,

Failing Health

Often when life seems to be going smoothly, we’ll say, “God is good.” Yet we aren’t always so quick to remember this truth when problems arise or we are sick.  One key in fighting through health issues is to remember that God is good no matter what life looks like. God’s character does not change and His promises still hold true. Our circumstances do not change Him or His purposes for us.

We also know that God is actively working in all things for good for those that trust Him. God does not say that all things are good. But we can trust Him to use it for good when we know Him. God is ultimately a redeemer able to bring good from bad.

When we remember that God is in control, that He is good, and that He is for our good, we can more easily accept the reality of whatever health challenges we may be facing. We can trust that He is at work, even if it feels like we have been abandoned. Keeping the truth of God’s character and His faithfulness toward His own is vitally important. This allows us to keep a right perspective and maintain hope.

We are not saying that knowing Jesus means we will be healed and everything is easy. What we know is true is that God loves you and offers to walk with you through this difficult season.

,

Loneliness

Loneliness is a growing issue in the world. While technology offers the illusion that we are more connected than ever, meaningful relationships and conversations are disappearing. That is not God’s design for us as he wants us to be in community.

There is no deeper sadness that ever comes over the mind than the idea that we are alone in the world, that we do not have a friend, that no one cares for us, or that no one is concerned about anything that might happen to us. Loneliness is, therefore, a state of mind, an emotion brought on by feelings of separation from other human beings. It also means loneliness can be very real while we are surrounded by others.

The only eternal cure is the comforting fellowship of Jesus Christ.  We encourage you to walk through this resource and find true companionship and relationship – https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/3053-loneliness-finding-hope-and-connection

,

Troubled Children

God created the family. Children are a gift from God and He cares about how they are raised. When God gives us gifts, He also gives clear instructions how to steward those gifts.  Several places in Scripture give specific instructions to parents about how to raise their children.

God’s Word tells us to raise children with discipline and provide instruction. Parents can make disciples of their children by instilling values and life lessons they have learned. As parents, we are called to practice godly living and make Spirit-controlled decisions. Failure to discipline results in dishonor for both parent and child.

All that said, we know that no matter what we may do, there can be times when children simply choose to disobey and live contrary to all they have been taught. In those times, we can love our children without loving their choices. We can continue to show them love without agreeing with their behavior or beliefs.

God loves our children even more than us. Trust that He is seeking their hearts even more than we can imagine and wants to see change as much or more than we do. Keep praying and know that sometimes letting go of adult children is what is needed even when we don’t want to give up the of illusion of control.

,

Aging Parents

The Bible has much to say about caring for elderly parents and other family members who are not able to care for themselves. The early Christian church acted as the social services agency for other believers. They cared for the poor, the sick, the widows and the orphans who had no one else to care for them. Christians who had family members in need were expected to meet those needs. Unfortunately, caring for our aging parents is an obligation that many of us are not prepared to tackle.

The elderly can be seen as burdens rather than blessings. Sometimes we are quick to forget the sacrifices our parents made for us when they are in need of care themselves. Instead of taking them into our homes—whenever that is safe and feasible—we put them in retirement communities or nursing homes, sometimes against their will. We may not value the wisdom they have acquired through living long lives, and we can discredit their advice as “outdated.”

When we honor and care for our parents, we are serving God as well. We should never allow the cares of the world to overshadow the things that are most important—serving God through serving people, especially the people in our own families. The Bible tells us to “Honor your father and mother” and God wants to help us through that when times are difficult. Lean into God and pray with a positive spirit when life with your parents is hard.

,

Relationship Issues

At some point in life, we all have relationship issues. The reality is the most important relationship we each have is with God and when that is not in a good place then our other relationships often suffer as well.

We want to encourage you to put God in a place of priority in your life. We often make a relationship with God more complicated than it is. If you look at the best relationships you have it is usually because you care about one another, you spend time together, and you value what the other has to say. The same things hold true for a relationship with God. You may want to check out this resource to learn more – www.bible.com/reading-plans/11004-getting-closer-to-god

As for your other relationships, we suggest you speak with God about those. Pray to the Lord, asking Him to clearly reveal to you what He would have you do. Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment. Being wise and discerning are most definitely God’s will as he desires for you to make good relationship decisions. He also wants you to be joyous and grow as a result of those relationships. If you ask God with an open heart and humble spirit, He will give you the relationship advice you need.