Random

Some of the things Ripka talks about in his book, “God Out of The Box” definitely parallels to some things I’ve gone through and am currently going through; especially patience and being obedient. God will not just give us patience or obedience but he will create opportunities for us to face the situations and learn to develop these characteristics in our lives. That can be a challenge.

Sometimes I also struggle with making decisions. I can be very indecisive at times. I also like things to be in order and all mapped out. When it seems like things are off course or going in a totally different direction my mind can get all jacked up. That’s why it’s so important to just stay focused on God and the word. Applying these principles will always bring clarity to what God is directing anyone to do. In Proberbs 3: 5-6 it reads, ” Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. We just have to let go and let God do His thing.

Ripka also mentions in his book that when God opens a door it is our job to walk through it. God knows the correct path for our lives. He knows which doors to open and which doors needed to be closed. Ask, Seek, Knock — Matthew 7:7 says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

I am learning that following the Lord’s path can sometimes take me to a place I’ve never expected or imagined. It can also force me out of my comfort zone. Being uncomfortable doing things for God is one way to know I am growing in Him and that God is trying to do something fresh in my life. It also allows me to put my faith into action like never before.

As long as we follow God, we can never go wrong.

overcoming

We all know that the enemy is out to destroy us and our destiny. The last thing he wants us to do is to go to a higher place in God. He will boldly lie to us. He will temp us. He will cause fear and try to rip apart our passions. He will try to convince us to just be comfortable where we are in life or to even step back a little bit, because we have so many responsibilities. Sometimes the enemy’s approach is not always so evident. It can be a slow and steady process, like carbon monoxide. It seeps into our bloodstream, and before we know it, we are asleep and now numb to God.

Jesus will always give us the grace to make the right choices in life. We may be hurting or discouraged, but His hand is always available and reaching out to us, to guide us through the difficult times. We just have to stay focused and keep our eyes on Christ by spending more time with Him.

If you are reading this and are struggling with any issues whether past or present, be encouraged that there is nothing too difficult for God. In the pass, there are some things that the mercy and grace of God has broken from my own life. We can not let sin distract us from the amazing plans God has for us. In Christ, we have the power to change.

Scriptures that have encourged me…

Luke 1:37: For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

Romans 8:37: Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.

1 John 4:4: You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Isaiah 54:17: No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Be encouraged!