Amid Life's "Whatever"

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength.” (Habakkuk 3:18–19a)

To say as the prophet Habakkuk that no matter what happens in life, you will rejoice in the Lord, the God of your salvation, because He is your strength is more effortless said than done. Only by a resolve to serve and please God, relying on His power, can we achieve such devotion to our great Most High God.

The Thanksgiving holiday ends, but our giving of thanks should not. Gratefulness and recollection of blessings are essential year-round. Like Jeremiah, have hope in what you recall about the Lord. Rejoice in Him, the God of your salvation, who saved your soul and saves you daily from life’s challenges. Because of God’s grace, He doesn’t consume us—His unfailing compassion and mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:21–24). As we enter the season of celebrating Jesus’ birth, praise the Lord for His faithfulness and endless amazing love.

Don't Get Too Comfy

The self-assured, nine-foot-tall warrior told the scrawny shepherd boy challenging him that he would die that day. But the young boy boldly answered the giant: “This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand” (1 Samuel 17:46a). David was the victor in the confrontation because his confidence was in God, not his ability.

Being confident in what you do, it’s easy to settle comfortably—to become lax, even negligent in relying on God. And our Father will have none of that with His children. He wants you to succeed in His plan for your life but may cripple you in an area where you’re over-confident, not admitting, and giving credit to the Source of your success. His intent is a turning of your heart and mind to Him (repentance). Sometimes God allows uncomfortable or unfamiliar surroundings to confirm your trust in Him, and your faith increases or wants you to refocus and rely on Him. Reliance on His ability yields success over life’s Goliaths and other obstacles, no matter the size. Thank the Lord for the blessing of His activity in your life.

Delivery Confirmation

God is not like a vending machine—deposit the money, select your choice, and walk away with what you want—but when it doesn’t release your choice, you feel robbed. Sometimes we inadvertently think of our Father as such. When we cry out to God in faith for a need or want, it's natural to expect a response. Although we’ve been obedient and grateful for His blessings, sometimes, He stays silent. While God works in your life, mine, and people involved in our circumstances, He does deliver—with His peace. But a worrisome spirit thwarts peace.

Paul writes that everything we speak and do (and our wants) should honor God our Father with a thankful heart: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (Colossians 3:17).  A lack of gratitude and fretting over life’s matters serve only as setbacks. But a thankful spirit recalling His goodness, mercy, and salvation through Jesus stirs our hearts to overflowing honor due to our Maker. As you lean on and trust God, thank Him for everything He has done and is doing, and His peace will be yours (Philippians 4:6, 7).

Test Time

One year we purchased all the guy’s Christmas gifts months early because of bargains we couldn’t pass up, packed them in a large box, and stored it. When it was time to wrap presents, we couldn’t find them, looking everywhere, even where a box that size couldn’t possibly fit.

As I compose articles, God “preaches” each message to me first: “In all things, give thanks.” “God works all things together for good.” “Trust in the Lord.” “Wait on His timing.” I’m thankful for His inspiration because He intends the stories and Bible verses for my benefit, often testing my faith. The mysterious gifts’ disappearance was such a test. Though trivial compared to other matters that could shake us to the core, it was significant, reminding me that sometimes, situations we experience make no sense. We decide whether to allow life’s disturbances to throw us off-balance or deal with them by turning to and giving them to the Lord. He alone knows life’s “where’s,” “how’s,” and “whys”—we can trust Him to deal with them rightly. Even after packing our belongings to move, the missing box didn’t resurface. But such things, trivial or core-shaking, should alter our gratitude for God’s goodness, presence, provisions, and Jesus, who was, is, and soon returning. “Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks: for that Thy name is near and Thy wondrous works declare.” (Psalm 75:1)  

Gratitude Attitude

Recall God’s blessings to keep a gratitude attitude with God. He is faithful, just, and kind. His love, forgiveness, compassion, and salvation are eternal: “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34). And remember, nothing happens without God’s permission. No matter the what, who, governing power, or Satan himself—God rules over all Creation. Though it’s impossible to understand God’s thoughts and ways, trust Him. He is always at work for His children who love and obey Him. We are so blessed—give Him the thanks due Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18). A grateful heart honors God’s great name.

Count Your Many Blessings

Thanksgiving in all circumstances: “In everything give thanks. . .” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). But do you thank God you lost your job or you’re not well? You can be grateful He knows, will provide for your needs, and is at work on your behalf. The remainder of verse eighteen says why we should give thanks in everything: “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Thankfulness is an obligation that God expects, wants from us. Yielding to His rule is vital to our spiritual health and growth as He works in and through His children, preparing us for heaven. 

Ask your Father to remind you of His goodness towards you, and as He reminds you of one blessing after another, thank Him for His greatness, promises, faithfulness, and salvation from sin's penalty. He knows your limitations, your life’s challenges ahead, the mistakes you will make, and the consequences that will follow. But no matter what comes your way or how seriously you may fail, you can give thanks to God in everything. 

If You Can Breathe—Praise

Besides provisions for what we need to survive, God blesses us with love, forgiveness, salvation, and fellowship through the blood of Jesus, the privilege to stand in His presence, His Word, and fellow believers, to name a few of His blessings. But to be ours, we must receive them.

Although plants and trees don’t have breath, they are part of God’s living creation, and in their way, applaud their Creator on windy or still, sunny, cloudy, or rainy days. Should we not do the same? Jesus once told the Pharisees that the rocks would cry out if the people didn’t recognize and praise Him (Luke 19:37–40). Embrace God’s goodness—shout praises for His greatness. If you have breath, praise the Lord: “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). We have much to be thankful for, even amid these troubling days. 

Rejoice and Be Glad

Sustaining a spirit of gratefulness is not always easy. When prayers seem unanswered, rejoicing is not the first thing that comes to mind. Family, health, and financial difficulties can quickly overwhelm an otherwise grateful heart. Daily expressing joy and gladness seems peculiar during challenging times, yet the psalmist penned doing just that: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Whether you think God is good doesn’t change the fact that He is. Rejoice and be glad in His love, goodness, and faithfulness. Only by confidence in our faithful, unchanging God can we celebrate each day regardless of its circumstances. 

Bless the Lord, O My Soul

We have no idea what lies ahead today or if there will be a tomorrow. What we do know is that God loves and cares for His children; He is always working on our behalf and wants to share fellowship with us. But remember that God's love for sinful humanity cost the death of His Son. When Jesus breathed His last breath on the cross, God tore the veil in the temple from top to bottom, opening the “gates” to the Holy of Holies, granting access to His “courts”—His presence: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4).

As you enter God’s holy presence each day, thank Him for the sacrifice of Jesus, without whom we would not have the privilege of walking and talking with or worshipping Him freely. Wherever you are, talk with Him and worship Him with a clean heart, expressing your gratitude, love, and devotion. Praise God’s great name and bless Him for who He is. 

All Things

God is all-powerful over everyone and everything—but not all that happens is good. While evil abounds, God’s Spirit and divine intervention are at work: “And we know that all things work together for good; to them, that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). But God’s promise isn’t for everyone—it’s for His children who love Him (present tense), walking in obedience (now).

Whenever difficulties arise, God works on behalf of His faithful ones in right standing with Him. The “all things” are the troubles, trials, and misfortunes that come to us, yet work for our good—pointing us to look to God for help and our final home in heaven, exposing the truth of ourselves and producing a changed disposition (Psalm 119:67, 71). Circumstances that sometimes make no sense test your faith, but God always supplies a way to escape life’s temptations and turmoil’s effects (1 Corinthians 10:13). Belief in the One who holds and controls all of eternity will remind you to look to Him for reassurance, guidance, and safekeeping. Thank God today that He is always at work with His children devotedly walking with Him.

Biased

Bias tape is a handy item to have in sewing supplies because of its "stretchability." The tape, cut from the cross-grain of fabric, is easy to manipulate around or over curved seams. But biased thinking and treatment are wrong: “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons” (James 2:1). James is saying Christians should not respect some people over others. Isaac and Rebekah’s preferential treatment of Esau and Jacob are tragic examples of how biased actions can divide a family (Genesis 25:28). The destructive mindset carried over to the next generation with Jacob and Rachel’s love for Joseph over Leah’s sons who wanted to kill Joseph because of his preferred treatment (Genesis 37:20). Children know when their parents act more favorably towards one child, and unfortunately, that child often suffers the consequence (37:4).

Showing preference encourages divisiveness and ill feelings in friendships, families, workplaces, and among fellow believers. Unbiased thinking and acting can be challenging, especially when faced with unkind and unfavorable people, yet, the rule still applies. No matter your reasoning, partiality is contrary to God’s law; He expects His children to be impartial as He is. When we disregard one of God’s instructions, we are guilty of breaking all of His rules (James 2:10). 

Peace or Unrest

Tranquility and communion with God are possible, but they won’t push their way through; we must give way for them. As God’s children, our thoughts and actions decide whether we have His unexplainable peace flowing in and through our lives. Or are there obstructions? Paul wrote that life’s peace is attainable by not worrying and fretting, earnestly praying about everything, and thanking God for blessings He has abundantly lavished on us. Then he added, “And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7).

God’s peace dispensed by the Holy Spirit guards our hearts and minds—passions, affections, and understanding and conscience—through Christ who dwells in us. Paul concluded the attainment of peace by recommending, “Finally, brethren,” think about these; hold highly, and practice all that is praiseworthy for the good of others and ourselves: God’s unchanging truths, that which is decent and appropriate, righteousness, pureness of mind and body, acceptable conduct, and conversations, things noted as good, practical, and profitable for humanity (v. 8). When we think and act like Jesus, the God of peace will be with us (v. 9). 

No Matter the Color

“Come now, let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they be like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). God’s chosen, beloved people had turned their backs on Him. He told them to stop bringing their gifts and ritual sacrifices; their sin-filled lives defiled the sacrifices' meaningless blood dripping from their hands, and they were disgusting to Him. They performed the required rites, but their hearts were far from the God they vowed to love, obey, and worship.

Why did the Lord call sin’s color scarlet and crimson? The color crimson is red; scarlet is dark, blood-red, but sin is sin, and any unconfessed sin, doing wrong or not doing a good deed God told you to do, is rebelliously walking. Until we are in right standing with Holy God, our “sacrifices” of prayers, offerings, worship, and praise to Him are sin-stained—worthless and offensive. But when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, forgiving our sins, and cleanses us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). The blood of Jesus washes the darkest stains—scarlet or crimson—white as snow, like wool. 

Worth the Wait

You have petitioned God about a matter and still waiting for an answer. When God stays silent, discouragement and doubt sometimes creep into our thoughts. But silence doesn’t mean, No. Sometimes silence is a Yes, with a Wait. He knew your plea and the outcome before you thought to ask; trust Him as He continues working it out. Knowing beyond a doubt that your request is according to God’s will, you can stand unshakably firm while waiting on His timing for the answer (1 John 5:14–15).

Waiting for God’s timely response will affect not only you but others whose lives will intertwine with the results. No matter how long it takes, keep the faith, trusting His perfect plan as did the unknown author of this psalm: “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I trust.” (Psalm 130:5). Settling for less than your Father’s best will rob someone of a blessing, and that someone could be you. 

Clear or Cloudy

The photo caption said, “God’s wonders never cease to amaze.” God is unchanging, even when your circumstances hint differently. He paints every sunrise and sunset and holds the in-between time, but how we display His works of art and beauty in our lives depends on how we view our circumstances. When we lose sight that God holds everyone and everything—that no one can act or exist without His permissive will—we let fear, dread, or frustration cloud His handiwork.

God's work on salvation’s cross is complete; Jesus lives within you—the Holy Spirit guides, protects, and convicts. You decide whether clouded vision obstructs God’s splendor and the truth of His presence in your life. But regardless of your sight or opinion, His wonders will never cease to amaze. He rules over all of creation, and His Word is valid forever: “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). For clearer vision, take your eyes off your circumstances and put them on the unchanging God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of yesterday. He is the same today and will be tomorrow and forever.

Last Will and Testament

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,” (1 Kings 2:1). King David’s parting words for his son Solomon who would sit on the throne after his death, had no inclusions of personal wishes, earthly treasures, possessions, or requests that would straddle his son with useless burdens. Instead, he imparted the importance of following God: “And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself” (v.3).

If your children know and belong to the Lord God, what more significant parting can parents leave their children but walk with God and keep His commandments? Because of Him, we breathe and exist. How we live now dictates what others remember of us when we leave this world. Instead of selfish desires and demands with no eternal worth that pay tribute to our name or family, why not charge our loved ones, as King David, to honor and obey God, so they, too, will have success in what they do and where they go? 

God Alone

The apostles understood the results of their preaching and teaching the Gospel, and their existence was God’s doings, not theirs: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” 2 Corinthians 3:5. The same is true for us; we can do nothing—not think, act, or exist apart from God. A unique relationship with the Father began when you invited Jesus into your life; His presence, the Holy Spirit, dwelling within you is trustworthy and sufficient for every need and will do marvelous works through your yielded life. And unlike close friends who sometimes must move away, He will never leave you. Jesus is the best friend you will ever have; He is enough.

So You're Not the Norm

Timothy, called to preach the Gospel of Christ, faced challenges because of his young age. But Paul told him not to let anyone look down on him, questioning his authority as God’s spokesman: “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy’s exemplary life would teach and preach through his words and how he lived by love, faith, and integrity.

Intimidation is an ugly spirit birthed from the sin of pride. Cowardly accusers sound-off in the absence of their subjects behind closed doors, behind backs, and then there are the blatant face-to-face accusations. Like Timothy, let no man, woman, or child look down on you, or your calling, beliefs, profession, opinions, education—not for any reason. By God’s grace, be the gifted one-of-a-kind He created you to be, a godly example that puts the criticizers to shame.

Think About It

The prophet Haggai rebuked God‘s people: “Thus, saith the Lord of Hosts, Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:7). Their inaction led to a drought causing poor harvests; God would honor none of their efforts to prosper because of their negligence in rebuilding the temple while they sat comfortably in their homes. After hearing the message, they acknowledged God’s voice through His prophet and obeyed, fearing the Lord, and began working on the house of their God. Then Haggai delivered the Lord’s response: “I am with you.”

Though God never leaves His children, He seems absent to the disobedient. Busyness and selfishness of time and resources crowd time spent with the Lord; lack of prayer and Bible study caused disrepair and dryness, they neglected to build up His temple where He dwells. Their actions distant the once-close relationship with Him—it seems that nothing they do prospers. Does this sound familiar? If it does, when His Spirit within you brings conviction through the Word or His messengers, consider your ways and repent. Once you acknowledge your wrongs and bend to His authority, your “soul’s drought” ends; you know He’s with you as you get back to your calling and His kingdom’s work.

Inspire to Aspire

We pause today to say, “Thank you” to men and women who rigorously trained and served and are currently serving in the armed forces of our great country. They sacrificially chose to leave behind loved ones and surrender their freedom to protect ours. Thank you, and God bless you for your service.

Paul had a word for Timothy: “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightiest war a good warfare. . . (1 Timothy 1:18),  reminding and encouraging him that the predictions concerning his proven character and usefulness in the Lord’s ministry with the Word entrusted to him would be needed in his spiritual battles. Paul’s words were not flattery but to increase Timothy’s sense of responsibility as he carried out the work. At opportune times, we, too as Christians, should commend and encourage fellow believers, faithfully serving in their callings, fighting faith’s war against evil. We all need reminders to recall, claim, and proclaim God’s empowering Word entrusted to us.

Thank God today for our veterans; thank Him for Jesus, who died on a rugged tree’s battlefield, setting us free, overcoming sin’s grip, death, and hell—a battle won only by His shed blood.

Leaves Will Fall

As Christians, our life’s path should leave the fragrance of Christ and an exemplary trail for others to follow, one marked by good works that glorify our Father. But we are sinners by nature. When we do good, our righteousnesses (plural)—every honorable deed of prayer, praise, generosity, worship—become tainted, unclean (Isaiah 64:6a). Our strength, vigor of serving the Lord, and beauty of our works—fade like leaves in autumn, wither, and fall—the winds of sin swept us away: “. . . And we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6b).

None of us are righteous, not even one; all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:10, 23). But by placing our faith in Jesus, believing He died, spilling His blood to pay the penalty for our sins, are we made right before God. His righteousness in us will not judge with justice but grace. Yielding to Him, we can walk righteously and honor God year-round, leaving worthy works instead of dried, windblown leaves on a path for others to follow. 

Unforeseen Results

Enoch’s walk with God ended well for him (Genesis 5:24). But sometimes unexpected events happen, and walks don’t end well without a turn or two: Jacob’s deceptive marriage to Leah before his true love,  Rachel; Joseph’s jealous brothers leaving him to die in a pit; Jesus letting Lazarus die before arriving at the sisters’ request; Mary Magdalene, wanting to anoint the body of Jesus but finding an empty tomb. These life-walkers didn’t understand their circumstances. But their turn of events resulted in the twelve tribes of Israel; wise handling of a worldwide famine; death, and restored life, bringing glory to God; God’s victory—resurrection power over sin, death, and the grave.

You serve the Lord faithfully, yet your life-walk took unexpected turns that stunned you, knocked you off your spiritual feet. But God doesn’t step down from His throne; He isn’t taken off guard when the unforeseen happens. Before time began, He had a plan in motion for you long before the setbacks: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord. . . ” (Jeremiah 29:11). Though God works tirelessly on behalf of His children, never needing sleep or rest (Psalm 121:4), we must look for, find Him, and call upon Him in faith, leaving no room for doubt and fear. We can trust the Father with the results of our faith-walk—verse eleven continues, saying His plans for us are for good, to give us a future and a hope.

Auto Fix Off

David was often in flight from the enemy for his life, depending on God’s lovingkindness and knowledge for the right paths to travel: “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee” (Psalm 143:8. But all the love and guidance God afforded would have been useless had he ignored God’s care and guiding instructions.

The Holy Spirit, living within everyone surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ, is not an auto-fixer, automatically fixing life’s mistakes. When He finds and exposes weak spots or faults, believers must choose to accept His findings and make the needed corrections by God’s grace or reject them. Even users of today’s software with the auto-correct feature must turn on the function to access the help then choose to accept or refuse the suggested changes. Though our Father never abandons His children, those who challenge Him face reprimand, but He delights with them who receive and follow His instructions that are always for our best. 

And All That is Within Me

David, the shepherd, King, and songwriter, expressed how to face each day: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). The word “bless” means to bow down. In adoration before God, with all within you, bend your mind, will, and emotions to Him, acknowledge Him, and praise His name. He adds to remember all God’s benefits, His acts of goodness and reward. Through the remainder of the chapter, David named some of the blessings God lavishes on His children: forgiveness, healing, redemption from death, lovingkindness, slow to anger, mercy, God’s righteousness, fairness, and longsuffering. How gracious is our Father toward us who are unworthy except for the most significant expression of His love towards humanity, the gift of His only Son, Jesus, and His cleansing blood! Thank You, Lord God. We exalt You and bow our hearts before You—we bless Your holy name.

Disgraced or Honored

Pride is one of the sins the Lord hates, listed as one of seven identified abominations (Proverbs 6:16–19). If you are unsuccessful in learning about something, you can keep trying until you do or ask for guidance. But asking for help means you must set your pride aside and decide whether to receive or reject the information given (Proverbs 26:12). Pride will keep you from looking for God, knowing Him, or understanding His Word (Psalm 10:4). It precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Those who think too highly of themselves will go down by God’s hand (or repentance—calling on Him for forgiveness), but God exalts those who humble themselves: “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit” (Proverbs 29:23). Humility is the honor of one’s proper attitude.

Change is a Choice

Change needs to happen, and you’ve convinced yourself to start next year being a “better you.” But life distractions often reroute the best intentions when waiting for a better time to act on matters that need immediate attention. Whether an obstacle knocked you off track or you chose to follow your stubborn way, your heartache, frustration, and disappointment have not escaped God’s attention.

Paul writes to those having learned God’s truth and what we must do: “Put off concerning the former conversation, the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the Spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22–24). For genuine lasting change, you and I must choose to take off our old sinful self and corrupt way of living and let His Spirit change how we think and act. Only then can we put on the “new self “ created in God’s likeness, righteous and holy. Why wait until next year for a new you?

Bandage On, Bandage Off

Children think unwrapping a bandage and putting it on the “bobo” will make it feel better, but it’s only a cover-up. They quickly learn that the antiseptic needed to ward off infection will sting, and so will pulling off the bandage, but it’s for their best. Sometimes we must do what hurts to make a situation better. So will our Father.

Because God loves us, He disciplines those who stray from the path of right living: “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11). The discipline will not bring joy and is often painful because a quick-fix bandage or enabler won’t correct life’s wrongs. Genuine change happens only when the wanderer bends to what God knows is best, but for those who refuse to heed His chastening, a repeat training session awaits. 

Healing, restoration, and fruit-bearing come to them who receive God’s Truth, though it may sting, and let it cleanse. Benefited by the exercise, though the fruit may take a while to ripen, the trainees will be right before God and more confident in Him—evidence of a life changed through discipline. 

Seize the Moment

Once you belong to Jesus, no one and nothing can separate you, but that is not a reason to live as you wish or think you stand so solidly that you are immovable and untouchable. Times of discouragement, doubt, pride, and rebellious living can distance you, falling prey to your way and the enemy’s attacks. When that happens, you may resemble a depleted branch on The Vine, but don’t believe the lies that whisper you are on the verge of breaking off. You will not; nothing can sever you from God—but life’s distractions and disobedience can cause a broken spirit; sometimes, we need spiritual tweaking. While we may not know what tomorrow holds, we do know Whose hands have every tomorrow.

God is with His children for all eternity. But without Jesus, because you rejected Him, you will die one day and spend eternity separated from the Father who loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you (John 3:16). Invite the Savior into your life; now is the time, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). You’re not guaranteed another moment: “Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

Faith Steps

The Highest is a God of miracles, but the impossible sometimes tests our faith. God told Joshua He would make way for passage across the Jordan River, but it wouldn’t be an ordinary trek: “The priests will carry the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall” (Joshua 3:13 NLT). The priests bearing the Ark of the Lord had to trust God to roll the water back, hold it in place, leaving a dry riverbed to walk across. Then their feet had to step into the water. When they did, God kept His word.

We serve the same God today; faith and obedience are still the keys to victory. When He says, “Take a step, He will keep you from drowning or falling; or says, “Your faith has made you whole,” believe He healed you. When you ask God to forgive your sins and invite Jesus into your life, He saves you—forever. Unafraid you can trust Him—He will carry you safely over or through every challenge you face. 

Following the Scent

The sweet-smelling fragrance of Christ permeates the air as believers surrender to God’s service, tell what He has done, and live it out. But the scent we carry is perceived differently: “To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (2 Corinthians 2:16 NLT). 

People choose to receive God’s life-giving news and become His child or find it offensive—the odor of death to the life they want to keep—choosing to reject God and His Son. By doing so, instead of everlasting life with God, they receive God’s condemnation and eternal separation from Him. Though we should never sugarcoat God’s Word, we must not only obediently but accurately present it in a way pleasing to the Lord. Each hearer decides whether God’s message and its bearers are the smell of “death and doom” or a “life-giving perfume”—their decision of which scent to follow is for eternity. But the question is: Does your life’s scent attract others to Jesus or repel them?