“Scriptures are the best motivational speeches that have ever been written; and they were written just for us, long before we even had the problem to begin with.”

By Misty Strieff Prine

“God is the reason why even in pain, I smile; in confusion, I understand, in betrayal, I trust; and in fear, I continue to fight,” – Unknown.

This sums up so beautifully the effect God has on the life of a believer. When our body is in pain, when our hearts are broken, or when we have every reason not to smile, we smile still because the love of God lives in our hearts and lives. In these times, remember these the verses that will be throughout this message.

                Remember Revelations 21:4 which states, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." We need to remember that everything is going to be okay...in His time though, not ours. For one day, there will be no more pain or sorrow, grief or pain. God's word says so. When we are confused and don't understand why things happen in our lives or to those we love, remember that our God remains in complete control when everything in the world around us seems anything but.

                Remember Joshua 1:9 which states, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." When I am betrayed and given every reason in the world to never trust again, I am reminded that God's word says in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

                When my heart is consumed with fear and the worry about what tomorrow holds creeps in, I fight, and I fight hard. Why? Because of these two verses: Matthew 6:34 which states, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Also, in Isaiah 41:10 which states, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

                You see, God has left us the perfect instruction manual to follow along this crazy winding road we call life. Can you imagine what people do who do not know the Lord? I cannot even fathom. That is why it is SO important that we be that light for them to see. We have to be strong and push through the trials of life so that we can help others by showing them what God brings to your life and how they can go about receiving Christ themselves.

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