I read a bit of a blog a few minutes ago that made me feel rather sad. It was written by a lady living in reduced circumstances. I understand reduced circumstances. They are what our family has lived in since 2004. When it's hard to make ends meet, and you have to go without things you want to give to your loved ones or you cannot do things you want to do, it's tough. I know.
What made me feel rather sad was the gloomy feel to what she had written—the hopelessness. The dependence on the government to change her circumstances. I feel down about our circumstances, too sometimes. But I am never hopeless.
Why?
My hope is not in a government program, or even in my husband's employment, though I do hope that his work situation improves. My hope is ultimately in Jesus Christ. If it weren't, I don't know how I would cope with life. Being of a melancholy temperament, I'm sure that despair would overtake me. Honestly, sometimes it threatens to. BUT GOD.
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV
The NIV states it like this, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things and at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
So, you and I need to build ourselves up in the most Holy Faith, and
trust God to do what He says He will do. That's what it all comes down to really. Trust.
Trust for provision. Trust for love. Trust for salvation. Trust for healing. Trust that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Trust Him.
Laura
Preaching to the Choir
and
Myself
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May I suggest?
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| Thank you for featuring this post Jes! |
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| Thank you Richella! |
Indeed, dear Laura... just because we are followers of the Lord, doesn't necessarily spare us from the trials, disappointments, and heartaches that life brings. However, the difference is just as you said - our hope! We have hope in Christ, and regardless of what comes our way, our HOPE in Him keeps us going, and gives us strength to get through difficult days. I cannot imagine living my life without my HOPE in Him! None of us have a perfect life... but we can have a perfect peace... something I blogged about some time ago, and often need to remind myself of :)
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you dear friend, and praying that the Lord continues to be all you need for today! :)
It is about trusting God in all circumstances, Always! He should also be your provider, your hope, your strength, your peace. Really your list should be quite long. Be thankful for the things you do have and God will bless you...
ReplyDeleteLaura, I hope you have a delightful day! You are just such a sweetheart and a ray of sunshine!
Hugs my friend, Amy
Very good post! I can remember not so long back, around 2005, we had to try and feed ourselves on 80 dollars a month. It was hard and frustrating but never felt hopeless, because I knew God was in charge and would see to it we would be okay.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Laura!!!! We live on reduced circumstances, as hubby is on Social Security--want to talk about tough!?! Try living on what we live on. On second thought, no, don't.
ReplyDeleteI came to the end of the proverbal (sp?) rope last year...needless to say...God has provided for us in our time of need (and continues to do so).
Thank you sweet friend for an honest post...have a lovely day--a SONfilled day.
You're not alone, Laura. He sees you!
ReplyDeleteHoping always for better days!
ReplyDeleteLooking to the author and perfecter of our faith.
I honestly hate to see people doing without the necessaries.
When I find myself in that position, and yes, I do.
I purposely look for things to be grateful for, to be thankful for.
They do not take away the need for the necessary things, they are not replacements for them. But the thankful things help me to realize how huge an abundance in my life I have. Most don't come with a price tag, but it helps tremendously just to say, "I am thankful for that."
The right attitude and mindset bless me from the inside to the outside, and are good medicine for my health and spirit. It is not a quick fix, but an uplifting of my heart. So everyday I strive to be thankful, and do the work of blessing the One who loves me, no matter my circumstances.
Psalms 31:24.. Oh what comfort, God does supply our needs...And oh , how He loves us.
ReplyDeleteWe have went through some very hard times in our 43 years of marriage. It is so hard , to not be discouraged, when we struggle to provide the "needs" for our families, not the "wants".
Sending big ole hug and prayers to you and your family.. and also the lady on the other blog ,you were reading about..
I appreciated your comments on how to make do with what you have. God is good, all the time!
ReplyDeleteCan never be reminded of this enough. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post Laura. Would you share with us at Five Star Frugal? I can't imagine a more apt post for us all. Love, Mimi xxx
ReplyDeleteI needed to read this tonight, Laura. There are so many of us who can totally relate to exactly what you are writing about here. I LOVE the song, "I've Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken" by the Kingsmen. Oh, my, that is one anointed song, and they are one anointed group. Here is the link if you care to listen...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AJGSQcnGYo. Oh, it blesses my soul to hear them sing this! We heard them in person recently, and they were amazing!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Laura! Yes and amen! BUT GOD! He is more than enough! Our all in all! Our shield, our buckler, our very present help, and our supply...in all things! God bless you, Sweet Sister!
ReplyDelete~Rebecca
I just put it on to play, Cheryl. They sound awesome! I hope you have a terrific week. Thanks for sharing and talking back!
ReplyDeleteGod is indeed faithful Judy. Thanks for talking back!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Spicing Up Idaho. Hope helps so much. I'm not so good at the perfect peace part, but I keep going back to the One who is!
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Hi Amy,
Easier said than done sometimes, but you've got the keys! You always brighten my day when I hear from you. I'll be over for a visit in a bit.
Laura
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Love you friend Rebecca! You're an awesome encourager.
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Thank you Mimi Mama.
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You're so right, Theresa F.
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Thank you so much Gla!
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Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI remember scrambling for $5 meals for 6 back then. I still need those meals, but food costs have risen dramatically here for many items around here since then.
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI cannot even imagine living on only Social Security. I know we've got to find a way to save for retirement, but it's so hard to make ends meet even now.
L
What encouraging words and wise ones at that, Annie. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, sweet Laura. Our hope is in the Lord and I am thankful that my family and I can lean upon Him and trust Him in and for all things.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this encouraging post with Roses of Inspiration. Blessings to you!
My husband and I raised & home schooled our kids on 1 income (which was low) but my kids will tell they never knew they went without. We were always glad that we chose to raise our kids, not some day care. We are also glad to see other people doing the same. Have a great day! Lynn
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Stephanie. God is so good to us all the time. We need only recognize it.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a challenge Liz. Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteThis was very true and encouraging Laura. Thank you for sharing with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays. I have pinned it! :)
ReplyDeleteThis was very true and encouraging Laura. Thank you for sharing with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays. I have pinned it! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Jes. I will be over in a bit for a visit.
ReplyDeleteLaura, attitude is so very important! I know that things can be difficult, but we have to look for the blessings we have. Although hubby and I have a very nice income I remember times raising my children that money was sparce and still I never felt hopeless. Trust in the Lord and he will provide! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
It's hard sometimes, Jann, by I'm trying my best!
ReplyDeleteI have to remember why we came down the path to begin
with... God's call to homeschool our children.
Bless you, Laura! Thank you so much for this heartfelt post. I am grateful for the hope and trust you have in the Lord, and I appreciate your sharing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining Grace at Home. I'm featuring you this week!
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI am honored, Richella. Thank you. I also thank you for your kind encouragement.
I've been a bit busy today, but I'll come by in a bit or maybe tomorrow morning.
God bless you!
Laura
Good morning Laura. I have featured this post today on the Art of Home-Making Mondays. Have a lovely week :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting and linking on S&P's blog today. I am in a financial rut and see no way out right now, but you have encouraged me to keep my eyes on Jesus and just do the best I can do each day.
ReplyDeleteFather God I thank You for Sarah's eagerness to follow You. I pray that you will guide her out of the rut. Deliver her from debt and anything holding her in bondage. Debts demolished bills paid off education paid for. By the power of the Blood of Jesus. In Jesus' Name. Thank You Sir.
ReplyDeleteI am so honored Jes, thank you!
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