Tag Archives: Getting God’s help

Brighter Days Ahead

God’s Help is Available Every Morning

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My mom and I are getting ready to go on vacation.  Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are on the agenda.  Consequently, we’ve been planning and preparing for quite some time.  We perused travel brochures and picked specific activities for each state.  I’ve wrote notes on cities we plan to visit, downloaded train and ferry schedules, and checked prices for the tours we wanted to take.  On top of that, we booked an amazing hotel.  I even checked the area weather and we packed our suitcases accordingly.  How’s that for being prepared? (The Boy Scouts would be impressed!)

Here’s a question: how much do we prepare for our day? Most of us hit the ground running in the morning.  We take a speedy shower, grab a quick breakfast, and run through the door. Basically, we hope for a good day.  However,  there’s another way to prepare for our day-by asking for help.  “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2, NIV) God’s help is available every morning .  What’s more, He will support us,  give us wisdom, and give us peace during the challenging moments of our day.  After all, “God’s kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life…” (Psalm 23:6, CEV). Last but not least, tomorrow morning, we’re going to make some changes to our morning routine.  We’re going to ask for support, because God’s help is available every morning.

Things to do today:

  1. Ask God to help you throughout the day.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘We Can Ask God for Help’ and listen to songs ‘Fighting for Me’ and ‘God I Look to You.’
Brighter Days Ahead

God Can Change Circumstances

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At the Victorian Bed and Breakfast where I work, a festive wedding shower was scheduled.  There were so many things to do to get ready for this event!  We worked on the landscaping beds and the flower baskets, we swept and dusted the great room, the massive deck was power-washed, the tables were set, and the lunch was prepared.  At the scheduled time, the happy guests came in carrying their colorful presents. There was only one problem: the bride-to-be  wasn’t there.  She was stuck in California, still trying to catch a plane to Ohio.  Ever have one of THOSE days?

We all have days when we feel like we’ve missed it: an opportunity, a chance, or God’s best for our lives.  Here’s good news: there are better days ahead.  But we need God’s help. “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time.” (Psalm 34:17-19, NLT) God can change circumstances.  When it seems like we’re stuck in a rut, he can move us forward.   “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT) If you’re longing for change and for the chance to get out of the place you find yourself in…trust God.  “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”(Isaiah 40:31, NLT) How’s that for a change in circumstances?

Things to do today:

1. Ask God for help.

2. Read a similar blog called ‘We Need a Change’ and listen to songs ‘He Will Carry Me’ and ‘Glorious Unfolding.’

Brighter Days Ahead

You Can Get Back Up

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Bent Tree in front of Ocean
You Can Get Back Up

I just read a story about a skier and the unimaginable trials he endured as he pursued his dream to be an Olympian. Despite continually being knocked down, he got back up.  His name is Torin Yater-Wallace and his specialty is the half-pipe.  In layman’s terms, the half-pipe is doing aerial tricks on skis, jumping upwards of 25 feet in the air. Although he is only 22 years old, Torin has seen his share of struggles.  From serious challenges within his family as a child and to injuries from the sport itself, he could have given up.  But he didn’t, he got back up.  His trials continued when a medical mistake had a needle puncturing his lung, greatly affecting his first try at the Olympics in Sochi.   But he got back up.  Lastly, a rare bacterial infection had him hovering near death just 2 years before this Olympics.  His skiing competition is up ahead, because even in the tough times, he got back up.

Most of us will never compete in an Olympic competition, but times of testing will come.  Question: When adversity knocks us to our knees, how will we get back up? Answer: Quite simply, the Lord Most High.  “The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed.” (Psalm 145:14 CSB) Having no strength left, we can reach for God. In doing so, we’ll see, he’s also reaching for us.  “For I hold you by your right hand–I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.'” (Isaiah 41:13, NLT) We’re not in this fight alone.  “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT) On the tough days, we keep pushing on, because we CAN get back up.

Things to do today:

  1. Ask God to strengthen you in this current battle.
  2. Read a similar blog called ‘Stay in the Fight’ and listen to songs ‘Warrior’ and ‘This is My Fight Song.’

 

 

Brighter Days Ahead

Help is on the Way

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Help is in the Way: Lighthouse at night
Help is on the Way

No one ever wants to make a 911 call.  But if anyone dials that number, help is on the way.  FTMC is a hospital near my house.  Late in the evening you can see the hospital sign from quite a distance away.  The light is a beacon, calling all who are hurt to come in.  It’s packed with staff doing their best to bring comfort, care, and kindness in what is too often unpleasant and painful circumstances.  If we stopped to peek in the windows we would see nurses, doctors, volunteers, receptionists, physical therapists, and a plethora of other personnel striving to meets the needs of the hurting patients. The Life Flight helicopter can be heard above my house on an all-too regular basis.  When it’s needed, you can be sure they’re coming to help.

I’m so glad God stands ready to help us too.  If we dial a ‘911 prayer’, help is on the way. “God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 CEB) During the battles that go on and on, we can find rest as we draw near to God.  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (Psalm 18:2 NLT) Despite what it may feel like, we’re never in a fight alone.  In fact, it’s best to take a step back and let God handle it.  “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14 NLT) Feeling overwhelmed today?  Pick up your prayer ‘phone’ and make that call, because help is on the way.

Point to ponder: Is there an area in your life where you need to ‘pick up the phone’?