Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 9, 2025

Keeping Spiritual Monovision

“Where there is no vision, the people are out of control, But how blessed is he who keeps the law.”  Proverbs 29:18

Almost three years ago, I experienced a torn retina in my right eye. It was terrifying, but the Lord moved in a big way during that time—miraculously, really—to change my spiritual life. Sadly, the eye surgeries that followed also permanently changed my vision. See, in addition to the torn retina repair, I had to get a vitrectomy, which drains the vitreous fluid to rid it of debris to clear my vision. I share all that to say that since the vitrectomy procedure, my right eye has steadily become more nearsighted…while my left eye has remained farsighted. (In other words, prior to the tear, I could see far away just fine but needed reading glasses like most people in my age group.) Now, however, my left eye sees clearly at a distance, yet I cannot read with it, and my right eye sees clearly to read, but everything beyond six feet is a blur.

There’s a name for this phenomenon: monovision. One can actually function this way because the brain adjusts accordingly as you focus close in or far away. It’s super weird. And although my brain does adjust to my wonky eyes, I often feel a bit like that emoji with the spinning eyeballs. Actually, many people correct their eyes (via contact lenses or laser surgery) to create monovision, so they won’t have to wear bifocals or switch from readers to “seers” to look near then far.

This thought of monovision struck me in terms of the way we believers are called to live our lives. We must keep a focus on heaven—we are citizens of that Great Monarchy after all and subject to the King of kings. Everything we do, we’re to do as unto the Lord. Our perspective is meant to be from our position as the victorious and redeemed in Christ. This is like the eye that can clearly see far away to what is yet ahead. And at the same time, we’re to live in this world—to shine our light into the darkness, living like Christ and becoming more like Him daily as we journey back Home. This requirement for righteous activity (in response to our righteousness in Christ, not to earn it) equates to seeing close-up—what’s right in front of us.

Beloved, in walking through this fallen, broken world as saved (yet still broken) people, we must keep an eye heavenward in the knowledge of God’s Sovereignty and our ultimate destination. This vision gives us a peace and contentment no matter our circumstances. Yet we are also called to see the broken people around us, focusing on pointing others to Christ and doing our part in the Lord’s redemptive plan. We’re to “one another” one another, in love, grace, mercy, and service.

So, what about you? Is your focus only on what the world cares about, trying to satisfy yourself in what your flesh and pride desire (solely nearsighted)? Or are you, as it’s been said, “so heavenly focused that you’re no earthly good” (that is, too farsighted)? Let’s be encouraged to a monovisioned life! Just as our brain adjusts to see clearly at different distances, so the Holy Spirit will give us the clarity to be in this world and not of it…keeping a dual perspective as one rescued and on the rescue team.

“Lord, may I never lose my vision for either my heavenly identity in Christ OR my earthly purpose to glorify You. But let me live with a view for both.”

For His Glory

 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 8, 2025

When Choices Meet Consequences

“But Cain answered the Lord., “My punishment is too great to bear!” Genesis 4:13 (HCSB)

Ever found yourself overwhelmed by the weight of natural consequences? Don’t worry you’re not alone. It’s the trademark of sin – experiencing pleasure in one moment – reaping ugly in the next. Caught up in Satan’s lies, we believe that our choice, our preference, our joy is far more important than obeying God’s truth.

Don’t know about you but I would much rather choose my own consequences. We’re usually very good at excusing away our sin, stretching our sob stories and pivoting all the attention back to poor “us.” That’s exactly where we find Cain in Genesis chapter 4. Little brother, Abel, offers God his best offering; Cain (big brother) offers God whatever. Anger, fury, jealousy – you name it Cain’s obsessed with little brother’s blessing from God in contrast to his warnings from God. If only Abel were out of the picture, then perhaps things would be different so Cain kills Abel.

Wonder if we’ve said similar words? If I could just manipulate these circumstances, move myself up to a favorable spot, push others aside then I would be the one chosen – the one blessed. It happens ever so simply when we get our eyes off God and onto self. End result, our sin like Cain’s stares us square in the face. The conversation that echos from scripture reveals Cain’s heart is far from God. Sorrow isn’t etched on his lips. Remorse and regret don’t follow. Just a complaint – the price tag is too great for me (Cain) to bear!

True repentance never zeros in on sin’s consequences but rather recognizes sin’s offense. The Psalmist David said it best, “Against You oh God have I sinned and done evil in Your sight.” Admitting his sin and facing the truth was not Cain’s agenda. Victim status rose to the surface when God revealed the consequences for his actions. Enabling Cain to stay the same, excusing away his sin and listening to his sob story was not God’s agenda. Mercy, love and grace were Cain’s for the taking, yet he chose to flee the Lord’s presence.

Sound familiar? When the path we’ve taken results in devastation do we confess and turn towards God or do we pamper our choices and seek relief? God is our redeemer, restorer, rebuilder and grace giver but He will never settle for less than best when it comes to His children. God knows that true repentance leads to transformation and that sweet friend draws us closer to His presence.

“Father too many times, we want to skip out of consequences rather than endure teachable moments that serve us well. Help us to embrace Your loving correction.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Faith, Hope, Mercy, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 5, 2025

Choosing Not To Settle

“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one who you obey, either of sin, which leads to death or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? ” Romans 6:16 (ESV)

Ever lose your fave recipe? I have too many times to count. This past week, I searched diligently for my oatmeal, almond butter cookie recipe. We love it – perfect combo and very healthy too – tastes delish. I searched thru drawers and piles of recipes before taking to the internet. None of the ones I found came even close. The ingredients were off. The procedure wasn’t right. I wanted my recipe; I could taste those cookies melting in my mouth. Giving up, I finally settled for another one.

Got up Saturday morning to take my vitamins and guess what I found folded up in my drawer? My cookie recipe! I was so excited! No settling for this girl, I mixed up a batch and it’s chilling in the fridge right now – can’t wait to bake them.

While my fave recipe involved delish cookies, God has a recipe for successful living – it’s called obedience. That’s right – nothing else will do. There is no substitute for doing what God has told us to do. It’s easy to try to do life our way and skip His wisdom, but settling for my will versus His will definitely leave a bad aftertaste.

Obeying the voice of God may seem simple and familiar, but over the past few weeks, I’ve been focusing on a Bible verse each week. Amazing how those verses have propelled me to examine my obedience. Do I intentionally listen and obey His voice? Total confession here – no! One particular day, I said something “gossip” at work that wasn’t edifying or encouraging yet I totally dismissed it. Next morning I’m reading over my verse for the week and knew I’d missed the mark.

Perfection will never be our seal in this world. We are constantly battling our fleshly desires, yet God never asks for perfection but a seeking after His holiness – a desire within us to obey His voice. A daily pursuit of prayer, Bible Study, obedience and growth.

Love His grace for those moments when we fail to follow His recipe. But don’t want to settle there and excuse away the things we know displease our God. The end result never serves us well. So sweet friends, I’m praying we heed His words and obey His voice even if it’s a habit we’ve excused before. Choosing not to settle. Choosing to please Him because obedience is His fave response.

“Sweet Jesus, how we need You to help us resist the urge to disobey. To stand strong and walk boldly in obedience knowing You lead us to abundance.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 4, 2025

Daddy’s Tab

“I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy.” Psalm 116:1 (NIV)

When I was 10 years old, my parents headed out of state for a Rotary International conference. Somehow, I managed to bargain my way into that week-long trip by offering to babysit my 6-month-old sister, Kantia. Mom and Dad were busy with the conference sessions, special meals and spas. I was delighting myself with the special services provided by the fancy hotel for my baby sister and me, by the mere mention of room service, aka “my daddy’s tab.”

I never did see the bill for the things I was given the liberty to charge on that tab, but after an entire week at that expensive Grand Hotel in Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil, I am pretty sure the price was not cheap. Yet, my daddy never did mention it to me.

The grace of God is just like that Grand Hotel tab back in my childhood; it is extended by God to us even if we do not deserve it; even if we test His patience. I undoubtedly tested the patience of a few hotel maids who consistently returned to our hotel room to bring more nicely pressed, soft white linens and towels, because this girl would leave her baby sister without a diaper, simply because it would mean less diaper changes!

As you can probably imagine, things would get pretty messy at times. Sweet friends, isn’t this the nature of humankind? I mean, so often we are given opportunities to experience something good and, either by naiveté, or stupidity, or even for lack of thinking things through, we make a big, ole mess of things, and then we need to rush and put a call in to the One who can fix it all: Our Heavenly Daddy.

If you are in the midst of a messy episode, do not give up and do not give in. Jesus can redeem you from it. He fixes the mess, puts the pieces of the broken hearts together, and dries the tears. And the best part is, He will never rub the cost of it in your face.

“Dear Jesus: We are faulty and we are totally dependent upon Your grace. Thank you for redeeming us from our mess to Yourself.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Attitude, Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 3, 2025

Be Transformed

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”  Romans 12:2 (NLT)

The “Take your archetype quiz” advertisement somehow wove its way into my social media. I recognized an archetype from literature but was not clear on how it was related to me now. I could tell it was connected to clothing, but I was still a bit confused, so I looked further into it and one of the headlines read,  “Archetypes of clothing to transform you.”  Another talked about how, if I would take this quiz and understand my archetype, I would know how to dress and shop better. I was fascinated because this was new information to me. I continued to  look at the little blurbs and found quizzes and polls to determine what my archetype is. For fun and out of curiosity, I went ahead and took a quiz. I found that of all the women in the world, we could all be placed into one of five categories of styles of clothing! So much for being unique! Many of the commercials promised that if you found your archetype it would transform your life! WOW! That is a BIG promise to gain from clothing!

As I thought about the word transform and the guarantees made by this post, it made me sad. How many women would trust that this would be the answer to what they were searching for? It brought Romans 12:2 to mind. God says we are not transformed by our clothing. Ok, He does not specifically state clothing, but He does tell us we are transformed by how we think. The world promises transformation in so many ways, yet the only way to really become different, transformed, is by changing what goes in our minds. This fascinated me and I dug deeper.

Scripture uses the Greek world transform 4 times and each time it is a change for the better, an improvement in our life. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to, “Guard your heart (thoughts) above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

Now that is a BIG promise.

If we want to change the course of our life, we need to change our thoughts. If we want to be more like Him we need to take this seriously and “take every thought captive.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) Everything around us influences us. That is why advertising budgets are huge, grocery store shelves are stocked so certain items are at eye level, archetype apps are making money right now, and we will not even mention all of the different weight loss strategies.  We want to change, we want to be transformed in so many ways, but we try everything else out before we try God’s way.

Want to change your life? Change your thoughts. What goes in determines who we are!

Have you thought about what you are thinking about? Feeling down on yourself? Maybe it is time to check the amount of time spent scrolling the highlight reels of everyone else’s life. Feeling distant from the Lord? How about  taking a walk and talking with Him instead of relating to the world through shows. When loneliness invades our minds, maybe it is time to turn off the Hallmark movies.

These are just a few ideas, but know we are what we think! And God always keeps His promises. Let God transform you by allowing Him to renew our minds. It is not easy, but it is so worth it!

Nothing is wrong with knowing your archetype, just in trusting it to transform you! Let me know if you take one of those quizzes:)!

“Father, help us to think on the things that honor You. Give us the strength to fight the battles in our minds before we act on them. Thank you for loving us and showing us the answers.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 2, 2025

An Answer To Your Why

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT)

Life is hard. Beyond that, walking through this life is a constant battle because we’re up against this fallen world, our fleshly desires, and the enemy of our souls. Even as followers of Christ, we’re promised troubles in this world (John 16:33). People hurt us. Tragedy befalls us. Our own sin hinders our sanctification journey. Often, when we are weighed down, tossed about, or completely unraveled, we lift our “why” to the Lord (and others). We shout, “How long, Oh Lord?” We remind ourselves that God’s ways are higher than ours, His thoughts beyond our understanding (sometimes successfully hearing this self-talk, other times, not so much). But going through the fire still burns. And we never come out the other side completely unscathed. Scars remain—whether visible or not. Although the brokenness has healed, we may walk with a limp.

Even when a particular valley season is “done,” we may not get our heavenly reason. Can we eventually look back and see the Lord’s mighty hand of protection, direction, and mercy? I pray we do! Whether He walked beside us, carried us, or dragged us through it, Jesus never left us. Sometimes, we are given a revelation as to how desperate days glorified Him—it could be a few months later or decades. Perhaps we needed refining in a particular area. Or we can see that what the enemy intended for evil, the Lord intended for a much bigger and bolder Good. Maybe it led us out of the pigsty to a place of full surrender to the Lord.

In God’s Word, through the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:3-7), we’re given another profound answer to the cries of “why” through our storms: to prepare us to comfort others with the Providential comfort we’ve been given. In typical Paul fashion, these verses can be a bit wordy—but he leaves no room for confusion here. God is our source of comfort, joy, and satisfaction, no matter our circumstances. No amount of drink, drug, money, self-help, or self-harm will fully comfort or satisfy—only Christ and the confidence we have in our salvation. And it is through this comfort received that we can extend comfort to others. We can boldly proclaim, “I endured through Christ, and so can you!”

I was powerfully reminded of this recently when a neighbor was courageous enough to share a darkness she is walking through. (Mind you, she doesn’t know me well, but she and her husband know we are Christ followers…and so they trusted us as a safe place to land. This, friend, is another devo altogether—but you can probably see where I’d go with this!) It “just so happens” that I’ve walked the road she suddenly found herself on, stepping on the same shards of broken glass and wondering if my bloodied feet (and life) could heal. Oh, friend, I was able to comfort and encourage her because of my pain, giving grace and counsel I would otherwise be unable to extend had I not been through it. I was able to reveal my scars, once open wounds, now healed and strengthened. And I was able to assure her that those shards of brokenness can be restored into something beautiful.

When troubles come, beloved, lean into the comfort only God can provide. It’s quite alright to ask Him your “whys” (just look through Psalms—it’s a thing!). But please know that your trust in God, endurance, and comfort through your suffering holds a promised purpose when you’ve come through the other side: to help bring others through. Just be sure to look for those opportunities to comfort another…be brave and let Him use your story for His glory.

“Lord, thank You for the victories I have through You. Let me use my scars—and Yours—to comfort others, shining Your light of hope, grace, mercy, and love.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | September 1, 2025

Why The Hard Journey Draws Us Close To The Heart Of God

“By this I know that you (God) delight in me; my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.”  Psalm 31:8

How could one week be filled with so many disappointments? Yet, that is exactly where I landed. Things that I wished and hoped for didn’t materialize. Things I desperately hoped wouldn’t happen showed up. Reality here the hoped for and hoped wouldn’t disappointments added to an ever increasing pile of not what I expected or ever planned for.

Perhaps you’ve been there too – when your dreams seem to vanish into thin air. Maybe you’ve begged and prayed asking God to prevent a bitter cup from spilling over and drenching your life. Living on this earth, sweet friends, we’ve all experienced less than wanted moments. And until we step foot onto heaven’s shores, we will battle through the hard places of getting what we don’t want and not getting what we hoped for.

Discouragement and disillusionment create the perfect landing place for the enemy to zero our focus on all the things we ‘d rather avoid. His whispers echo in our ears, “God is holding back on us. Life isn’t fair. God could have totally prevented this unwanted circumstance. Why did God choose someone else to receive what we were convinced was meant for us?”
Sounds a little too familiar don’t you think?

On days when I’ve landed in the crashing waves of hopelessness, my sweet Jesus has gathered me up in His loving arms and lifted my feet to higher ground. He’s given me strength to lift my eyes up and glimpse the beauty of His presence. To view today’s disappointments not as setbacks but as opportunities to trust Him more. To cling to His promises and rest in His sovereignty. Remembering His unchanging character. Jesus’ undeniable love for little ole me even in the midst of my pity parties has redefined where I gaze and place my hope; the enemy is silenced.

It’s the hard fought hallelujah – this is my story – this is my song – praising my Savior all the day long. The Lord gives and takes away – blessed be the name of the Lord.

It’s the tough fight and you’ve probably journeyed there too (Job 3:25). So sweet friends let’s do it together holding on to all God is teaching us (Isaiah 48:17). Resist the urge to give up and entertain the lies of the enemy. God has not abandoned us or forsaken us – He draws near to the brokenhearted. His whispers echo in the encouragement and prayers of dear friends – the visible, tangible hands and feet of Jesus. The radiant beauty of just knowing we are His beloved and nothing else really matters. So let’s courageously decide to follow Jesus and not listen to the voice of the enemy – no turning back, no turning back. It’s the grandest place to land, face down and hands raised glorifying God despite unwanteds and unmets of this world.

“Father, You have filled with my heart with joy, You have energized my weary soul and my heart is forever grateful for the journey that draws me close to You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 29, 2025

Why Patience Matters

“But You O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 (ESV)

Who would really pray for patience?  And yet, we’ve probably all done that haven’t we?  We find ourselves in challenging and difficult situations with patience running on empty.  We feel stretched beyond our capabilities and impatience rears its ugly head.  Perhaps we’re showing someone how to do a new task at work, and they’re simply not getting it.  We explain. We walk them through the steps.  Yet, their lack of getting it wears us down.  Maybe we’re walking alongside someone as they face challenges and their repetitive resistance to doing life God’s way shortchanges our patience. We grow weary.  We give up.

Patience is definitely not easy, especially if we are relying on self.  Our human nature exhausts quickly when the going gets tough.  We’re so accustomed to quick, ease and fast to the point that patience seems foreign.  We simply don’t stretch those muscles enough.  So when patience is required, we just don’t think we can do it.

Webster defines patience as bearing pains or trials calmly without complaint.  Not exactly where we like to land is it?  Read that definition a little further and it states patience is being steadfast despite opposition, difficulty or adversity.  Perhaps this is the reason we forego patience because complaint easily rises to the surface when someone else just isn’t getting it or making the right choices.  And being steadfast, unmoveable, unshakeable in the face of opposition well that’s more than we bargained for right?

Sweet friends while we can’t wrap our minds around this idea of patience and steadfast faithfulness, the psalmist reminds us our God exemplifies it beautifully.  When I think about the way God endures my hasty reactions, impetuous responses, and unwillingness to see beyond the moment I’m amazed.  He is the best teacher who never gives up on His students.  Our God never grows weary or tired because He sees the potential underneath the surface, and He lovingly waits for us. His anger is only directed at sin and not the sinner as He patiently waits for their return.

Best example ever is to follow in God’s footsteps.  When patience is slipping through our fingers, we would be wise to remember His mercy and grace.  Dig in a little deeper and go the distance to ensure someone else is loved the way He loves us.  Forego our tendency to seek comfort and give God our full attention as He teaches us how to willingly forbear with others.  And when adversity strikes, we can steadfastly hold on to our God and exchange complaints for praise of His presence in the moment.

Who would really pray for patience?  Well if we’re truthful, we all need to pray that we would reflect the patient, long-suffering mercy of our God.  Abounding in love and grace are just the right ways we need to respond to others.

“Father with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can follow in Your footsteps and honor You by being patient with others in the same way You have shown patience to us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 28, 2025

Sailor On A Jet Ski

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”   Colossians 3:23-24   NLT

 Working for the Lord looks different for each of us. Sometimes our calling shifts over the course of our Christian Walk—one season may look very different from the next. I deeply admire those with big, visible roles in the Kingdom—pastors, missionaries, and leaders whose impact seems obvious. By comparison, my own roles over the years have felt much smaller: musician, ministry support, and now, writer. At times, I’ve wondered if the place God assigned me is too insignificant to make much difference. If you’ve ever felt that way, I’d like to share something with you.

My grandson serves as a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy, overseeing the sonar crew on one of our largest nuclear submarines. When he was a young sailor just learning the ropes, he called me, full of excitement, to explain the complexities of sonar work. His job was to distinguish the underwater signatures of watercraft and even “biologicals” like whales. He needed to learn which nations had which kinds of ships, how their engines sounded, and the subtle differences in propulsion systems. Then, with a laugh, he told me that some navies even count jet skis among their vessels—as though such a tiny craft could pose no threat against America’s fleet.

I reminded him that a jet ski could go where an aircraft carrier never could. A small, swift vessel can slip into tight places unnoticed, deliver its payload, and create a surprising impact before anyone realizes it’s there.

That conversation stayed with me.

Fast forward to today. In retirement, I write books and articles with one goal: to honor God and point people to Him. My work has never reached bestseller lists, and sometimes I question whether my efforts are big enough to matter.

Then, just the other day, I heard a recorded message from Dr. Falwell say, “You don’t have the right to be mediocre.” The words hit me in that sensitive spot. Was I mediocre?

But almost immediately, the Lord brought back that old conversation with my grandson. I realized: I am the lone sailor on the jet ski. My writing may not be large-scale or headline-making, but God can use it to reach into small, hidden places—hearts and minds that might never otherwise be touched. If even one person encounters Christ through my words, then I’ve fulfilled the work He gave me. The results are His, not mine to measure.

So take heart if your service feels unseen or small. God is not counting headlines or numbers. He calls us to faithfulness. Whether your work looks like an aircraft carrier or a lone jet ski, if you are doing what He has asked of you, you are making an eternal impact in His vineyard.

“Father, thank you for giving us the privilege of working for You. Help us to keep our hearts faithful, to wait upon You for strength to help us finish the race, and to resist the temptation to judge our work only by what we can see.”

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | August 27, 2025

Remember

“Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over.  He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.” Joshua 4:21-24 (NLT)

Do you ever remember something and wonder how you ever forgot “It?”  “It” was so important at one time and now you realize you have not thought about  “it” in quite a while.  It almost shocks you that “it” is a thing of the past now.

Isn’t it amazing that God knows we forget our “Its” all too easily?  God knows us so well that the word remember shows up 172 times throughout scripture!

This is true for so many things, but especially when He has been  faithful to see us through “It.”    He has walked with us through so much and yet, we doubt. He knows we forget the “its” that He has carried us through.  If He does not remind us, He knows we will not remember.

In Joshua 3:14-17, the Israelites (God’s chosen people) were up against the Jordan River.  It was daunting, but they needed to cross it.  God made the waters still so that they could cross.  When they got to the other side, God told them to place rocks there to remember what He had done.  That He had been faithful and present and powerful.

Notice the waters were still there, but God kept the waters away from them.  He made  a dry path for them to cross over on and He (His presence represented by the Ark of the Covenant) did not come out of the river  until everyone was safely across.

Their journey was not over and there were struggles to come.  God told them to take the time to remember Him because it would give them strength in the days to come and would serve to teach future generations  Who He is.

Today, remember Him.  What has He already carried you through?  Trust Him to do it again.  How can we place “stones” to remind us of His power?

“Father, help us to remember what You have brought us through and believe You will not leave us now.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Gratitude, Spiritual Living

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