God is closer to you than you may think

Have you been hurt through no fault of your own? Do you feel lost or without hope? Or, perhaps, you’re overwhelmed with obstacles that seem to be insurmountable.

Recently, I studied the Book of Job in the Bible and discovered that Job, a blameless and upright man, did not escape great difficulties. Job was a good person who was always careful to avoid doing evil. Yet, Job suffered terribly. He lost his family, his health, his property and worldly goods. Job endured painful, physical torment, as he was afflicted with horrible skin sores. Even some of his so-called friends mocked and criticized him. And Job’s wife told him to curse God, to give up and even die. But Job refused. Job loved God; and as he prayed, he still blessed God. For Job believed that God is worthy of reverence and worship.

Job didn’t understand why all of these terrible things were occurring in his life. He struggled to accept the heavy burdens he faced and the apparent dreariness of the future. Have you ever felt that way? For sometimes, there is not a rational explanation for the unfair circumstances we encounter.

However, even under the most heartbreaking of conditions, Job did not lose his trust in God. His future seemed dismal. But his faith did not waiver. In the midst of his heartache and anguish, Job said, “I will trust in Him.”

A devout man, Job looked beyond his suffering. He focused on God and declared, “For I know that my Redeemer liveth,” (Job 19:25). Job’s personal relationship with God was so strong that Job uttered with urgency, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him; I will surely defend my ways to His face” (Job 13:15).

At the appointed time, God showed Job the way to victory. God rewarded Job for his faithfulness and his endurance and restored to Job twice as much as he had lost. His life was marked by miracles, as God brought Job blessings in the latter part of Job’s life to compensate for the trials in his earlier years.

Like Job, do not limit the power of God, for He is going to intervene for you. It doesn’t matter what your situation looks like or how difficult the challenge, God is much closer to you than you may think. The other day, I was driving to the grocery store and many thoughts were parading through my mind. I said a silent prayer regarding my situation. As I looked ahead at the car front of me, the car’s license plate caught my eye. It read: ‘Rom 8:28.’ I collected myself for a moment and then recalled the Scripture, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

Be encouraged, all things are going to work together for your good. For God is able and willing to help you in your time of need, so call upon Him. Ask Him to bless you. Keep your thoughts fixed on God, as He can restore what you have lost… and more.

For today, God is saying to you,

“My dear child, I understand your situation. I am your Father. I love you and I will restore your life. I will give you double the happiness and joy for all of your trouble.”

So hold on….stay full of hope. God has gifted you with great ability. Do your part, giving your best effort. For with God, all things are possible, even during a moment in time when your hopes and dreams seem distant.

You are close to seeing your situation turn around. Don’t get discouraged. Something miraculous is about to unfold. Thus, think upon only the things that you’d like to see reflected in your future. Drop negative baggage from yesterday. Do not feed your mind with fearful thoughts and pictures. Do not let the unconstructive words that may come out of your mouth be against you.

Rather, speak out positive declarations, for they have the power to cause themselves to come to pass. Find something to thank God for and all through the day repeat it. Like a race car driver making every effort to get to the finish line first, send your words in the direction of where you want to go. Name it and claim it, for the believer “shall have whatsoever he saith.” (Mark 11:23)

Assert that you are ‘strong, confident and courageous,’ that ‘abundant blessings are on the horizon,’ ‘new people and opportunities will come into your path,’ that ‘God will protect you and your loved ones,’ and that ‘He is directing your steps.’

Via email, a reader wrote, “Just speak God’s Words over your life and that will be your reality.” So let’s begin to learn what God declares:

Luke 18:27 reveals, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

II Corinthians 9:8 affirms, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Psalm 139:4 says, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

I John 1:9 asserts, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Remember, God is your refuge, your strength, and your deliverer. Move onward and forward to happiness. Believe in the God of miracles and new beginnings. God has something special in mind for you. Soon, situations are going to positively change.

Lamentations 3:22-23 states, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”

When I think about Job’s experience, it tells me that we might never know the reasons for our suffering. But we must trust in God.

So, “Let us give up our work, our plans, ourselves, our lives, our loved ones, our influence, our all, right into God’s hand; and then, when we have given all over to Him, there will be nothing left for us to be troubled about.” (Hudson Taylor).

Remember, God is your refuge, your strength, and your deliverer. Move onward and forward to happiness. Believe in the God of miracles and new beginnings. God has something special in mind for you. Soon, situations are going to positively change. You’ll step forward into a new life. You’re going to be so happy. And the outcome will be far better than you could ever have imagined.

Never give up because the “promised land” is just around the corner. Get ready for double!