Today, I want to share a few quotes about encouragement. When God has called you to do something, he will make it happen. It is not about your strength, power, and wisdom (or lack of them). It is about God and his abilities. Then we can face the future with joy and positive anticipation. It’s easier said than done, you say. Yeah, it might be so. Just remember to focus on God and you will thrive. Amy Carmichael has said,…
Some of you may have known that for the past year our family has prepared for a year in Ethiopia. I was called to teach at a theological seminary there. Then the pandemic happened and our year was first postponed and then canceled altogether due to financial difficulties of the Mission organization. Perhaps needless to say, our family was shocked. All our dreams for a year in Africa came crashing down. How did we take it? And how do you…
At the beginning of a new year, we’re all looking for direction. What should I do with my life? What paths should I take this year? Finding the right direction is especially hard if we feel we are living in a perpetual fog. What to do then? How to find direction when you’re lost? Let’s find out. As Christians, we know who is our guide: Jesus. Hence we need to turn to him for guidance. Believingly. We need to believe…
Are you afraid of the unknown? Many of us keep away from the unknown paths and prefer to stay in the comfort zone where we can handle things. But we are not called to stay where we can handle things. We are called to go wherever God leads us and let him handle things for us. With the wise words of Corrie Ten Boom “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” We do not need…
Summer is time for rest. It’s time to pause, get your mind off your work and worries. The need for rest is in our DNA. We need to rest every night and we need a vacation every year. But there is even deeper rest within our reach. Resting in grace brings us real rest. What is that and why is it so special? First of all, grace brings peace to us. When we’ve confessed our sins, we receive grace upon…
When we are low, we don’t need lectures. There’s no need to point out the obvious. Instead, we need help and, especially, hope. And that’s what God provides us no matter how badly we have messed up. With God, there’s always hope. And then some. God gives hope upon hope. We can’t say the same about our enemy. Because his goal is to kill and destroy. When we’ve messed up, our enemy is more than happy to tell us just…
Are you afraid of the future? You don’t have to be. Of course, it’s easier said than lived out but I truly believe it and try to live according to that belief too. Certainly, the future is scary if we face it all alone. But if we live our lives with God, there is nothing to be afraid of. Here are some verses and thoughts for a fear-free future. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope…
This time of year is a very fun but busy time in our household: a couple of birthdays plus Valentine’s Day. As I have been thinking about gifts I’ve come to this conclusion: The best gift to yourself, to others, and to God is to be present. Nothing compares to it. And God is the best example of this. Nothing compares to God’s presence in our lives. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out…
One of the most exciting things in a life of a Christian is to search for God’s guidance. Sometimes it can also be very frustrating. Human beings can make plans but God will decide whether and when something will happen. Like Thomas à Kempis (c.1380-1471) has said “For man proposes, but God disposes; neither is the way of man in his own hands.” But because we desire God’s will and guidance for ourselves, we would not want it any other…
Are you afraid or anxious about future? Many of us are but there is no need to. Because our future is in God’s hands. Like William Carey has said “The future is as bright as the promises of God”. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. (Jer. 29:11, MSG) That sounds too easy for some people. They want to…
