revelation 3:10

Every January, the women’s minister in my church encourages us to pray and choose a word for the year that would serve as a personal principle or motivator for the coming year. The word I chose in January 2020 was forward. I also wrote a devotional, which was published in February on this website. Today I share an excerpt with you, friend, to show you about God’s power, love and mercy. My God supplied my needs now by giving me these words then. I am invariably humbled by his foresight, love and care.

*Going forward into the unknown by choosing faith over fear is hard to do, but it does become easier over time. Walking by “faith and not by sight” is a lifelong quest. It helps me to know, by experience, that anxiety is more manageable when we master the habit of daily prayer and Bible study as we breathe and walk through life’s “undiscovered “ journey. So I encourage you to establish your own methods to keep you on track when challenges arise. (II Corinthians 5:7, Romans 10:17)

Now, as we wrestle daily with the reality that we are living in a pandemic, we must go forward instead of becoming paralyzed in fear. Pushing forward in faith is a challenge for many of us, but God’s plan for each of us is unique and precious to him. What others are doing now may not be the best plan for you. How careful should we continue to be? Do I begin getting out more? Should I wear a mask? When can I be assured it is safe to attend gatherings? Who in my family is at greater risk than others?

You may ask, “How can I move forward? I am just coping!”

Friends, be brave and bold to ask the Lord to instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; ask him to counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8)

Jill

*Forward, www.encouraging.com, February 2020.