seek – Love Never Fails

“The Lord is trustworthy. Whatever His plan for you, be assured He will see you safely through.” – Charles F. Stanley

Welcome to day 1 of 3 posts I will be dedicating to Mr. Stanley.

Today I wanted to talk about running this race called life.

Depending on the day, it can feel really defeating to keep going with endurance. I’m sure a time or two you have felt the same way.

“There’s something comforting about knowing that men and women have finished their races well for centries – it gives me faith that I can too.”
Trillia Newbell

What I love about Dr. Stanley is that he always pointed us to Christ, always. If Christ wasn’t your focus, you needed to get refocused. A lot of the time I noticed when we become unfocused we loose sight of who God is. Then we fall into fears, doubts, and lies. This is a tactic of the enemy but this is also the weakness of the flesh. Which is exactly Mr. Stanley’s point. Without Christ, this race will be more exhausting than how it already feels. Below are some truth’s that he wanted us all to hear:

As you see, looking back on those who have gone before us can push us with further endurance. We can look back on Dr. Stanley, David, Noah, and more who have also anticipated God’s aid, armor, and assistance. Sometimes like David we cry out, “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? (see Psalm 13:1), but no matter what it is you are hoping for or struggling with, God will always look out for our good. Even though at times it may feel we are alone, there are people all around the world awaiting for similar blessings and also feel disheartened. Through wisdom he says it best, “In fact, throughout Scripture, there’s not a man or woman whom God used in a powerful way who didn’t first face a long and difficult time of waiting. So don’t despair… take it as the Father’s special favor and guidance in your life.”

“For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” (Isaiah 64:4, KJV)

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalms 91:1, NKJV

I felt led to share my thoughts that I had written down from my devotional. I pray it is helpful.

We tend to get so caught up in trying to be Biblically correct, (which can be good), that we miss the ‘mark’ or ‘point’ sometimes. Knowing all the information that we are feeding ourselves, doesn’t necessarily always give us the fulfillment we need.

God’s mystery makes us thirst for more. Which I feel He desires. He wants this relationship between us to be equally sought out and genuine.

When we feel like we aren’t as close to Him, we can look at all that He has created. The miracle of life and the very intricate design of each single creation. Thinking to ourselves, were can I find God’s hand here?

“The Lord has appeared of old to me, *saying:*
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” – Jeremiah 31:3, NKJV

“I love you.”, He says.
He loves us.

I also think we get too caught up in what everyone else says about God or what everyone else says in general. When we should be seeking our own individual intimate time.

The internet can be a good resource, but it can also turn into a bad habit. With all things, balance is needed.
When we fill ourselves up with His Word and Presence, effectively, with no distractions, we can have His truths. We can affirm for sure what He directly wants us to know.

“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7, ESV

The above verse goes well with today.
He wants to hear everything little thing we have to say. Bottling it all up is no good, for either of us, (God or ourselves), and this is how we get renewed. This is where He can tell us His way versus our own.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”- Psalms 139:23, NKJV

Embrace God’s mystery and wonder.
It’s okay not to completely know.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34, ESV)

“For we were never made to ponder big questions on our own. We are made to share our thoughts, our questions, our confusions, our frustrations―and ponder them with Him and allow Him to teach and father us into greater understanding.”
From rush via Gather Ministries- “Healing The Hurt”, Renew Your Mindset

Allow God to be God. Allow yourself to be still with Him.

Not just for 10 minutes either. Our relationship with Him matters. It truly does. More than we know.

Did you know that trusting in our Heavenly Father and seeking His Word is healthy not only for our spirits and minds, but for even the bones of our flesh? (see Proverbs 3:8)

Isaiah 55:10-11 shares that God means what He says. When we spend time meditating on what He is saying to us, it is important not to just filter it through and store it as information. His Words bring truth. His Words bring meaning. His Words produce life.

Love Never Fails

Tag: seek

Part 1 of 3 Dr. Charles F. Stanley

Giving Seed to Sower