Our first instinct in times of trouble is to keep our hands on the situation and control it to our advantage. I certainly have been guilty. I’m sure you have heard the saying “God helps those who help themselves”. Well contrary to popular belief, this saying is not in the Bible. God does not help those who help themselves. He helps those who are helpless and dependant on him. He helps those who look to him as their only source of help for their problem. We try to help ourselves, thinking that for certain matters we don’t really need God. I speak from experience. Thank you God for helping me to realize I cannot do nothing without you. Nothing means nothing, no matter how small we think it is. We have to step out in faith and trust that God is working within us and beside us.

The phrase “falling in love” is not a biblical expression. The Bible reveals that love is much greater than just a feeling. In the Bible love is primarily a commitment, rather than emotion. Falling in love sounds good, however if you can fall in love, you can also fall out of love. Those countries and cultures in the history of the world that practice arranged marriages have low divorce rates probably because they realized it wasn’t feelings or emotions that made or unmade marriages. Richard Walker, founder of Amor Ministries, stated, “Love is the giving of the very best you have on behalf of another regardless of response”. Even when it’s thrown back in your face? Yes, because isn’t that what Jesus did and does for us? I have to admit I am a work in progress. You speak on it.

I am a living witness that often God’s call is to follow in paths we would not have chosen and take us out of our comfort zone. My expectations in 2018 are continued restoration, reconciliation, and victory! Restoration of life is hard work and takes time, but our God offers us the strength to get through it. He promises to walk with us every step of the way. I have testimony after testimony of how God has been with me through every storm even when at the time I did not realize it. Your restoration journey may not occur overnight, (even though with God it’s possible). But it will happen! God will not only fulfill His promises in His time, but will also sustain you until that time. This is the double promise we have; the hope of deliverance one day, plus the provision of His comfort, strength, and shelter throughout our lives. (Isaiah 25: 1-8)