Faith Filled Family Magazine August 2016 | Page 18

that great news? Continue to tithe. You may think that you cannot afford to tithe, but the truth is that you can’t afford not to. We would still give ten percent of what we brought home even if it was a small amount. You cannot out give God. God says test Him in this. (Malachi 3:10) Read the Psalms. It helps to know that even people in the Bible went through hard times. When you read some of the Psalms that David wrote you can be reminded that you are a real person with very real struggles. At the same time, you must remember that you serve a very big God. God hears your cry just like he heard the cry of David. Learn to be content. The most important way to get through hard times is to be content with what you have. This is what the apostle Paul said throughout his hardships. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12) In learning to be content we must learn to count our blessings. I know sometimes it can be challenging especially when you feel like everything seems to be going wrong and your prayers are left unanswered. So start at A and go all the way to the letter Z. You will find that your blessings far outweigh all the things that seem to be zapping your joy. While these are only suggestions, I truly think they will help you if you put them into practice. It surely helped us while we battled so many emotions. There were times my husband felt like he could not provide for our family, but he was providing in a way that mattered to me by being a spiritual leader, a wonderful husband, and father in our family. And although it wasn’t necessary he would send me a text message each day while I was at work telling me about all the different places he had applied for jobs. I would like to say that God gave my husband the job he wanted but truthfully we are still waiting for the answer. I can tell you that God has provided for the past 6 months and all our bills are paid. We serve a faithful God and he will make sure that you have everything you need. worries of this life are not meant for you to carry but to place at the Lord’s precious feet. I promise that as you trust Him he will bring you from the valley and set you on a mountaintop. But remember…some lessons in life can only be learned in the valley. Bible Verses to Remember. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:2324) If you are searching for employment, consider praying a prayer Blessed is the man who perselike this: veres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will Dear God, receive the crown of life that God Thank you for all you have done has promised to those who love for me. I must admit that I am a him. (James 1:12) little scared. I don’t know how I am going to get by or continue And we know that in all things to get by without a job. I pray God works for the good of those that you open the right doors for who love Him, who have been me. If I go on an interview and it called according to His purpose. is the job you want me to have, (Romans 8:28) then open the door. However; if it isn’t the job you would have for Cling to Jesus, these Bible me then slam that door shut. I verses, and your faith! You might truly do not want to be anywhere not see the answer now but I can that you do not want me to be. promise that it is coming! God’s In the meantime, help me do timing is perfect! everything with a cheerful heart and give thanks in all situations. Lisa Stillwell is a screenwriter Amen. and published author. She is also the owner of C &S Christian If you just prayed that prayer…. Publishing. You can reach her continue to let the Lord work this through social media on Facesituation out. The burdens and book at Lisa Thornton Stillwell.