peace – Page 3

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The State of Peacefulness

May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 krisshetter

Throughout the last three years with my Bible study girls (BSGs) I noticed what we all struggle with the most — control. Or on the flipside, lack of trust. The results of that need to control typically lead to lack of peace. We humans like to manage situations and people without first consulting the “man upstairs.” The inevitable results create frustration, hurt feelings, anger and more.

Instead, we turn to the desires of the flesh listed just above the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy.

We must picture hell as a state where everyone is perpetually concerned about his own dignity and advancement, where everyone has a grievance, and where everyone lives with the deadly serious passions of envy, self-importance, and resentment.
C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

You may look around your own Bible study groups, church friends or even just the “good” people you know and think, “Nah, we never do any of that horrible stuff!” You might recall, however, at the beginning of this study on love that Jesus considers gossiping or defaming someone “murder.” Yikes!

We take our newly signed peace treaty with God and consider it a license to do what our flesh desires. Maybe thinking He won’t notice. We turn from the peace table, walk out the door and get angry at the first person who doesn’t do what we think they should. We fantasize of a spouse who would love us so much better, we drink away our anxieties, hold onto our bank accounts for fear of the poorhouse, speak of “Karma” when hurt by others, become jealous of our non-Christian neighbors with the fancy new car, or just turn away from others who need a bit of kindness.

Friend, God has implanted in each and every one of us the knowledge of His existence. Somehow, we all know what His desires are for our behavior, for our hearts.

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." James 1:21

We know, through the Holy Spirit what is right and wrong in God’s view. When we actively or even passively work against this you know what the inevitable result is? Lack of peacefulness. That niggling in your heart and mind is God’s way of reminding you of the path toward peace. And yet we so often ignore it. We’ve been rejecting the Prince of Peace and His path since He walked on this Earth.

“On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they (the Pharisees) were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” Luke 13: 44-46

How incredibly sad is this point in scripture? The Pharisees and Sadducees were spoon-fed by Jesus, Himself, the truth. The glory of the heavens was opened to them. The bountiful, beautiful life was placed on a platter before them and they rejected it out of jealousy. Out of fleshly desires. Do we want to be listed among them? I pray your answer is no.

I heard a podcast recently by John Ortberg on taking a hold of the beautiful life God wants for us. He spoke of not just cutting out actions and thoughts from our lives but more importantly replacing them with a positive action and thought. The Bible speaks of cleaning house but not leaving it empty for the thief to come and take up residence. Therefore, if we want not just the glorious peace with God but God’s gift of peacefulness, we need to replace our desires of the flesh with His goodness. With the blossoms of love and joy. With trust that our God does in fact know what He is doing. He is greater than us in every aspect and will provide.

Through prayer, obedience and knowledge of His Word we can, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, rest in His peace. Ask Him today to shine a light on the areas that are creating deadly weeds in our hearts. The Great Gardner will create a beautiful peacefulness in you that you never could’ve imagined!

Coming Up: Resting In Peace

Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

May 15, 2023May 15, 2023 krisshetter

I sat scrolling through my Instagram feed and felt my very body react with each passing post. Doom! Gloom! Watch out! The World is falling apart! I had originally created an Instagram account years ago to follow my teenage daughters’ posts. Their accounts were full of fun events and beautiful scenery. Photos taken from atop the highest peaks in our city and from endless beach days. Soon, however, I started following political-related accounts and outspoken people who warned of problems in society. In other words, I was constantly feeding my mind and soul with the opposite of what I really needed, peace.

My head’ll explode if I continue with this escapism.
Jess C Scott, EyeLeash: A Blog Novel

I finally had the same “ah ha” moment as Ms. Scott. Although I agree on the need for good citizens to stay informed, I didn’t need to be this well-informed throughout my day. Hence, I started unfollowing accounts and searched for ways to add beauty to my life. I recently told a woman from Australia, whom I follow, that I could watch her sourdough shaping videos all day. Watching her strong hands roll, pat, and lovingly form something beautiful out of God’s simple gifts of water, flour and salt.

While I brought some measure of peacefulness to my social media, I also realized this isn’t really the peace Jesus meant when He told the disciples:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." John 14:27

That peace, Shalom, is a gift of mercy and grace from God. It’s peace with God. It’s the kind of peace that can, if we place our trust in God, lead to a state of peacefulness. This Shalom is a relationship that only the one true God can give us. Fallen, sinful humanity works daily, hourly at being at war with God. We turn our backs on Him, we spit on His name, we refuse to show Him even a cursory love at times. Yet He, in His magnificent, lovingness still says, “Come to me and I will forgive. Not just forgive but cleanse.”

Before ever we can enjoy peace within our hearts there must be a state of peace established between us and God. We must submit ourselves to the Lord, and he must forgive the past, and make with us a covenant of peace, or else there is no peace for us; for “there is no peace, saith my God, unto the wicked.
Charles Spurgeon, Peace: A Fact & a Feeling

We stand before God like a criminal on the stand. We are guilty although so many of us refuse to admit this guilt. We call ourselves righteous because of our good deeds or warm feelings or even because we see ourselves as victims. But friend, we are all so, so guilty. And yet He provides a substitute for our punishment, a peace-treaty of sorts. One that sees Him carry the larger portion of the burden. Our portion? It’s to just say, “I’m guilty. I accept your terms.” And the dove is released. Peace with God is done and we are made righteous, we are cleansed thanks to Jesus. We are made into allies rather than enemies.

If this seems a bit far-fetched, too difficult to grasp you may be right. Imagine, if you will, standing in your local court docket. The sergeant of arms reads your crimes from a large ream of paper. The list includes small misdemeanors such as rolling through a stop sign (x100) or not turning on your blinker when changing lanes (x1000). The severity of the crimes increases to stealing (the fruit from your neighbor’s tree, the pen from the office, the item not charged but made it into your grocery bag, another person’s parking place or spot in line) to defamation of your supposed friend’s character or even of someone you have never met. The list includes all the lies, small and large, the times you were downright mean or rude, all the instances you turned a blind eye to a person in need. It may include adultery, debauchery, times of greed and idolatry. At the final page sits the judge’s punishment for all your crimes, for your crimes against humanity he says. 100 years in a harsh workcamp where you will be broken and live out your days in despair.

However, as at a wedding whereby the pastor asks if anyone has anything to speak against the impending union, the judge asks if anyone would like to intervene for the accused; anyone who would be punished in your place. You look out into the crowded benches. Into the faces of your children, your spouse, brothers, sisters, aunts, parents, friends. What are you thinking? Are you hoping someone would step forward and take your place in what will be your hell on earth? Your sweet daughter, perhaps? Your favorite sibling? Your ailing father? No, you are probably pleading with your eyes for not one of them to take your place. You love them too much. And yet your son, the strong, intelligent, gentle one stands. He declares you free of guilt and will take your place. He approaches you and looks into your eyes and says, “I am strong and you are weak I love you too much to see you suffer.” And you fall at his feet not just from the weight of his overwhelming love but also in the sorrow of your sin. You look up to him and he says, “I will see you again one day and we will both be restored in fullness.”

This is what the Lord has done for us. He takes our sentence on and erases our sin and guiltiness. He signs on the dotted line for peace and justice. He does so to allow us to blossom in God’s loving arms.

Our hearts can be free of the fears of this world because we know when our day comes we will be welcomed into God’s tent, not left outside waiting for a terrible judgement. And when we understand this Shalom type of peace it will lead us to a state of peacefulness. The peace Jesus mentioned at the end of John 14:27: “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Coming up: A State of Peacefulness

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God’s Flawless Words

January 30, 2023January 17, 2023 krisshetter

“Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”  Proverbs 30:5

In January 2020 I embarked on a faith journey of which I am still on today and will be for the rest of my life. It was a simple journey, for which I only needed one book and the desire to converse with God. I added a few new friends and a few old timers who understood God a lot better than me. And so began my study of the infallible Word of God, the Bible. I appreciate the way one of the “old timers” I’ve had with me describes this amazing book.

We have a more sure word of testimony, a rock of truth upon which we rest, for our infallible standard lies in, “It is written.” The Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, is our religion.”
Charles Spurgeon

What I found, having researched the Bible’s origins and its mind-boggling consistency in truths over thousands of years and multiple writers, is that God is never wrong. He’s never been mistaken. He has never told a lie or broke a promise. Most “confusion” over His Word is typically because we humans can’t understand a being that loves us so much that He hates sin. Other issues with His Word abound because we don’t take the time to place the stories in context of the times or within their original language.

More importantly what I have found is comfort, peace, joy and hope. Comfort that He never leaves us and is always teaching, guiding, encouraging, forgiving. Peace in that He wants a relationship with us free from strife and He shows us how to live in this world knowing of the beautiful eternity to come. The joy He brings is through His love of this place we call earth. His creation is so gloriously beautiful and intricately woven together. And of course, the hope that Jesus gave through the forgiveness of our sins. Knowing that when the day of judgment comes, He will welcome us into the New Eden with open arms. Hope that sees no pain or suffering. No sadness or despair.

My friends, don’t let the unbelieving world define God’s Word for you. Read it for yourself. Study it with all your heart, mind and soul. There is nothing else that will bring you such comfort and hope. There is no other book that will tell you as much about the world, its people and its creator as the Holy Bible.

Thank you, Lord God for your infallible Word. Speak to me in my confusion, my pain, my sadness, my joy and my hope through the pages of your book. Amen

Prune Strife

January 17, 2023January 13, 2023 krisshetter

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. Proverbs 17:1

I’ve never understood the fascination with the show Real Housewives. You watch as a group of glamorous women gather week after week to go on vacation together, dine in expensive restaurants, shop for beautiful clothing. And fight. And gossip mercilessly about each other. And cry and scream. I suppose it’s like rubbernecking. Watching a disaster unfold seems to hold our attention. Anytime one of my adult children has turned that show or similar ones on at our house all I can hear is bickering and complaining. It feels so stressful just watching it. I have to go to another room and close out the strife.

While we may not all bounce around with the rich and glamorous each week in our real lives, how many of us maintain friend groups that cause similar chaos? That one friend who always picks a fight with the waiter. The friend who demands to have the group plans change to accommodate them. The two friends who revel tearing up each other behind backs. It’s understandable to feel the need to invite a close relative to an all family event who acts this way. But why do we insist on voluntarily bringing that lack of peace into our lives?

Maybe we worry about our social status, being left out, not being “in the know.” Or maybe we keep these folks around because we think it helps our children or spouse. Stepping back however, any strife we purposely allow into our midst will affect the rest of our lives and family.

As I’ve grown and matured, God has pruned out a lot of people from my life. One’s I called dear friends at the time. Some of that pruning felt painful. Now, I look at the beautiful women He has brought into my life because I have learned from His Word about humility, pride, trustworthiness, and sacrificial love. I ate a lot of “dry crust” for a bit waiting for His work in me to show me what was important in who I choose to spend my valuable time with.

Friend, your peace should not be up for sale to people who cause strife. Bring the people in your life to God in prayer and asks Him to show you where you need pruning.

Heavenly Father, reveal to me the people and areas in my life where strife abounds. Help me to prune those areas, even it means eating dry crust for awhile. Amen.

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Taking Offense

January 12, 2023January 1, 2023 krisshetter

Fools show their annoyance at once,
    but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16

This is the second rendition of today’s post. When I started this blog over two years ago, I asked the Holy Spirit to speak through me. If writing a particular post felt like I was pulling teeth I knew it wasn’t coming from the right source. As a result, the post I wrote earlier went into the “delete” pile. Each sentence I wrote was interrupted either by texts, my husband, timers going off, etc. I now realize every time my mind wandered to one of those interruptions it was a tap on my shoulder to re-focus and re-write.

You see what was happening in the background of my original text was this very proverb. I was getting annoyed and offended by problems surrounding an event I am hosting. It only took me about a half a day to finally figure it out. The Holy Spirit giving me a real life example of practicing what I preach!

Being offended has risen to an artform these days. We are offended by other drivers, cashiers, politicians, neighbors, strangers, businesses, faceless people in our social media threads, our friends, our family, our spouses and on and on. If “they” don’t conform to our wants and needs, it might ruin our day. If “they” don’t act how we think they should we are hurt and insulted. No grace and definitely no mercy.

We take for granted that God won’t do the same to us. Thank goodness because we all probably offend Him multiple times a day. While He may allow our sinful actions to suffer the corresponding consequences, He isn’t sending down bolts of lightning to smote us each time we mess up. He hasn’t washed His hands of us because He’s had it for the last time.

Friends, it’s time to step back and control our emotions. We have in Jesus the perfect example for us today. He was whipped, beaten, stabbed, spit on, forsaken by friends, and hung on a cross yet He still loved. He still asked God to grant mercy. Today, can’t we do the same with the brothers and sisters around us who are probably doing their best to make it through this day just like you? I, for one, got this message loud and clear today.

Gracious God, thank you for your mercy. Help me to deliver that same mercy and grace to those around me who might insult me or cause offense. I thank you for teaching me how to seek peace throughout my days. Amen

Less Babbling, Please

January 10, 2023December 31, 2022 krisshetter

"Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues." Proverbs 10:19

I was tempted to not write anything for this verse. It surely speaks for itself. It’s a lesson I should have tattooed on my wrist so I never forget it! When I am nervous, angry, excited, or joyful, I talk. I babble. I had to apologize recently to a fairly new friend about my babbling. She introduced me to her friends and I found myself a brook overflowing with silly words. I walked away praying, “I did it again! Why can’t I just be normal and stop talking??”

The Holy Spirit, boy does He deserve a medal in trying to help me with this. I think He sees progress. I am being more discerning about keeping my mouth shut when others share their difficulties. I’m not always jumping in and giving my personal or political opinion. I’m also refraining from feeling the need to lash out when offended. I’m seeing the fruit of zipping my lips. Shocking, isn’t it, when we take God’s Word to heart how it seems to actually work?

So today my friend, here’s a challenge, unless asked for your opinion, don’t give it. If someone is sharing a story, don’t add your own. If you are confronted by a stranger, as Dr. Laura used to say, “smile and wave.” Zip your lips for a day. You just might find a bit more peace.

Holy God, although I know you enjoy a joyful noise on occasion, I also know you appreciate the beauty of silence. Help me today to be silent when needed. Amen.

Peace-Creating Discipline

January 5, 2023January 1, 2023 krisshetter

For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly. Proverbs 5:23

Charles Spurgeon, one of the most prolific pastors of all time said just a few weeks before his death, “I look back, and remember what I might have done and have not done; what opportunities of usefulness I have not seized; what sins I have allowed to pass unrebuked; what struggling beginners in grace I have failed to help.” A man who had spoken to millions. Who brought the good news of Jesus’ healing lights to so many, this man in all humility felt he could have done more.

How many of us can say we have used our time as wisely for the Lord? How many of us have instead placed so many other activities ahead of helping others out of their darkness? Of allowing the Holy Spirit to help us out of our own darkness?

When we hear the words “Christian discipline” it may cause us to cringe or to worry about what will be required of us or what we will have to give up. It sounds harsh and monk-like. Our thoughts on it may be borrowed from what the world may think of Christians – joyless, rule followers. However, we are told throughout Proverbs that God’s idea of discipline is actually a lifesaver, peace creator, and joy maker.

Because God loves all of us – believer and non – He yearns for us to live on the disciplined path. One that seeks to keep us from the darkness of sexual immorality, greed, self-importance, violence, and more.

Christian discipline includes these aspects: spiritual, social, physical and mental. Each, when practiced close in hand with Jesus, is intended to live the full, beautiful, peaceful and joy-filled life God wants for us. When we stay in His Word and prayer, when we are careful and loving with our relationships with others, when we are good stewards of our bodies, and when we keep our thoughts free of lust, greed and self, we will find our paths simpler. Our decisions about life get easier. That’s not to say we won’t encounter push back from the world or even trials. But in the midst of all that life will throw at us, our Christian discipline will keep the path forward clear.

Heavenly Father, help me to develop a disciplined life that aligns with your Word so that I may become more like Jesus and experience the life you intend for me. Amen

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The Hope That Will Come

December 7, 2022December 6, 2022 krisshetter

www.emboldened.net

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:34

How many of you need to not just hear these words but soak them deep into your heart right now? For the last few years, we humans have been through a lot of turmoil. I won’t say it was the most difficult time ever because I realize the world has been around a lot longer than my 58 years. In the two world wars alone, it’s estimated 120,000,000 people died. That doesn’t include the folks who passed from ordinary daily illness, accidents, and old age.

This year, as so many of us tried to go back to our lives post shutdowns and lockdowns, we found ourselves back in the ordinariness of trials, tragedy, human depravity, illness, lost dreams, violence, and political infighting. And so, we cry out to God for peace, for healing, for freedom from suffering.

I’ve been pretty quiet this year with my writing as I also deal with the world coming at me from all sides. With the sudden loss of my beautiful “other mother” I have felt so alone at times. I scroll back over her last text messages to me and I can hear her voice so clearly. Since that time, we have celebrated graduations, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and now the holidays. In addition, my husband’s business has yet to recover from the financial destruction the last few years have wrought. We have seen future goals dissolve into mist. And still we find joy. We find peace and we find hope.

I listened as my neighbor recently listed all the tragedies that have befallen his family over the past year and I heard the pain in his voice. What I didn’t hear was how Jesus is helping them cope. They are going it alone. On the flip side I sit with my friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. And she is hope-filled. She is finding joy and goodness in the face of something so scary. She sees God working in every corner of her life, bringing the right people to her and watching her diagnosis heal broken relationships. While her earthly doctors will work to heal her body, her faith is also healing her. Healing her soul and heart. Comforting and bringing peace to her mind.

I was recently asked in an Advent study to write what I hope for next year. More importantly it asked how I would react if none of those hopes came to fruition. It then asked this: list the things you can find hope in that you KNOW will come to pass because of Jesus Christ. And here’s my answer. I know that Jesus will never leave me or forsake me. I know that Jesus has a better, more beautiful place waiting for all of those who believe. I know that whatever I go through next year God loves me and he loves you.

So I’m starting next year closely tethered to the hope I know will come to pass. Beginning January 1, I invite you to join me on a 31 day journey through God’s words of wisdom. His playbook for a life lived as best we humans can. He is not a god who keeps secret how to more smoothly navigate through the trials and tribulations of life. No, besides the Book of Proverbs He has given us so much wisdom and insight into the Christian life. A life that may at times look very different to the rest of the world but a life that is intended to bring about goodness, grace, mercy, and love.

Please join me for 31 Days of God’s Wisdom and invite your friends, families and neighbors. Be sure to have them sign up at www.emboldened.net to receive their daily email. In this way you can be a part of spreading His message around the world!

God bless you and Merry Christmas.

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Miracle Worker

August 27, 2022September 7, 2022 krisshetter

²³The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23

Father in Heaven, you are a God of miracles. You bring light when I am in darkness through your healing powers and in ways I can never fully understand. Help me to see even the tiniest miracles that you perform throughout my day so I can lift up my voice in glory to You. Amen

If you were asked if you believe in miracles, what would you say? Your answer would probably depend upon how you define a miracle. Some might call it a rare event. What if instead, you changed your perspective and recognized that God works miracles in our lives every single day?

A standard definition of a miracle is “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.” And again, how would you define “extraordinary?” As I’ve grown closer to God and understanding His ways, my view of the world has certainly changed. When seen through the lens of creation being the work of God, we can find any number of impossible things made possible.

³⁷For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

I’ve been blessed with being pregnant and giving birth twice. Each time I marvelled at what was occurring in my body. A tiny human being built from microscopic pieces of the universe in a body that itself is the perfect factory for human creation. The parts all fit perfectly, just about every single time for thousands of years, millions upon millions of instances. You don’t need to know statistics to grasp how impossible that should be.

Many say “that’s just science.” Of course it is! Science is the study of God’s amazing work – where the impossible happens all the time. But let’s set human biology aside. I can state for a fact that miracles happen regularly because I have experienced them. Oh, if you had only known me 30, 20 or even just 10 years ago. You wouldn’t have seen Christ in my life. You would have seen a woman desperate for peace. Longing for joy. Fearful of not being loved or appreciated. A couple of years ago, a friend who has known me for some time commented how she could now see the work of Jesus in me. Truly a miracle. I’ve seen the same work in a few friends. Ones I thought would never change. And the change that has occurred is one that only the hand of God could’ve accomplished.

When you think “miracle” do you only think of cancer being healed? A death avoided? A financial windfall? If so, you need to rub the scales from your eyes. Just the fact that the sun rose again today was God’s miracle of creation. His glory is revealed in so many ways. Some include our continuous acts of human creation. While other times through the medicines He has placed here for us to “discover.” His miracle work is revealed each time a sinner recognizes their sin and asks God to change her and He does. And yes, whenever we are blessed financially when we need it most.

Friend, God’s glorious miracles are at work right now in your life. Like our future Eden, He doesn’t need any outside source to cause the light to shine because He makes impossible possible.

Promise Keeper

August 24, 2022September 7, 2022 krisshetter

“Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40

Faithful Father, you have never lied and you never will. I believe you. Amen

I had a Christian woman tell me this once: “I know God has forgiven me. But it’s hard for me to believe it. It’s too hard for me to forgive myself.” That’s why I nodded along when I heard a Christian teacher once say that there’s too many of us out there that have accepted our Lord as Savior but we just aren’t living our lives like we believe His promises. It’s even hard for me sometimes when I look in the mirror to see what God sees. To believe He loves me, blemishes and all. It’s hard to believe He will take care of me without my striving and worrying. But He will.

“You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3

He has never, ever lied my friend. He never, ever will. What might happen, however, is that He will fulfill a promise in ways you didn’t expect. Or in ways you may not agree or understand. In fact, when I was doing a bit of research about God’s promises I found a blog that refuted God fulfilling promises. In truth, the person sounded very wounded. He also sounded poorly educated about God’s character and His ways. His first example was of Genesis 2:17 when God admonishes Adam and Eve not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, “…for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” The blogger explained that not only had they eaten the fruit but they went on to live for more than 900 years.

What he missed is 1) their immediate death was a loss of the close spiritual relationship with God and their sinlessness and 2) they did, in fact die. You see, when we look at God’s promises without a knowledge of Him and through our own broken lenses we can miss God at work. If we, instead, believe that God is the only perfect being to exist and His ways are always right then we ask better questions and submit to Him in trust.

I recently had a conversation with a godly woman about women as pastors. Having become more educated about scripture I felt confident in holding my own – as she said the Bible has conflicting lessons about this topic. My first comment was this: “God’s Word is never in conflict. If you see conflict you are either misunderstanding context, historical meaning, or having translation issues. Understanding that parts of God’s will and God’s promises may be difficult to accept also helps us to realize our sinful desires rarely line up with God.

Friend, if you are struggling to accept that God will not back out of a promise to you, turn back to His Word. He is faithful. More faithful than anyone will ever be in your life. And for that we can celebrate with glory to Him!