How's Your Trust?

When you've been hurt by past relationships, friends and/or family members, as we all have, you're afraid to trust again. I know in my life, I kept people at a distance, I decided I'd never be hurt again. This was not only unrealistic; it set me up for isolation. I shut down and kept my heart safely locked away, inside an impenetrable vault where no one could get in and I couldn't get out. Safe. Secure. Alone.

Eventually, as time passed I realized that the loneliness was more painful than the hurt. I slowly began to open the vault, a few moments/hours at a time. Little by little, allowing myself to try and trust again. This wasn't easy. Some days would send me running back in & slamming the door tightly. But those times became less and less. I eventually allowed people to come into my life. Then one day I realized that the fear had been replaced by laughter, caring, kindness and love. The scarring was there and always would be, but that was a reminder. Yes someone had hurt me deeply, but God had a plan for my life, and that plan is good and perfect. It never included isolation, sadness, and loneliness.

He Loves you and wants to give you everything He's promised. He needs you to open the vault which is guarding your heart and allow Christ to come inside and begin to do a good work in you. Allow Him to show you how to Love and Trust again. Remember He is the Author and Perfector of Miracles. You are a Miracle in His eyes. You are made in His Good and Perfect Image. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 139:23-24

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

"Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land-a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills."

Deuteronomy 8:6-7

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

WHY vs. TRUST

It's often easy to say the right words, declaring your Trust in God and Jesus Christ. But when troubles come, (sickness, finances, loss, hurt) we often struggle to continue Trusting. The Trust is somehow replaced with, "WHY?"

We question, "If God loves us, how can He allow these things to happen to us? What lessons haven't we learned or have yet to learn? Why is He allowing these difficulties that seem unbearable, unimaginable in their weight and intensity?"

During these times, even though we're unable to know the reason behind it, one thing remains true, God is with you in the midst of it. He is the one you need to continue to cling to, Trust in and rely on to see you through it.

Wavering Trust leaves room for doubt to creep in; doubt moves to despair; despair leads to eventually taking matters into your own hands...thus telling God that you can handle things in your life better than He can.

God's timing may not be our timing. He may step in at the last possible moment, when you feel like you're being crushed. He may allow you to go through difficulties but show you His unending Love in the midst of it...carrying you Lovingly through each day. Moving you closer to His ultimate will and plan for your life. When the "Why's" begin to surface, spend some quiet time with God, just as Jesus did when He needed strength to finish His journey. His Love will encompass you, strengthening you, body, mind, and spirit...leading you to Trust in Him through the "Why's," knowing that He has you safely in the palm of His Hand. 

"My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek."

Psalm 27:8

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Psalm 27:14

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalm 34:18

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."

Psalm 27:7

"Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge a strong fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth."

Psalm 31:2-5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

A Legacy of Prayer

Story From: "God's Little Devotional Journal"

In the early days of the formation of the United States, a stranger once asked how he might identify George Washington among those present at Congress. He was told, "You can easily distinguish him when Congress goes to prayer, Washington is the gentleman who kneels."

Washington had a long-standing reputation as a man of prayer. At Valley Forge, he frequently found rest and relief in prayer. One day a farmer approaching the military camp heard an earnest voice. When he drew nearer, he saw Washington on his knees, his cheeks wet with tears. The farmer returned home and said to his wife: "George Washington will succeed! George Washington will succeed! The Americans will secure their Independence!"

"What makes you think so, Isaac?" his wife asked. The farmer replied, "I heard him pray, Hannah, out in the woods today, and the Lord will surely hear his prayer. He will, Hannah; thee may rest assured He will."

One person willing to humble himself and pray can leave a legacy of faith and hope, giving courage to future generations.

"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes." Psalm 17:6-7

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Psalm 18: 32

"Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back." Isaiah 38:17

Let The Storm Rage On

photo & story by: lisa petrarca

I was sitting in church, looking out the window as we sang to the background howl of the wind, palm trees bending sideways, resisting the powerful gusts threatening to uproot them. The ominous dark clouds quickly moving in, smothering the warmth of the sun as it illuminated, trying to shine through, thick droplets quickly followed, beating against the window pane.

I sat enjoying the beautiful worship music...warm, content and full of peace. Thankful to be inside the safe shelter of church, worshiping the Lord. The serenity within brought my attention to the direct contrast raging just outside our doors.

Everyday we are faced with life's storms. Some are short, quick little bursts, while others seem to pound us for months, even years. The Lord has told us that we can have peace even during the storms. We need to learn to rely, trust & depend on Him, through the renewing of our minds. Removing all negative, self-defeating thoughts & words, letting the Holy Spirit guide us into REAL truth.

Each day, pray for the Lord to strengthen & comfort you so that you can feel the life giving safety that only HE can provide. A place where you can sit in perfect Christ like peace, while the storm rages around you. Knowing that your Heavenly Father is watching over you. He will take care of you...learn to trust Him, putting HIM first in your life.

"A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace." 1 Corinthians 7:15

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16

"If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is my refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:9-12

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Need a Transformation

story & photo by: lisa petrarca

How transforming is prayer? Can it really change things?

It took me years to really understand the importance of "talking" to God. Allowing Him to come into EVERY area of my life. A lot of times I put Him in a box. Allowing the Lord access to certain areas; my sick friends and family members, when I needed a job or a place to live. Always during the difficult or needy times. I knew those things were okay to pray about. The "normal" requests. But as my walk with the Lord grew deeper, I began to open up every area. Even those deep, dark, dreary areas that remained hidden. Tucked so far back that I often forgot the problems were still there, lingering around.

But in learning to let go...I learned that God wants every part of me. Not just the "normal" everyday things. He wants my trust, He wants to know that I truly believe that HE CAN make ALL things new. The first step became releasing my doubt. Once I prayed, I made a conscious choice to believe. I chose to let go of any doubt and know that when He answers my prayers, it will be the way that is best for me, not necessarily exactly as I want it.

That is where faith and trust come in. Removing the doubt first then relying, believing, expectantly waiting for HIS WILL regarding my prayers. Allowing Him access to every area, every weakness, every self doubt, hurt, pain or shame. LETTING HIM IN, knowing that HE CAN AND WILL heal and transform me. TRUST IN THE LORD!

Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalms 51:6-15