"In Everything, Lord, May I Give Thanks"

"Be encouraged--God is in control.

ALL IS WELL.

You will look back one day and see

how it all fit together for your own good. (I Thess. 5:18)

I love you,

Dad"

These sweet words are what awaited me inside of my car one morning last summer. That particular time in my life, I was struggling with fear/anxiety about an unknown future. My precious dad knew of this discouragement and never failed to remind me that he was praying for me and that he loved me.

Looking back on that difficult but beautiful time in my life, I see the handiwork of my Maker. For my heart was "scared to death" of an unknown future, possibly a future of being alone. And since that time, God has answered, provided, and guided my very steps. Today even marks a special day of that answered prayer. For during that time, I was praying for the one whom I would spend my life with. Five months ago today, he was brought into my life. The time spent in the waiting was all in God's plan. Oh, how my Father perfectly orchestrated my every step and answered my prayers far greater than I could have imagined. All praise to Him.

Tonight, almost a year ago to the day, God ordained that I would receive the same encouragement. What a God!

I recently graduated in May. With this awaited graduation, the hopes of a job were on the forefront. I was eager, willing, ready to serve others through my career. And here I am, June 30, without a job. It seems almost as if these past few weeks of job-searching have been a roller coaster. I've sought God, pleading for His direction and the opening of doors. As ashamed as I am to admit it, I would cry out to God...almost as if I felt that I deserved a job. "But, God, I am seeking you and honoring you with my life. I've surrendered to do whatever You lead me to do. I've pledged my life to You. Why aren't You answering me?"

I have a specific place in my room where I have special prayer times with the Lord. Many times, I have found myself in this place kneeling, praising, weeping before my God. And tonight...I found myself there. And as I kneeled there, these lyrics poured out of my stereo speakers:

"Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are king over the flood
I will be still and know You are God"

Oh, how I long to know His power...in quietness and in perfect trust. To truly be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10) As I was crying out to God, I looked up. And from where I was kneeling, the top shelf of one of my bookcases was in plain view. There I saw my diploma. But what caught my eye was not the diploma, but what was sitting right next to it. For what was right next to the diploma was a small plaque. And on it read: "In Everything Give Thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18" I then finished the verse out loud:

"In everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Thank you, Lord." I prayed. For I was reminded that the verse did not simply say: Give thanks. It said: "In everything give thanks..." Not give thanks when things are going well, or give thanks when things are going as planned, or even give thanks when a job is offered...in everything we are to be thankful. But even more than that, we can be thankful because God is in this. We can be thankful, because this is His perfect will for our lives. Psalm 18:30 reminds us:

"As for God, his way is perfect;

the word of the LORD is flawless.

He is a shield

for all who take refuge in him."

What a precious and beautiful source of encouragement I was given tonight. A year ago by my earthly father, this time by my Heavenly Father.

I received a sweet reminder last Sunday. We as believers do not love God just because of what He can give to us or what blessing we can receive. We love God, because He first loved us and gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sinfulness. (1 John 4:10) What a timely reminder this was to me. For I serve God Almighty, not because of what He can give me, not because of the blessings that come from His hand, not because of life that I want....I serve Him, because I love Him. He is my All. He is my Rock. He is the foundation that I desire to build my life upon.

I desired to be very honest with you tonight and share from the depths of my heart. Tonight, I have come from a heart of imperfection, made perfect by God Almighty. I have come from a heart tainted with discouragement, encouraged by the Great Comforter. I have come from a heart threatened by anxiety and fear, made to rest by the Great Calmer. And tonight, I have no more answers about the future than I did this morning, but I rest under the shadow of the Almighty. I choose to be still in His presence and trust that His will is perfect.

Where are you at tonight, sweet one of God? What area in your life are seeking direction from the Lord? May you rest tonight the mighty and perfect will of your Lord Jesus. May you truly be able to give thanks...in every circumstance. He has a plan. He knew your very steps, even before the day that you took your first breath. He has your tomorrow's planned and nothing is a surprise to Him. May you surrender tonight. Let's do it together. May we surrender tonight...surrender our hopes, dreams, desires, plans....surrender them with thanksgiving into the hands of Almighty God. I'd like to pray for both you and I. Praying that this night leaves you filled with hope and a perfect peace.

Father God,

I praise You tonight for your faithfulness. I praise You tonight, for You are good. All Your ways are good. Every circumstance, every situation, every moment, even as difficult as some may be, are meant for our good. I pray tonight that we can truly rejoice and be thankful. Thank You, Father, for leading us in very specific ways, opening and closing doors in Your perfect timing. I thank You, Father, for the protection that You grant us through closed doors. And even when periods of silence and uncertainty are all around us, I thank You that You remain in control. You are with us...even in the waiting. I pray for the ones who will read this tonight. I pray that You will fill their hearts with hope. I pray that they may truly trust in You and rest in Your peace. May they know tonight that they are loved. May they truly serve You, not for the blessings to be received, but out of deep love for You. May I do the same, Lord. For my sole purpose here on this earth is to bring honor and glory to You. Thank You for Your love, Father. Surround us tonight...that we may find rest in You.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

A Psalm of Thanksgiving:

"Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

Worship the Lord with gladness.

Come before him, singing with joy.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God!

He made us, and we are his.

We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

go into his courts with praise.

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good.

His unfailing love continues forever,

and his faithfulness continues to each generation."

Psalm 100

Praying for you tonight, dear one of God. Rejoice and give thanks. For our Father, He is good. Amen?

Hannah Grace

Hope from the God of the Impossible

A calling given. Needs provided. Protection granted. Promises fulfilled. What hope!

Over the past month, God has been doing such wonderful things. Such wonderful and unfathomable things that I could have never even dreamed of. And as I stand back and watch my wonderful Maker work, I think: "Why should I be suprised?" A verse that has been very near to my heart over the past year very often rings within my ears:

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth

by your great power and outstretched arm.

Nothing is too hard for you."

Jeremiah 32: 17

Did you catch that word at the beginning of the last sentence? Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing. Do we sometimes look at our desperate situations, our difficult circumstances, our seemingless hopeless "deserts" in life with despair and defeat saying, "How could God do anything with this?" Perhaps you are even there today. Well, dear one, today I affirm hope in your life.

This morning before the day began, I was reminded of God's miraculous and limitless power. My devotion this morning entitled "God's Possibilities" reflected upon the verse in Mark 10:27:

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible,

but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Did you catch that very, very important phrase? All things, all things, all things, all things. Precious one of God, through Him ALL things are possible. Can you say amen to that hope tonight? We serve a God of the seemingly impossible. Nothing is too hard for Him.

My boyfriend and I are currently doing a daily devotional together entitled "At His Feet." One specific day focused upon the God of the impossible. The author Chris Teigreen writes these encouraging words: "Our Bible is full of impossible situations. A nation camped at the edge of a sea with a hostile army behind them. An inexperienced band of fighters faced an impenetrable, walled city. A shepherd boy stood before an armed and angry giant. A worshiper faced a lion's den. 'Dry bones' rotted in a valley. And our only hope of salvation lay in a sealed tomb."

What seemingly "impossible" situation are facing today? What discouragement, hurt, hopelessness may be crowding your view? Well, sweet one, today I have news of hope. We serve a God of the impossible. In light of the Easter celebration that has just passed, may we continue to meditate on the miraculous resurrection of our Lord Jesus. I imagine myself in the disciples shoes, so to speak. The three days that Jesus spent in the grave may have evoked hopelessness, disappointment, despair...you name it. How could any good come of this? Death feels final...that's it? And three days later...a miracle. Jesus rose!

Perhaps your life is a series of "three days." Precious one of God, praise Him today for the work that He is doing and for the work that He will do! May you find strength, comfort, and hope in Him alone.

"Have you never heard?

Have you never understood?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

He gives power to the weak

and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired,

and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40: 28-31

Blessings to you as you trust in Him!

Hannah Grace

"He, the God of all Grace, Speaks"

Should we be surprised when we pray for God's direction...and He shows up? Should we be surprised when we seek His guidance day after day...and He provides the answer? The question tonight is...why are we surprised? He is a faithful God, faithful to all that He has promised. For hear this, child of God. These words are what He has promised:

“Thus says the LORD who made it, the LORD who formed it to establish it (the LORD is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’"

Jeremiah 33:3

I believe that I may have mentioned this before, but over the past month I have been doing a study entitled "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. What a wonderful privilege it is to dig into the Scripture and study more about my Father God. Over these past few weeks, I have experienced God moving in mighty and beautiful ways. And often, I stand back and say: "Did that really just happen? I prayed for a specific answer...and He responded?" It is almost as if I can hardly fathom that God would choose to answer the requests of this heart of mine. But, He does. Not always in the timing that I think He should or even the answer that I really feel as if I desire...but He always answers.

On the top of my tall, oak dresser sits a special box. On the front it reads: "HOPE Scripture Verse Cards." I simply call it "My Hope Box." More days than not, a card gets drawn

from that box...sometimes more than one a day. And I find myself kneeling on my floor praying whatever verse I have just picked from the box. I can recall countless times where God has specifically allowed a verse to "pop out at me," for lack of better words.

Earlier today, I picked a card and knelt down by my bookcase. I prayed, and then my eyes fell upon these words:

"You, the God of all grace, who called me to Your eternal glory in Christ, after I have suffered a little while, will Yourself restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10)"

I rose to my feet. Encouraged.

Tonight, I reached beside my bed and pulled out my devotional book entitled "Hope." And then I prayed these words before opening to the page: "Lord, please give me a word of hope tonight. Amen." Turned to this day's devotion and read these beautiful words....again.

"In His kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation." 1 Peter 5:10

When I read those words, I looked up and thought: "God, You've done it again. Thank you." I thought to myself, "Why should I be surprised?"

He promises to speak to us when we call to Him. And even when we think that He has forgotten...surely He must have forgotten us in our suffering...and even when we are sure that a God like Him could not let one of His own endure a situation like this...He speaks to us a message of hope.

"And I will give you treasures

hidden in the darkness--secret riches.

I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,

the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name."

Isaiah 45:3

These words from Nancy Guthrie spoke to my heart tonight, and I pray that they will speak to yours, as well. She writes:

"I don't know what scars or wounds following Jesus will leave on your body, on your emotions, or on your soul. But the glory to come will be worth the wounds. Your scars will be cause for celebration. We'll be glad we followed the way of the Cross. One day we'll experience in reality what we now embrace by faith--that suffering is the pathway to glory."

For whatever you may be enduring today, be encouraged to know that He is able "To do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory.." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Obey His voice (1 John 5:2-3), have faith in His promise (Numbers 23:19), put your hope in His Word (Ps. 119:114).

Prayed for you, tonight. To Him be all glory.

Hannah Grace

"I Clear the Path"

This morning I flipped in my mom's book/journal entitled "God Calling" to start this new day with some encouragement. It opened to this page, and I could not help but share this with you. Exactly what I needed to read. Perhaps it is what you need to hear, also.

"Wait on the Lord." Psalm 27:14

"I am thy shield. Have no fear. You must know that 'All is well.' I will never let anyone do to you both, other than My Will for you.

I can see the future. I can read men's hearts. I know better than you what you need. Trust Me absolutely. You are not at the mercy of Fate, or buffeted about by others. You are being led in a very definite way, and others, who do not serve your purpose, are being moved out of your Path by Me.

Never fear, whatever may happen. You are both being led. Do not try to plan. I have planned. You are the builder, not the Architect.

Go very quietly, very gently. All is for the very best for you.

Trust Me for all. Your very extremity will ensure My activity for you. And having your foundation on the Rock--Christ, Faith in Him, and 'being rooted and grounded in Him,' and having belief in My Divinity as your Corner Stone, it is yours to build, knowing all is well.

Literally, you have to depend on Me for everything--everything. It was out of the depths that David cried unto Me, and I heard his voice. All is well."

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Psalm 37:23

Amen? Wow. What a God!

Clear the path, Lord. I will follow.

Hannah Grace

Exchanging My Plans for His

Good afternoon, sweet friends of mine. Hope this gift of another day finds you doing well and living in the joy of our Father. Thanks for taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule. It would be an honor to share with you some thoughts from this heart of mine.


Plan. What a tiny word with such vast meanings and implications. I researched the different definitions of the word plan. This was perhaps my favorite. Freedictionary.com defines plan as: "A systematic arrangement of elements or important parts; a configuration or outline: a seating plan; the plan of a story." The words systematic and outline are the two words that really stood out to me.


When viewing this small word from a technical aspect, I realized how silly I have been in viewing my life plans. This time last year, my life plan was as follows:

1. May 2010: Graduate from nursing school.

2. Summer 2010: Get married

3. Move wherever my husband and I both acquire jobs.

4. Begin my role as a Godly wife and a RN.

And when these failed to work out...my heart begin to collapse.

Here I sit today in this quaint little coffee shop: 21 years old, single, not sure where God is calling me after May 2010...is there something wrong with this picture? Absolutely not. It is right where He has called me to be..."for such a time as this." Do I always have this positive attitude? Hmm...that would be a negative. In fact, over the past week, my faithful Father has been dealing with me on this issue. Such a growing time of: seeking His divine direction, anticipating His timely answer, and resting in His sovereign will.

I have recently begun a new Bible study by Priscilla Shirer entitled: "Discerning the Voice of God." Could this study have come in my life at a better time? Oh my. Another neat tidbit about this book is that I had debated between two different studies written by Shirer before coming to the decision that this was the one I would complete first. Wow. Again, I come to the conclusion that God brought this study into my life "for such a time as this." What a God of the details!

This study focuses upon the somewhat unfamiliar book of Habakkuk. Read Habakkuk 1:2-4 if you have your Bible nearby. Perhaps you can sense this man's frustration as he desperately desires to hear from God concerning the sinfulness in Judah. Consider some difficult circumstances within your own life. Have you ever felt like Habakkuk? Have you ever asked God: "Why are you allowing this to go on? Why do you remain silent? Do you not hear me?" Strikes a cord with me.

But then, my friends, we see God in His divine time answer this distraught soul with a promise of hope in 1:5:

"Look among the nations! Observe!

Be astonished! Wonder!

Because I am doing something in your days--

You would not believe if you were told."

What a comfort! Even in God's apparent silence, He was working "behind the scenes." Shirer writes: "With these words, God gave Habakkuk spiritual vision. The prophet received encouragement to look around and observe. While Habakkuk waited on God to answer, God was already answering...Even though the prophet wasn't seeing God respond in the way and timing he expected, God was speaking and moving. He always is--even in His silence."

God is always speaking and moving...even in His silence. What an encouragement to this "planner" heart of mine.

Let's skip over to the next chapter. In Habakkuk 2:1, we see this prophet's next action. Wait for the Lord's direction, anticipating His answer.

"I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart.

And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me."

Habakkuk 2:1

This required a willing and open heart, plus a major dose of patience. And then, our faithful Father did it again. He spoke. Yet another promise of hope in 2:3:

"The vision is yet for the appointed time...Though it tarries, wait for it;

For it will certainly come, it will not delay."

Shirer focuses on this principle: "The process of waiting for a message from God is just as important as the message itself." For in that season of waiting, God is able to grow our weary and needy hearts into those molded to fulfill His perfect PLANS for our lives. Shirer brought about the principle of the guard post. She states: "The watchtower was positioned well above the group to provide a broad view for miles around. It gave the guard in the tower a different view circumstances. Habakkuk purposed to remove himself from the depression and anxiety of his ground-level circumstances and get above them. He took his eyes off his circumstances and watched only for God."

Will you purpose today to get those searching eyes off your "ground-level" circumstance. Go and climb that guard post. Listen for Almighty God's voice. How? Through prayer, meditation on His Word, and worship.

"Wait for the Lord;

Be strong, and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for the Lord."

Psalm 27:14

The answer may not come when you think it should, but He will never fail to provide His direction.

"The Lord is not slow about His promise..."

2 Peter 3:9

And even in times of discouragement, God does care about the details. And for a "detail-oriented" person like myself, it's even more of an encouragement to truly believe that. I leave you today with one last bit of encouragement.

A few days ago, I walked into Barnes and Noble. I got my coffee and decided to head to the nursing section of the store. The nearing decisions regarding my future were heavy on my heart, and I was hoping to find some books on different types of nursing and possible hospitals to consider. Deep inside I wanted to avoid the thought of making such important and difficult decisions. Yet, I knew the time had come. As I walked in front of the tall, white bookcase, a blue book caught my eye. I read the title, looked up...and smiled. For in front of me was not a nursing book but a inspirational journal that someone had "randomly" placed upon the shelf. The title read, "Dear God, I need to talk to you." Inside...page after page...I read one encouraging verse after another. All words pointed me towards a faithful God who cared about my future. Coincidence some may say. But in my heart, I did not consider it a random literary misplacement. I considered it a divine appointment with my Almighty God, Who is concerned with the details. He truly cares. He will give us divine direction in each and every area of our lives.

Don't run because of difficult circumstances, sweet one of God. Don't collapse in your weary search for direction. Don't become discouraged in what appears to be silence from the Father. Get up on the watchtower. Listen for that still, small voice. Spend time with the One Who loves you far more than you could ever comprehend. Be still and listen. He's moving and speaking...even now.

"Call to Me, and I will answer you,

and I will tell you great and mighty things,

which you do not know."

Jeremiah 33:3

Amen? Talk with Him. Be encouraged, follower of God. Blessings to you.

Hannah Grace

"O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus"

The deep, deep love of Jesus. What an incredible gift. Tonight I lie awake...this hymn on my heart. ""O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus." Will you join with me in reflecting upon the measureless love of our Savior?


Recently I have been doing a study by Beth Moore entitled, "Measureless Love." An incredible study, based upon the Apostle Paul's words in Ephesians 3: 14-19:

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Within the first session, Beth Moore focuses on what makes God's label of an immeasurable love so impressive? We see in Scripture, God's continued use of detailed measurements: the tabernacle, the promised land, the ark, new Jerusalem, each one's very days on this earth (Job 14:5). We also read in Scripture of a divine Creator, Who fashioned the earth by His mighty hand...detailed measurements. Beth Moore brought out this concept as she explained that the earth is just far enough away from the sun and the moon...and tilted at just right angle. Can you consider how incredible it is that a God of detailed measurements puts none whatsoever on His great love.

The reminder of God's great love came at a special time of the year. It seems as if the older I become, Christmas is less about the gifts, the holiday festivities, and the Christmas "feeling" in the air. More this year than ever, I have been reminded of God's love and provision for me. The birth of a baby boy over two thousand years ago was God's provision for my life, a life that had yet to even begin. The cross that Jesus would bear thirty-three years later was out of His great love for you and me. He was already preparing a way for you and me. It brings tears to my eyes and a overwhelming peace to my heart.

"Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus

Spread His praise from shore to shore

How He came to pay our ransom

Through the saving cross He bore

How He watches o’er His loved ones

Those He died to make His own

How for them He’s interceding

Pleading now before the throne"

And even when life just doesn't make sense, and even when plans just do not seem to pan out, and even when we're at what feels like the end of our strength...here we have it: the immeasurable, vast, unfailing, deep, deep love of Jesus. He watches over the ones He died to ransom. He prays for us, He guides us, He pleads to the Father on our behalf...all because of His great and measureless love for you. What more do you need, dear one? What more.

I recently heard this beautiful version of the inspirational hymn by Samuel Trevor Francis. Sovereign Grace Music surely did a beautiful job. They added this chorus to their version:

"Oh the deep, deep love, all I need and trust

Is the deep, deep love of Jesus "

Do you believe that tonight? I am with you. Life can be hard. Life's decisions can be often be overwhelming, relationships can sometimes feel as if they're falling apart, at times our life plans feel as if they have been put on hold...but what remains? The deep, deep love of our Savior. All that we need is found in Him and Him alone. We can trust Him. Will you trust Him? How thankful I am. May you be reminded this Christmas season of His great love for you.

"For his unfailing love toward those who fear him

is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

He has removed our sins as far from us

as the east is from the west.

The Lord is like a father to his children,

tender and compassionate to those who fear him."

Psalm 103: 11-13

Hannah Grace

So as I was with Moses, So I will be with You

Do you ever feel as if you have an abundance of things to pray about? Perhaps so many things you need direction on that it is difficult to even to know where to begin. You come humbly before the throne of God and feel that you have so many situations, so many circumstances, and so many important decisions to talk to Him about. Speaking for myself, I've been there in the past…currently there today.

I was reminded recently of a miraculous story in the book of Joshua…a miracle from Almighty God. There is so much in the book of Joshua. I encourage you to read it! But, tonight I want to focus on one event. Let me begin by giving some background information. At the beginning of Joshua 1, the Israelites' leader Moses had just passed away. The Lord appointed to Joshua lead the people across the Jordan River into the land that He had promised. Imagine with me…how Joshua must have felt. Here not only had a dear brother and friend passed away, but their leader was now gone. What a great responsibility had fallen upon the shoulders of Joshua. Yet we read in Joshua 1:5-6, a beautiful promise to Joshua from God:

"No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live.

For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you

or abandon you."

Amen. I imagine a holy fire igniting within the heart of Joshua as he heard those words. What a promise…what a faithful God.

There stood many obstacles between the Israelites and the Promised Land. Perhaps one of the largest and most intimidating of them all was the Jordan River. But our Almighty God provided for this obstacle…He provided a miracle. Then, He provided direction. God commanded that the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant walking in front of the people, leading them across the river. "Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you." (3:4) The Bible tells us that as soon as the priest's feet touched the water, the waters "stood still," (3:16) resulting in a dry riverbed. The entire nation of Israel crossed over the Jordan River…on dry land. (3:17)

Wow…can you imagine that day, that moment of God's miraculous power? I imagine the priests standing in the middle of what had been a mighty river, standing in awe of God's provision. I imagine the young children, somewhat frightened by the sight but taking step by step holding each other's hands. What an amazing display of God's faithfulness…faithful to His people, faithful to His promise.

The reminder of the story touched my heart so deeply. I imagine myself, just as the Israelites once did, standing at the banks of a great sea…a sea filled with endless decisions and an unknown future. Sometimes an excitement overwhelms me...other times fear seems to creep in. Stepping forward from a past of being rescued and provided for by the Lord and now awaiting the promise of a future filled with hope…here I stand. From the depths of my heart, I pray: "Oh, Lord. How do I get across? Which way do I go? What is Your plan? Take me wherever You desire. I will follow."

I imagine Him coming beside His dear child and taking my hand in His. "Do not be afraid, Hannah. So I was with Moses, so I was with Joshua, so I will be with you." I imagine Him taking a few steps into the "water"…providing a pathway of dry land. And just as He promised Joshua, His promise resonates in my ears as well:

"This is my command--be strong and courageous!

Do not be afraid or discouraged.

For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

Today, do I have all the answers? No. Do I know exactly what He has planned for me? Well, no. But I have the promise of God's direction, of His protection, of His provision. As I trust in Him, He can perform His perfect will for my life. What an excitement and joy that brews from the depths of my soul when I truly put my whole trust in Him.

And for you, precious child of God, you have that promise, as well. Some reading this today may have lost hope in God's promise. The way seems too long, the mountain seems too big, the water seems too deep. May your heart be filled with hope. Just as He was with Moses, just as He was with Joshua, so our God is with you. What a comfort. What a blessing. What a hope. Thank you, Jesus.

Join with me in a prayerful daily walk of faith. It is a comfort to know that He holds each and every day is it not? Let Him show you the way, child of God. Do not be afraid. He is with you…wherever you go. Do you trust Him?

Hannah Grace