To be Thankful- Building a FrameWork of Hope: Part 14

It’s my prayer that this 10 month long series has both challenged and inspired you to find your identity, and your hope, in Christ alone.

He alone is a sure foundation to build upon.

Remember, in a world of uncertainty, He NEVER changes (Heb 13:8)

As we approach Thanksgiving, I pray you take time to reflect upon all the blessings in your life and Thank God for each of them (Phil 4:8).

I pray you also make time to evaluate the trials and setbacks in your life and seek to learn from them. Ask God to show you where He was during these dark times and what He wants you to know. Ask Him to teach you, heal you and refine you. 

Being refined isn’t fun.

But it is a blessing. 

Hard times are opportunities to yield to God’s design in your life, to trust Him more, to know the power and depth of His love.

Nothing can separate you from His love. 

“For I know that nothing can keep us from the love of God. Death cannot! Life cannot! Angels cannot! Leaders cannot! Any other power cannot! Hard things now or in the future cannot! The world above or the world below cannot! Any other living thing cannot keep us away from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NLV

I pray that as you set your sights on this upcoming year (2018) that you will embrace any hardships that come your way. That you don’t waste your time or energy trying to fight against God’s plan for you and that you don’t wish your life away by comparing yourself to others or longing for a different set of circumstances to make you happy or give you peace.

True happiness, peace, and joy are not found in a set of circumstances but in the arms of a Savior (John 16:33).

Please don’t view trials as punishment from God. He is not against you. He is for you.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 NLT

He’s already laid down His life for you…will you lay down yours for Him?

Will you trust Him with your pain…or continue to rely upon your own understanding? 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prov 3:5-6NIV

Life is full of choices.

How you live your life, is your choice.

How you respond to trials, is your choice.

And what you do with His invitation to Come and Build upon His foundation, is your choice.

What will you choose?

^“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” Rev 22:17 NIV

Happy Thanksgiving.

May God bless you abundantly with the knowledge of how wide, long, high and deep His love is for you (Eph 3:17-19).