THE LAST SEVERAL years have certainly been a different season than most of us have ever experienced. The pandemic brought many situations we had never encountered in our lifetime. Employers are still being affected by a shortage of workers and supplies. This interrupts areas we had never thought of before. Since our children are grown, I do not cook as often as I did. It is easier for my husband and me to eat in a restaurant. However, a shortage of workers and even food have impacted that industry.
We have been renovating buildings at Rhema and supply chain issues have caused lengthy delays in that process. Daily challenges such as these can cause us to unknowingly be stressed and anxious. I have known people who had anxiety attacks because of the situations they were encountering.
Handling multiple tasks and making major decisions have been a part of my and my husband’s life for many years. We are accustomed to working under tight deadlines and handling emergency situations. However, the other day I sensed myself being a little overwhelmed by some major projects.
I was tempted to stress about it. This was very unusual for me. I have always been a positive person and know the Lord will help me get through whatever situation I face. Of course, I knew it was the enemy who comes with despairing thoughts to endeavor to discourage me.
Suddenly my thoughts went to First Peter 5:7–9 (NLT), “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.” Then these words came to me: “Whatever you need—God’s got it.”
Those words so encouraged me. Now when a situation comes up that I do not know the answer to, I say: “Whatever I need—God’s got it!”
Over and over in this column, I have emphasized the importance of communing with the Father every day. It is so important to be sensitive and recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice who is there to help you with anything you need.
Oftentimes we do not recognize that God is working things out. We attribute it to luck instead of God working on our behalf. It is important to recognize and thank the Lord for what He has done and is doing for us.
I know we must have rain, but I do not like dealing with rain when I’m running errands and have to be in and out of the car. One week several years ago, it had rained all week. It was overcast and gloomy. There had been no sunshine at all. This was my birthday week, so I was getting a little sad about the weather conditions. But when my birthday came, the sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day.
Of course, I was thrilled, but I wasn’t thinking God did that just for me. But at 12:01 a.m. the following day, it began raining cats and dogs, as we used to say. I thought, “God, You brought the sunshine just for my birthday!” I began thanking Him and praising Him for being such a wonderful God who cares so much for His children.
I encourage you to quit worrying and trust God in every situation you face. Jesus told us in
Luke 12:24–28 (NLT) “Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”
Remember, when the temptation comes to stress or worry about situations in your life, just say as I do, “Whatever I need—God’s got it!”
Author
Lynette Hagin
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