GRACE

The Disenfranchised and

Disadvantaged

are made to feel Disempowered and Disposable. Consumers are exhausted by inflation, and innocents are perilously weakened by war with an undetermined end. Let us remember the story of Jesus, and impoverished, heavily persecuted, poor, disinherited, and disposed.  But, by the grace of God we are all empowered and purposed.

I urge you not to lose hope. Be confident, and courageous in the face of this evil, and stand firm against it. With boldness and strength continue to press forward knowing that the Lord, our God is with us. His grace is sufficient. He will fight our battles, and He will win. We must keep the faith.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

In times of trouble and tragedy, when we have reached the end of our ability to make a difference, that’s when we can walk by faith and watch God’s miracles happen. Don’t grow impatient. But patiently, wait on the Lord.

Because Isaiah 55:8-9 says:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways.”

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delightin weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

TEMPTED

Years ago I wrote a story about a “Good girl with a bad habit.”

Many of us have met a certain thing flashing red lights, yet drawing us closer by stimulating our curiosity. Instead of perceiving the lights as a deterrent, we were drawn to its allure. Those lights quickly dimmed by our excuses and denial. Soon we find ourselves submerged in  that thing, and its illusions, until we find ourselves addicted to its euphoria. Temptation is a powerful thing. It’s a great force designed to trap us and to keep us in the bondage of sin. Temptation is a trick of the devil, whose only purpose is to kill, steal and destroy.

Know that you are not alone, and that your faith in God can set you free.  We are not expected to fight this battle on our own, and winning the battle without God is impossible. However, whatever the “thing” is, it cannot stand against the power of God’s grace and mercy. Our Heavenly Father sent us a Savior, Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life for our sins, and a Holy Spirit to guide is to freedom.

“God will make a way out of temptation” is a quote from the Bible.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear". NIV

Explanation

This Bible verse is a reminder that God is faithful and will provide a way out of temptation. It can be interpreted as a comfort that no temptation is beyond what is common to humans. It can also be interpreted as a warning to not presume on one's own strength.

According to bible, “wide is the gate" appears in Matthew 7:13, which reads:  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter.” NIV

Explanation: This verse is a metaphor where the "wide gate" represents an easy, less demanding path that leads to destruction, while the "strait gate" represents the narrow, challenging path that leads to life.

Going forward, as you grow stronger in spiritual wisdom and faith, do not be tempted. Recognize those flashing red lights for what they are, stop and turn around.

STAYING THE COURSE

Staying the course means—to keep going strongly to the end, although it is difficult.

You may have heard; “success in small businesses requires determination to stay the course"

Well, the same concept applies to our approach to life. During these difficult times, when uncertainty, inhumanity, and instability are common threads of futility, we can be easily distracted and manipulated.

However, let’s make the conscious choice to entertain thoughts that will make our lives more meaningful. Be intentional with your words and actions. Be dedicated and determined to finish what you started. Create an environment that allows you to express your emotions. Rid yourself of negative, destructive thoughts that can be harmful to you and others. Embrace the fact that you are alive and that there is a divine purpose for YOU.

When we keep our focus on our Creator, who loves us, and promises to never leave nor forsake us, we will not only live victoriously, but we will discover more joy, and spread more love. The love of Jesus Christ.

The word of God says:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

To help you stay the course, especially in dark times, remember:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105