Endurance for the Journey, Featured

For a man’s way
are in full view of the Lord,
and he examines all his paths.
PROVERBS 5:21 (NIV)



When we suffer, it is easy to imagine that God has forgotten us, that we have somehow completely slipped off his radar screen. But a verse like Proverbs 5:21 corrects that kind of faulty thinking. As does Psalm 33:13-15:



The Lord looks down from heaven
and sees the whole human race.
From his throne he observes
all who live on the earth.
He made their hearts,
so he understands
everything they do.



God not only sees us, he watches and observes us fully. He not only notices the major events and circumstances of our lives, but He is completely aware of all our paths – even the ones overgrown with thorns and brambles. We are never out of our Lord’s thoughts … even when we try to force him out of ours.



Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.
Test my motives and my heart.
For I am always aware of your unfailing love,
And I have lived according to your truth.
PSALM 26:2-3 (NLT)



On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky

0

Endurance for the Journey, Featured, Words of Endurance

Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
PSALM 126:5-6 (NIV)



What a promise! Think of it. When you sow in tears, you will enjoy a marvelous and abundant return on your investment. But, you may be thinking, when have I ever gone out weeping, carrying seed to sow?


If you have ever reached through an invisible wall of pain to embrace God with willful thanks, you have sown in tears. If you’ve ever been rejected by a dear one and yet turned the other cheek in love, you have sown in tears. If you have patiently endured physical affliction, or responded in love through a difficult marriage, then Psalm 126:5-6 could be your life verse. When you hurt physically or emotionally, it’s hard to muster a patient or godly response. Pain has a way of screaming for our undivided attention. But when you either offer a sacrifice of praise to God in the midst of your hurt, or respond in faith to a heartbreak of hardship, you are sowing in tears. Take heart, for one day God will reward you with sheaves of joy – all because you were faithful through tears.

Joni Eareckson Tada



Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
PSALM 30:5 (NLT)



On the journey with you,
Jan & Dave Dravecky

0