AS THOU HAST BEEN

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

 

The BEST remedy for current trials is a continual remembrance of GOD's previous faithfulness in your life...(Wisdom Hunters)

For the word of the Lord is upright, and ALL his work is done in faithfulness. 

Psalm 33:4 (ESV)

 

Whew…

 

I am sure you have heard someone say at one time or another that “GOD did it before, He WILL do it again.” I think I even mentioned a couple of days back that the righteous are never forsaken or left begging.

 

But when a trial or trials are boring down with great intensity it is often hard to remember your name let alone GOD’S faithfulness.

But we must.

The trial will subside.

The storm will pass.

The good will surface.  It will.

EVERYTHING that happens fits into a pattern for good. – Romans 8:28

Even the trials.

 

So the BEST remedy is to be reflective of the past goodness of GOD when the present circumstances are indicating otherwise.

For:

Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” ― Corrie ten Boom

 

Ten Boom’s quote was never more evident than yesterday.  A number of people needed me to confirm the faithfulness of GOD from the journey in recovery as they were embarking on theirs.

 

A 22-year-old heroin addict needed to know GOD would walk with her in recovery.

 

A girl apprehensively meeting with her probation officer after a slip up with the needle needed to know that ALL things, even the slip, had purpose.

 

A family member at an important recovery crossroad and choice needed to know he still could change the trajectory and GOD would help him every step of the way!

 

Our family wading into new communication territory, testing the truth in a new way needed to not fear it.

 

Without the PAST faithfulness of GOD there would have been no preparation for the day that was yesterday or for the continuation of those stories today.

 

Yet with confidence I can lean on the promise that truth will continue to free my family, that the crossroad being met has a BEST choice, that honesty with the probation officer will and has led to a second chance and that my 22-year-old has every chance to make it.

 

Why?

Because GREAT is the FAITHFULNESS of GOD.  Because if we/they draw NEAR unto Him in the trial His unquestioned faithfulness will draw Him near with EXACTLY what is needed!

James 4:8 (ERV) - Come near to God and he will come near to you...

 

So my friend’s today’s message is a simple one.  God’s faithfulness in the past is the perfect indicator of His undeniable steadfastness in your present and future. 

Lean on His track record. Trust His providence. 

GOD is reliable.

GOD is proven.

 

Draw near and let Him remind you that…

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee,

Thou changest not, Thy compassion's, they fail not,

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

 

I love you all…

Opportunities for Hope (Champions Charge)