WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, January 15, 2008

George Mueller once said, "My eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every cirsumstance of my life."

How easy it is for our eyes to drift down to looking at the circumstances, our feelings or the actions of others. This is where we so quickly get entangled and lose our joy and peace: we have hurt feelings because we have been misunderstood or not appreciated; we have disappointment and discouragement because things do not work out like we had hoped; we have anger and bitterness at the sinful actions of others.

Isaiah 26:3 says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." The key to maintaning joy and peace in this unstable world is to discipline our thoughts and constantly keep the Lord up front. It is not always easy but it can be done. Remember, we CHOOSE what we think about, and dwell on in our minds.

Peter had the faith and courage to climb out of the boat and walk on the water to Jesus. It was only when he got distracted with the storm and the waves that he started to sink. Maybe you have had the faith and courage to "get out of the boat", but now circumstances around you are stormy and the waves of difficulty and resistence mount up high. Raise your vision! Look to the Lord. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;"! He is almighty God, ruler of heaven and earth and if you have accepted Christ as your personal Saviour, He is ALWAYS with you.

Satan likes to tell us "it isn't going to work out", "we just can't do it" or "God doesn't really care." Satan is a liar and has been from the beginning. He might roar as loud as the thunder and send his attacks as flashes of lightening, but God is the one with the power to speak, "Peace, be still", and the storm ceases. Look to the Lord today, put your faith and trust in Him and get back on top of the waves!

- Sandy Hastings
January 15, 2008

If you wish to contact me personally, e-mail me at sandy.hastings@gmx.de