Saturday, February 28, 2009

Difficulties


First I want to thank you for your prayers for me last week for my eye surgery! Everything went well, I can see a little better with this eye. I'm so thankful for modern technology and what they can do for our eyes these days! PTL! I'll have the second eye done in three weeks. I'm looking forward to having better vision in both eyes soon!


Today I'm sharing another Joel Osteen devotional. I hope it encourages you. Go here for more inspiration on Spiritual Sundays.

He Will Harden You to Difficulty

Today's Scripture
"Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice" (Isaiah 41:10, AMP).


Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
It's easy to look around at what's happening in the earth today and be tempted to feel afraid or dismayed. Circumstances may seem overwhelming. Maybe your business is struggling, maybe you lost your job, maybe you're struggling in a relationship or concerned about the economy. During times like these, it's important to remember that God has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. In fact, not only is He with us, He has promised to strengthen us and harden us to difficulties. That means, when tough times come, they just bounce right off of you. You don't allow your circumstances to steal your peace and joy. You have the attitude that says, "This may be a big problem, but my God is bigger!"

Keep in mind that the enemy isn't after your checkbook; he's ultimately after your peace and joy. He knows that if he can get your joy then he can get your strength. But when you stay connected to the Father through prayer and studying the Word and declare His promises over your life, you'll be hardened to difficulties and stay safe in the palm of God's hand!

A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for Your precious promises. I renounce fear today and choose to trust that You have a plan of victory in store for me. Thank You for filling me with Your peace and joy and staying close to me all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen

14 comments:

joy! said...

Thank you, Katherine. Just the word I needed tonight.

Sue said...

Katherine,
Thank you for this encouraging word,Fear can come upon us very quickly, thank you for reminding me that my God is bigger than my problem!!
I am glad that you are feeling better, and will continue to pray!!!
Blessings,
Sue

Musings of A Minister said...

By way of encouragement let me tell you that my eye surgery was very successful and I believe that your eye will eventually be better than ever. I could get by without wearing glasses at all now. However, I do need glasses for reading. Great post today. I read a Joel Osteen devotional every day. Thanks for posting.

God's Girl said...

I pray that your eye recovers quickly!

It is nice to meet you!

Have a wonderful Sunday! : )

SmilingSally said...

Modern technology is a thing to be grateful for. I'm happy to hear your surgery went well. Thanks for sharing. Happy Spiritual Sunday.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

Thank-you so much for this much needed post! It truly hits home.
God Bless,
Ginger

Susan said...

So please to hear the surgery went well.
Susan

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

I'm happy your eye surgery went well. I had surgery on my eyes two years ago and I only need readers now. It's wonderful. Thank you for your encouraging post today. Have a lovely day.

Blessings,
Sandi

Saleslady371 said...

What an encouraging word for these times we're in.

Charlotte said...

What a great post. I love to hear the reminder that God knows our circumstances and he does not leave us but hardens us to help us through it. I had never heard it put exactly that way, but I like it.
I'm glad your eye surgery went well. I am confident that the other one will as well.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Dixie said...

Katherine... so glad that your surgery went well... now that you know what to expect, the second surgery should be easier on you... take care. blessings. Dixie

Julie said...

Thank You for such a wonderful post. It really encouraged me. Blessings...Julie

Musings of A Minister said...

Don't forget to come by and leave a comment if you are interested in the book on forgiveness. Be sure you leave an email address just in case you win.

BethB said...

So happy your eye surgery was a sucess! PTL !

My husband often reminds me (amidts his fear & anxiety about the economy & job), "God is more concerned with our souls than our checking balance". Good to remember!

Thanks for the Joel Olsteen moments. I so appreciate his positive outlook!!! XO!!!