Faith and Trust: Week 10 Chapters 9 & 10

 Linda does a review over the previous chapters. Here are some points to remind ourselves of what we have read and studied over the past 9 weeks.

• Chapter 1: What we are on the inside, what we continually think about, eventually shows in our words, actions, and even our countenances (appearance, especially our facial expressions) pg.11
• Chapter 2: Most of us can categorize our lives in both positive and negative ways. What do you focus on the mud or the stars? Pgs 27-28
• Chapter 3: Are you content to be you? Are you willing to be stretched to discover your abilities and spiritual gifts.
• Chapter 4: Are you content with your role in the here and now? Pg 57
• Chapter 5: Contentment in our relationships. How often do we unintentionally hurt others? pg 71
• Chapter 6: Never enough. Keeping an attitude of gratitude. Pg. 99
• Chapter 7: Where is your focus? "Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of the things which matter least"--Goethe
• Chapter 8: Worry... God teach me to trust you in all areas of my life pg 126

In chapter 9 we go over the foundation of Faith. Linda calls Faith "the bridge that arches above the tumultuous waters of discontent and takes us where contentment flourishes". pg 41
For me Faith is knowing God has even when we feel like it is not here yet.Faith is living beyond our worldly mindset and having an eternal perspective.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (NASB)

Read the book of Daniel chapter 10: I learned so much from this chapter. Daniel prayed and for 3 weeks he did not see (with natural eyes) his answered prayers, but God sent the answer the moment Daniel asked, but there was a fight in the spiritual realm and it took awhile for it to reach Daniel... Here is the key Daniel never gave up the faith he continued to believe God sent forth the answer and he received. 

Faith is being rooted in God's character. Faith is based on Gods word and knowing it is the all truth, not based on our feelings.

Chapter 10 Trusting God with the what ifs.
This all goes back to chapter 8 Worry is like a rocking chair.
What if and if only both lack the eyes of faith. The what ifs lead to anxiety and the if only lead to anger. I can not go back and change the past, but I can start trusting in God now and have a hope for a better future.

Lord we thank you for this beautiful day. We ask you Lord to help us keep our eyes focused on You and Your Word. Thank You Lord for bringing us peace, joy. You are our strength. In Jesus Name Amen.

Ladies I hope you all have a wonderful week and don't forget to encourage one another in the Lord.
God Bless...