Life Can Be Crazy, Get a Grip: Trust God -Ecclesiastes 1:15

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Ecclesiastes 1:15 (NIV)
What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.

Ecclesiastes 1:15 (MSG)
Life’s a corkscrew that can’t be straightened, a minus that won’t add up.
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“What is crooked cannot be straightened and what is defective and lacking cannot be counted.” -AMPLIFIED

“We cannot always trace God’s hand, but we can always trust God’s heart.” ~Charles Spurgeon

The Teacher’s initial search for answers in worldly wisdom (under the sun) only brought him despair. His frustration and discouragement comes through in today’s short text. He struggles with the fact that there are “twists” and “gaps” in all lines of thinking. No one can “know it all”.

“The hardest times to see God’s plan are when everything seems to have fallen apart. When wars, disease, death and disaster strip everything away from people, it can be difficult to remember that there is a loving God who has a plan. Violence can seem so random and so pointless. Yet, the Bible shows clearly that God sometimes uses terrible circumstances to move His plan forward. Good things sometimes require bad things to happen first.” ~ Stephanie Hertzenberg

“There is an old saying: Something crooked cannot be made straight, and something missing cannot be counted.” -(VOICE)

The Teacher now focuses on the disorder and imperfection of man’s actions and his inability to correct things; especially things that are in the past.

“What is wrong cannot be righted; it is water over the dam; and there is no use thinking of what might have been.” -(TLB)

Further along in the book of Ecclesiastes we will find the Teacher revealing to us his aha moment; that is when he finally reached a new understanding. He tells us this:

“Think for a moment about the work of God. Can anyone make straight what God has made crooked?” -Ecclesiastes 7:13 (VOICE)

The Teacher is NOT resorting to a fatalistic mentality, but he is reminding us that no mere man can change the plans of God. Everything happens for a reason and there are no surprises for God. Remember that truth!

“We must never despair; our situation has been compromising before, and it has changed for the better; so I trust it will again. If difficulties arise, we must put forth new exertion and proportion our efforts to the exigencies of the times.” ~George Washington

Too often when we feel that we are not in control of a situation our hearts and minds react with fear and anxiety. My friend, this is not what God desires from us. What He wants is for us to trust HIM. Scripture tells us:

“You see, God did not give us a cowardly spirit but a powerful, loving, and disciplined spirit.” -2 Timothy 1:7 (VOICE)

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” -Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)

“We have experienced and we have entrusted our lives to the love of God in us. God is love. Anyone who lives faithfully in love also lives faithfully in God, and God lives in him. This love is fulfilled with us, so that on the day of judgment we have confidence based on our identification with Jesus in this world. Love will never invoke fear. Perfect love expels fear, particularly the fear of punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been completed through love.” -1 John 4:16-18 (VOICE)

We need to remember that God uses difficult times to mold us and grow us. There are times that things will seem crooked and they cannot be righted in our mind’s eye. What we do when things appear this way is a reflection of how we perceive our God. Will we trust Him or will we become anxious and distraught? We can turn to Scripture for some promises that we need to grab hold of and make our own. We need to remember these promises and grab hold of them in the times of anxiety and stress.

1.) “So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up.” -Isaiah 41:10 (VOICE)

2.) “For I cried to him for help with praises ready on my tongue. 18 He would not have listened if I had not confessed my sins. But he listened! He heard my prayer! He paid attention to it! Blessed be God, who didn’t turn away when I was praying and didn’t refuse me his kindness and love.” -Psalm 66:17-20 (TLB)

3.) “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (VOICE)

4.) “And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.” -Philippians 1:6 (TLB)

5.) “Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing.” -James 1:2-4 (VOICE)

“Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that does not show itself in protection from suffering…. The love of God did not protect His own Son…. He will not necessarily protect us – not from anything it takes to make us like His Son. A lot of hammering and chiseling and purifying by fire will have to go into the process.” ~Elisabeth Elliot

My friend, in life we will experience difficult times and life may appear to our mortal eye as a crazy, hot mess, but I remind you that our gracious, good Heavenly Father is in complete control and there are no surprises for Him. He knows what you are going through. Nothing happens that He is not aware of. He has plans for your life, good plans, plans that hold a hope and a future. Will you trust Him?

“God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.” ~Max Lucado

My Prayer:
Almighty God, I choose to trust you in the chaotic times. I may not understand the “why’s, when’s or how’s”, but I know that I can rely on you; the only One who has never failed me. Bolster my faith, Lord, when it is lacking. Remind me of all of your promises, found in your Word, and there are so many of them. Help me to remember that there are never any surprises for you. I will trust you, Lord.

God is ever faithful!

Growing with God: a daily devotional by Tonia Slimm.

Psalm 119:90 (NIV)
Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.

Psalm 119:90 (MSG)
Your truth never goes out of fashion; it’s as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.
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“Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation; You have established the earth, and it stands [securely].” -AMPLIFIED

Through everything in this life that we as mortals go through and experience; the ups and downs, the hurt and pain, the anger, joys, fear and surprises, there is only One who remains constant and true in our lives. It is God Almighty our Faithful Heavenly Father who devotedly sticks by our side through the thick and the thin; keeping every promise that He has ever made.

God’s faithfulness has continued through the generations; age-to-age the same. As the old hymn “Great is they Faithfulness” verbalizes, “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.” Malachi 3:6 also gives this promise, “I the LORD do not change.” (NIV)

God is God. You never need worry about His faithfulness to you, or if His love is still available. He will never change; so we always know where we stand with Him. That should give us peace and a feeling of safety and contentment.

God is still God and will always be; nothing has changed on His end; He is faithful to the end. Unfaithfulness comes into play with sinful people. We will fail one another, intentionally or unintentionally, but we still will fail one another. We cannot be available to take care of everyone’s need at every moment in time, but God can. God’s faithfulness continues and continues and continues; through all generations. Great is Your faithfulness, oh God!

“Unfaithfulness is one of the most outstanding sins of these evil days. In the business world, a man’s word is no longer his bond. In the social world, marital infidelity abounds on every hand, the sacred bonds of wedlock being broken with as little regard as the discarding of an old garment. In the ecclesiastical realm, thousands who have solemnly covenanted to preach the truth make no scruple to attack and deny it. Nor can reader or writer claim complete immunity from this fearful sin: in how many ways have we been unfaithful to Christ, and to the light and privileges which God has entrusted to us! How refreshing, then, how unspeakably blessed, to lift our eyes above this scene of ruin, and behold One who is faithful, faithful in all things, faithful at all times.” -A. W. Pink (The Attributes of God)

Our God is unchanging, never failing, always available and a rock. We can trust that we can always count on Him, no matter what comes our way. His faithfulness is still available to us no matter how low we have sunk in this life or no matter how far we have drifted away from Him. We can never get so far away from Him that He gives up on us or cannot find us.

Remember these words of David, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:7-13 (NIV)

“He who abandons himself to God will never be abandoned by God.” -Unknown

My Prayer:
Lord, you are forever faithful. Your love reaches me no matter how far I have drifted from you and you are always available to those who seek to find you. You are amazing! Thank you for seeing me through every part of my life. Thank you for being my strength, my help, my rock, and even my anchor; when I could have so very easily given up on everything. You are exactly what I need at every point in my life. Lord, I love you!

God will supply!

Philippians 4:19-20 (NIV)
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:19-20 (MSG)
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.
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“And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” -AMPLIFIED

Most of us have used this verse before when we have a monetary need, but we need to consider the fact that this promise applies to so much more in our lives than just our financial status. Paul tells us God will take care of “EVERY NEED” that we have. That would include each and every physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and/or financial need that we may have.

God cares about us and desires to bless us with good things. Paul shared these thoughts with the Corinthians, “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.” -2 Corinthians 9:8-11 (MSG)

Corrie ten Boom once said, “You may never know that JESUS is all you need, until JESUS is all you have.” Sometimes it takes walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death to help us realize what is truly important in our lives. If God is all you have then you have everything that you truly need; end of story. God promised that He would meet all of our needs according to His riches in Glory. You know; that treasury that moth and rust cannot destroy and where thieves cannot break in and steal.

Paul says, “My God” will supply. “My” is a possessive noun, this means that Paul looked to God as his personal source. Paul would not be able to repay the Philippians, (who were living in a state of poverty themselves, but willingly sent an offering to help him), but Paul knew that God would repay them for their generosity. “My God” is always faithful to His promises and will never let us down.

Paul begins to close the book of Philippians with these words, “To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Paul knew it was important to give praise where praise was due. He points back to the One who will supply every need, the One in whom he had complete trust. “My God” will take care of everything, trust Him.

Do you have a need today? If so, look to the One who can take care of every and any need you may have. He is ready and willing to meet any need; whether physical, spiritual, emotional, mental or financial. He’s generosity cannot be matched by anyone.

My Prayer:

Lord God, You are my all in all. You are all I will ever need. I am trusting in you to take care of all my needs. No matter what they are or how big or small they are; they are all equally important to you. You own the cattle on a thousand hills, your treasury is full and you are quite able to take care of me. I will trust you and believe that you will supply. Even now I say thank you; for I know you are taking care of those needs even before I knew there was a need. God, I am grateful that I can call you “My God”. I give you all praise, honor, and glory!

God will carry you!

Isaiah 46:3-4 (NIV)
“Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

Isaiah 46:3-4 (MSG)
“Listen to me, family of Jacob, everyone that’s left of the family of Israel. I’ve been carrying you on my back from the day you were born, and I’ll keep on carrying you when you’re old. I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray. I’ve done it and will keep on doing it, carrying you on my back, saving you.”
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“Listen to Me,” [says the Lord], “O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been carried by Me from your birth and have been carried [in My arms] from the womb, even to your old age I am He, and even to your advanced old age I will carry you! I have made you, and I will carry you; be assured I will carry you and I will save you.” -AMPLIFIED

Spoken specifically to the children of Israel these words hold true for all of God’s children. God’s tender, loving care for his children lasts from their birth all the way into their advanced old age. His everlasting arms that carry them through ever situation never grow weary. The Father’s watchfulness, His provision, and His protection never fail; for He is ever faithful. Hallelujah!

If we need further proof of God’s overwhelming love touching every stage of our life let us consider David’s adamant declaration in Psalm 37:25; ” I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (NIV) Or this verse in Psalm 48:14: “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” (NIV)

God takes care of His children; from beginning to end; He alone is the one constant in our lives. People come and go. Our parents are with us at our birth, but they cannot be with us throughout every moment of our lives. Our friends spend much time with us but they too cannot be with us at all times; and they tend to come and go through the years. God alone is our abiding standard; He never changes, He is ever Faithful, and He never wavers.

God says, “Listen, I love you. I care about what happens to you. From the time you were a wee tiny baby, unable to do anything for yourself, until you are old, white headed and stooped over with arthritis, unable to do for yourself. I am still God through all of your ages. Nothing is too difficult for me. Trust me! I will carry you through it all; I will be the source of all you need.”

So what is it that you have been struggling with? Have you given it into the hands of the Father? He is always available to you and He is all you will ever need. Remember, He is the one constant in your life that you can always depend on. Trust Him; He will carry you through ever situation of this life. Once again God is saying to His children, “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” (NLT)

My Prayer:
Father, God, I will trust you. I agree with what David said, “I was young and now I am older, yet I have never seen Your righteous children forsaken.” You are ever Faithful and True, Lord. Remind me every moment of Your ever abiding presence in my life. Remind me that when I am weak, then you are strong. Remind me when I can only see the impossibilities that nothing is impossible with you. Too often I have an issue with my memory when faced with the challenges of this life, but I will remember that it is You who carries me through every situation in this life. God, You are amazing and your tender loving care for your children is out of this World! Thank you for who you are and all you do for me in my life. I love you!

Will you trust God, even in the seemingly impossible situations?

Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Nahum 1:7 (MSG)
God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, No matter how desperate the trouble.
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“The Lord is good, A strength and stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him.” -AMPLIFIED

Prior to this passage we find the prophet Nahum has been speaking to the people of Nineveh; proclaiming that punishment was coming their way. In chapter 1 verses 2-3 we find these words, “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.”

In this very same passage we find our text of the day; “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” We find that though the enemy of the Lord need fear Him; His children do not; for He is a good God.

“The Lord is good — But though God is thus terrible in his power, yet he is merciful, gracious, and beneficent in his nature, and is a sure refuge and protection to those who worship and serve him sincerely, and put their trust in him; and he knows and pays a particular regard to all such, so that they are never overlooked or neglected by him; he approves, owns, and preserves them.” -Benson Commentary

Nahum reminds his listeners that God is our strength and a refuge in times of trouble. Throughout Scripture we find this to be true; over and over again we find that God is our refuge and strength, God is our strong tower, God is a shelter, and a fortress. The list goes on and on, but we see that if we turn to Him He is always available to help those in need. “He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, No matter how desperate the trouble.”

The Psalmist David reminds us of God’s rock solidness. David said in Psalm 37:25; “I once was young, now I’m a graybeard—not once have I seen an abandoned believer, or his kids out roaming the streets.” (MSG)

The prophet Isaiah reminds us of the need to trust God in every situation. “But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” -Isaiah 43:1-4 (MSG)

God is good and He cares for those who trust Him; no matter how desperate the situation may be. David reminds us of this truth, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7 (NIV) Will you trust God in your seemingly impossible situation? Remember, He specializes in doing the impossible!

My Prayer:
Lord God, I will trust you in every and all situations. Though the mountain before me be great, the waters high and the fire hot, I know that you are able when I am not. I will trust in you and find my refuge in the shadow of your wings. When I can’t you can; remind me of that truth often, Lord. No matter how desperate the situation may be, my God is greater! Hallelujah!

Perfect love has cast out all fear!

1 John 4:17-18 (NIV)
This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:17-18 (MSG)
God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
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“In this [union and fellowship with Him], love is completed and perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him]; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].” -AMPLIFIED

Recently I read a church sign with these words, “Fear is the absence of trust”. Those words started a train of thought in my mind and piqued my interest. Is fear truly the absence of trust?
When do we usually fear? Usually when we are in a position or place where we have no control over the circumstances or the outcome.

The Apostle John tells us, “There is no fear in love.” So what we truly need to establish and believe as fact is that God is love and that He loves us. Throughout Scripture we find reference to God’s love for His created ones. In fact, John made note of this very same strong, personal, forever love earlier in 1 John 4. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)

Jesus also spoke of this same love to Nicodemus, “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.” -John 3:16-18 (MSG)

Love implies attraction, fear aversion; the two are polar opposites to one another. “Love and fear coexist only where love is not yet perfect. Perfect love will absolutely exclude fear as surely as perfect union excludes all separation.”-Pulpit Commentary
Perfect love drives out fear. Perfect love, Agape love, drives out anxiety over punishment, failing or messing up. This kind of love removes all worry that we will let God down if we mess up; for with God’s love we know that we can ask forgiveness and He will forgive us. Our messing up will not affect our standing with Him; He will still love us exactly the same. That is amazing, exhilarating news!

Jesus reminded His followers that He did not want to add stress our difficulties to their lives, but “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] -John 16:33 (AMP)

So, the choice is ours; will we take God at His word and trust His perfect love for us? If so, than we have nothing to fear; rest in that perfect love and peace that He has extended to all of His children and do not fear.

My Prayer:
Father, you have offered your children “PERFECT” love and peace; love that drives out all fear. I do not want to live in a state of fear ever. Help me to trust that You love me beyond anything that I could ever do. Help me to realize that I can never mess up so much that there would be a point of no return. You are a merciful forgiving Father and I will trust you!

Will you trust God; even in your doubts?

Matthew 28:16-17 (NIV)
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Matthew 28:16-17 (MSG)
Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
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“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted [that it was really He].” -AMPLIFIED

Our passage takes place shortly after the Resurrection and immediately before the giving of the Great Commission and Jesus’ ascension. Matthew did not spend the time to tell us about the other visits that Jesus made with the disciples in Jerusalem; though we know that they happened because they are mentioned in the other Gospels. Matthew may have felt the need to go right to the most important visit for him.

We find the eleven disciples who were left (for by this time Judas had hung himself) hurrying to Galilee, headed to the mountain that Jesus had told them to go to. How did they know where? When Mary and Mary visited the tomb and found it empty the angel that met them there told them, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’” -Matthew 28:6 (NIV)

What is striking and eye-opening is the fact that when the disciples saw Jesus they worshiped Him, yes, but some still doubted. We may scratch our heads and ask, “How can this be?”, but they were just as human as we are and struggled with the same issues we do.

I am sure that the poor fellows were still in shock over everything that had happened; if we stop and consider we would realize how quickly everything had happened. They had the arrest, beating, crucifixion and death of one of their very dear friends happen over a short period of time. That in and of itself would have left them stunned and bewildered. Nothing appeared to be working out as most of them had planned. Remember though these words that God spoke to Isaiah, ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” -Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

“But some doubted.” Lest we be too quick to point out their short-coming; let us consider ourselves. Has God ever revealed Himself to you in such a real, heart-touching, earth-shaking way and then you have walked away and wondered if it had really even happened? Or possibly God had provided for you beyond your wildest dreams, but then down the road when you were in need once again you wondered how in the world He could possibly take care of this need? Remember, these guys were real people, facing real life scenarios, dealing with real emotions and overwhelming circumstances.

Jesus knew exactly what was going through their minds, but He did not skip a beat. They worshiped Him and He gave them the Great Commission. Matthew tells us this, “Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20 (MSG)

The disciples may have doubted at this moment in time, but we find that they overcame their doubts and were obedient to the bidding of Jesus. A short time later we find them together once again waiting in obedience on the Comforter. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” –
Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)

When you have doubts give those doubts to the Lord. He will help you to deal with them and His Holy Spirit will fill your heart with peace.

My Prayer:
Lord, it is helpful to know that I am not much different than your disciples when it comes to dealing with life; they had doubts and so do I sometimes. Help me to trust you and be obedient even if I have doubts; for you, Lord, are the only One who can help me have understanding and peace when I am confused and in doubt. Lord, I will trust you always, no matter if I understand things or not; for you are my Anchor!