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Join the Journey
To help you dig deeper into God’s Holy Word this year, we’re offering:
“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Eccles. 9:11, KJV).
These words hold two very credible sources of endorsement: They were penned by Solomon—the wisest man who ever lived—and, as a part of the canon of Scripture, fall under the category of being inspired by God. The truth of this passage can be viewed in two ways that offer hope to us in our earthly journey and experience.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take” (Prov. 3:5–6, NLT).
A few years ago, my husband lost his job. Down to one income with children in private school and bills to pay, I was scared. Late one night, trying to fall asleep with a thousand thoughts racing through my mind, Proverbs 3:5–6 was brought to my mind.
Fast forward to 2020 and living in the “new normal” of COVID-19. With so many unknowns, there were moments of what-ifs; however, as with everything in life, going straight to my Heavenly Father and talking with Him helped to calm my fears. Keeping my favorite Bible verse on a continual loop in my mind also helped.
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will” (Eph. 1:4–5, NKJV).
I find it amazing to consider this verse, especially along the lines that I was chosen “before the foundation of the world” by the Almighty God. As I ponder upon this, I am reminded of what was done for me before the foundation of the world. Jesus, the Lamb, was slain! (Revelation 13:8). Jesus and His Father loved me and had a plan for me before I was created (John 3:16).
God has clearly chosen me, and all of us for that matter, but have I chosen God? (Joshua 24:15).
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1, KJV).
My favorite verse in the Bible is Psalm 23:1. I know I am safe if God is my Shepherd. I will always have what I need. Many times, however, when I experience trials, I easily forget this promise and start to distrust and despair. I need to trust God when difficult times occur, and rely on this promise to keep my heart calm.
God saved my life when I was baby. As a premature infant, I weighed only three pounds at birth. The doctors didn’t expect me to live. They also thought that, if I did live, I would only have half of my heart and be unable to walk. But God saved me and sustained my life. If it weren’t for the Lord, I wouldn’t be here today—totally healthy and strong.