Tag: sadness

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Disappointments

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Disappointments come at us in all kinds of ways. It can be being skipped over for a promotion, not getting those pair of shoes because they did not have them in your size, a friend lets you down, parent skips out, someone at work makes fun or even bullies, a forgotten birthday or anniversary. The blanks could be filled in with any number of things. Disappointments hurt, bruise, even leave scars.

Scripture tells us that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him.  Notice the word ALL. That means everything! He can take it and use it in our lives to grow us. That may not be our first reaction. Ever thought about Joseph and what might have been going through his mind? His brothers threw him in a pit, sold him into slavery, and told their father he was dead. Scripture doesn’t tell us what might have crossed his mind and how he felt. Did he immediately remember the dreams God had given him? Did he trust in what God had shown him?  He went on to be lied about, betrayed, and thrown in prison. But in each case God was with Him and brought Joseph to exactly where He had designed.

We as His children are held in His hands, and He longs for us to lean on Him and allow Him to work. Sometimes we get knocked off center for just a little while, but then we come back to our refuge, healer, strength, Redeemer and LORD. God is always with us…always!

Blessings,

WM Team

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Why?

redbankwomen

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Why?

Ever ask that question? Why is this happening in my family? Why would a young person take their life? Why is a child’s life ended?  Well, the questions could go on and on with different situations. Why does one human being think they have the right to sell another human being?

There is evil in this world and bad things are going to happen. Maybe like me you have sat down and tried processing, but still at times just can’t wrap your mind around the tragedy. Yet deep down we know God is sovereign and He makes no mistakes! God tells us your ways are not my ways and your thoughts are not my thoughts. Sometimes all we can do is sit quietly. No words because there are none that would make sense at the time. We all know God sees the whole picture not just the present, but at that moment, even if just for a little while, that truth eludes us as the pain is so great we feel we will break.

God is holding us through that pain. And by His grace, if we are His child, we remember He is our refuge, our comforter, and healer. The comfort is immediate while the healing may take a while. We may struggle just to hold on for a time, then the truth that God never leaves us rises to the top. And in the midst of the pain we say thank you for not letting go of me.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1 NLT)

We have no idea what you may be going through at this time, but we do know that we all belong to and serve a Holy God who does not forget His people. If you do not know Jesus, this article will probably not make any sense to you. Life is hard and I cannot imagine doing it apart from Jesus.

If you have questions about what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus please contact one of us on the WM Team, your pastor, or someone you respect who you know is walking with Jesus. It truly is the most important decision you will ever make. Being His child doesn’t mean a life with no hardships or hurts, but it does mean you now have God tenderly and with compassion walking with you each step of the way. We must choose Him and surrender and trust all His promises are true.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT)

Blessings from the WM Team

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When You Can’t He Can

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when you cantI can’t take one more step, answer one more phone call, go to another soccer game, face another problem. I feel useless and helpless. Maybe you haven’t thought or said these words but most likely you know someone who has shared these feelings with you.

I truly feel we all at times need to hear the following truths. Maybe like me, you could use a reminder and the encouragement that comes from these truths.

When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient.

When you are completely helpless, He is the most helpful. 

When you feel totally dependent, He is absolutely dependable. 

When you are the weakest, He is the most able.   

When you are the most alone, He is intimately present.

When you feel you are the least, He is the greatest.   

When you feel the most useless, He is preparing you.

When it is the darkest, He is the only Light you need.                                       

When you feel the least secure, He is your Rock and Fortress.

When you are the most humble, He is most gracious.   

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power at work in us.”   

Ephesians 3:20 

Blessings,

WM Team

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London Bridge Is Falling Down

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I stepped outside of the hospital and took a deep breath. It had been a long month. It was a beautiful spring day and the light breeze was refreshing. I headed to the park across the road stopping at the sandwich shop first since I had not eaten since breakfast yesterday. I paid the clerk and stepped back outside and headed for a bench that was positioned in front of the pond. The water was soothing, the birds singing, and a mother duck with her little family were busy swimming around the pond.

Taking the sandwich out of the bag I unwrapped it and took a bite. Although it was one of my favorites it just didn’t seem to have any taste. I was bone tired and yet could not sleep when I would lay down at night. Dad had been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and it was three weeks before the doctors said he would make it. Mom was not only exhausted, she too was sick. She had been dealing with Parkinson’s for two years now and had experienced a real rough spot. Days were spent with Dad and nights with mom. My work had been gracious in giving me an extended leave with pay so I did not have to be concerned about my job or obligations. My husband was being both mom and dad to our three little rug rats and had been completely supportive of me. I missed them all terribly. Being an only child, there were no siblings to share thoughts, tears and long nights.

There was a sound breaking into the silence of my thoughts. Looking up I saw them, children playing London Bridge is Falling Down and laughing. I realized that’s how I felt. The bridges were beginning to crumble and I felt they would fall soon. My heart hurt, my body moved like a robot. It was all I could do to put one foot in front of the other, yet I knew I must. I felt the warmth of tears as they ran down my cheek. I wanted to hit something, throw something, or scream at the top of my voice! Where are you Lord in all this?

As tears continued to fall, God gently reminded me, “I’m right here!  You don’t have to pretend with me. I can handle your screaming, hurt or questions. Just talk with me. I walk each step with you whether those steps are easy or hard. Remember you are never alone.”

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

I went by home before heading to Mom’s. I gave and got some much wanted and needed hugs. When I got to Mom’s, we talked for a while. She was ready to have her man of 60 years back home. We both got ready for bed, and that night I fell into the arms of Jesus and slept.  Knowing He held tomorrow and me in His hands.

Father God, thank you that you know us better than we know ourselves. That there is nothing we cannot bring to you. That you are bigger than anything we might be experiencing and can handle our screams or questions. Thank you for your promise “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Blessings,

The WM Team