Attributes of God

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, 

because when he has stood the test, he will receive

the crown of life that God has promised to 

those who love Him."

(James 1:12)

How do we get through such trials?

I sat and listened intently as a great mentor of mine spoke to a group of women on Tuesday afternoon. She shared about all the many ways God is carrying her through the most difficult season of her life. Knowing all that she has experienced throughout the past few short years, I was astounded at her testimony of how the Lord has given her such peace amidst the storms of life. Over and over again, she claimed God as her rest and her refuge.

Attributes of God.

It seems as though every day I am being made aware of another trial someone I know - or know of - is undergoing. Financial distress, illness, failing marriages, abuse, miscarriage, loss ... The list could go on and on. I often, much like you, scratch my head and ask God questions such as, "Why is this happening?" and "When will this ever end?"

Psalm 9:9-10 says, "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your Name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have have never forsaken those who seek You."

Who is the Lord to you personally, my friend? Is He your refuge and your strength, as the Psalmist above proclaims? Is He your comforter, your redeemer, your rest? Is He your sustainer, provider, and friend? Your satisfier, defender, and protector?

These attributes of God are anchors to keep our soul from drifting.

So today, if you are caught up in the difficulties of life, may you find rest in clinging to the attributes of your God.  Just recalling all the many ways He has carried you through the hardships up to this point, will act as a catalyst for your soul to continue trusting Him for the future.

Attributes of God.

Anchors for our soul.

Fully Convinced

"[Abraham was] fully convinced

that what He had promised

He was also able to perform."

(Romans 4:21, NKJV)

Abraham was a man of great belief.  God spoke Abraham's future into his life, and it was up to him whether he would cave to the pressures of reality or take God at His word.  The Bible says, "Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). 

Abraham was fully convinced of the ability of his God.

What has God promised you through His Word, my friend?

Often times we allow doubt to creep in and unsettle our spirits, leading us down a path of disbelief and ultimate faith destruction.  We then become frustrated, cynical, and discouraged.  This particular point is pivotal - Will we remain in this place of oppression, or will we return back in true repentance to the place of deep faith?

Jim Cymbala writes in Fresh Faith, "But God can revive fresh faith in our souls if we ask him.  He will bring faith alive in us through his Word, as Romans 10:17 declares: 'Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (NKJV).  Nothing is impossible with God."

So when faith is lacking and discouragement is settling in, look no further than God's Word for revival.  He will use His Word to speak encouragement into your life, reviving your faith in Him.  

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that

He exists and that He rewards those

who earnestly seek Him."

(Hebrews 11:6)         

Are you fully convinced of the ability of your God?

Divine Power

"No one will be ale to stand up against 

you all the days of your life.  

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you;

I will never leave you nor forsake you."

(Joshua 1:5)

How often we long to know God's plans for our lives.  In Joshua chapter 1, after the death of Moses, the Lord has given Joshua [who was Moses' aide] the task of leading the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the land the Lord that was promised to them.  He makes a promise to Joshua here ...

A promise of divine power for accomplishing the task at hand.

There is one requirement:

"Be strong and very courageous.  Be careful to obey all the law of my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Do not let this Book of the Law* depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful." 

(Joshua 1:7-8; *Genesis - Deuteronomy)

Isn't it interesting that the Lord Himself associates success with the Word of God?  

So when we want to be successful in the plans that God has for us ... When we desire to know exactly where He is leading us ... When we want to be assured of God's power in our lives ... We need not look any further than God's Word.  

As you read His Word today, may you embrace God's divine power for accomplishing the task at hand.

The divine power -- Found in Him Alone.