Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: trust

Are You Struggling?

Faith, Trust

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:8‬

Where do you find your security? Maybe it’s in your marriage, a career, good health, or even a comfortable lifestyle.

But what would happen if your “security blanket” disappeared overnight?  What if you lost your job?  What if your spouse walked out on you?  Or a health issue surfaced or you’re diagnosed with a terrible disease?  Let’s pray these never happen!

There will be times in our life when we’re jolted out of our false security. This is usually when panic sets in because we realize how vulnerable we really are. God has a way of showing us that we need Him and His Word instead of trusting in ourselves, others, or something else.

Our response to our troubles may sound like, “God, why have you forsaken me?”  “How am I going to make it?”  “How much longer, God?”  

Have you been there before?  Maybe your there right now.

Here is the truth: Everything on this earth is temporary, but the things of God stand forever.

We watch the grass turn green and the flowers bloom. These are the seasons when everything is going smooth and we start to believe that we don’t need God. But then the grass dries up and petals fall off leaving a gloomy landscape.

The promise that God gives us is that His Word stands forever. The things of God are permanent and they will last forever.

Do you have any areas of your life where you are struggling? Those are the areas where God wants to show you His love and grace He wants you to trust in Him

Pray

Lord, show me where I’m trying to be in control and not allowing You to guide me. Help me to not trust in false hope. God, I allow you to come into every area of my life.

Family of God

Faith, Salvation

‘Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ‘
Ephesians 2:19

Have you ever felt like you were a stranger living in a foreign land? Have you ever had to relocate to a different community, new job or a new school and felt like a fish out of water? It takes a little time before you actually feel like it’s home.

In today’s verse, Paul wants us to consider what it feels like to become a member of God’s household; to be part of the family of God, to be a child of God.

Maybe you have sung the hymn, “I’m so glad… I’m a part… of the family of God.” Sing it right now! “I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood.” Now it’s stuck in your head!

In reality, faith is not just believing but belonging. As a believer in Jesus, you belong to God’s family and His household. The moment you put your trust in Jesus you are no longer a stranger to God but a friend or a child. Even though you are living on earth, your real citizenship is in heaven!

The moment you say, “Lord Jesus, I believe in you, forgive me of my sins and save me,” instantaneously and miraculously, you belong to God. Have you experienced that blessing of belonging to God?

Our home is in heaven and one day we will be in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Can you imagine what it will be like? Heaven awaits us and we long to see Jesus face to face. Let the hope of eternal glory fill your heart with everlasting joy.

Pray

Lord, thank You for saving my soul and accepting me into the family of God. Fill my heart with joy and give me a song in my mouth. Until I’m in Your presence, let Your light shine bright in me so others will know You as well.

The Test Of Faith

Faith, Trust

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22:1-2‬ ‭

When God spoke to Abraham, His words were very clear.  God first told Abraham, “Go to a land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)  Abraham’s faith was so strong.  He listened and obeyed the voice of God.  

Through the years, Abraham was tested in many areas.  God promised him a son but he was very old when Isaac was born.  He learned to wait on the Lord.

Perhaps the most important test in Abraham’s life was when God asked him to sacrifice his own son.  His son meant more to him than anything else and God asked him to offer him up as a sacrifice.  Abraham had waited over 25 years for the promise of his son and now he was asked to give him up.  God was asking a lot from Abraham and it was a true test of faith and obedience.

Our faith and obedience to God is tested everyday.  While it may not seem as significant as with Abraham, we too must be willing to give up the things that mean the most to us.  Is there something that God is asking you to do that requires much faith and obedience?

Knowing God’s will is easy.  Doing God’s will is what’s so difficult.  As you mature in your faith, God will ask you to do things that may take you out of your comfort zone.  When God speaks we must obey.

Pray

Lord, show me Your way.  I desire to be in Your will.  I am ready to receive Your word and commands.