Because I just got into town Monday night I am just now seeing the "sights" around Wilmington. As I was driving I saw a section of an older grayed fence lying on the ground. Some parts had been repaired and had new tan wood. I got to thinking about the fence being our worldly hedge of protection. As soon as a section is down we repair it making it new and strong.
Recently we talked about having a hedge of protection around the clock 24/7! God is our hedge of protection and He will protect us. As storms come or the storms of life, we are protected. Our faith may be shaken but we are protected! Psalm 46: 1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Right now I feel like my faith is trying to be shaken but I refuse to let it be shaken. Aside from the hurricane and my mother, our family has many tough things going on right now but I know who is in control and as I have said a lot lately: if there is one thing I do know it is that we are NOT in control! I can not fix this. In all of the stress and trials in my life right now I do not have control over any of them! I can only trust God. I pray that He covers my family and I with a hedge of protection! Job 1:10, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?"
Above all else I thank Him for bringing good from these bad situations. Romans 8: 28, "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." We know we are not in control so we need to lean on God during these times. Philippians 4: 6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." He will give us the help and strength we need and hold us up! Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Just as the old gray fences are knocked down we are sometimes knocked down. We buckle under pressure and feel weary, gray and burdened. Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Then just as someone comes along and picks up the old wood and builds a new section of fence, the same is done for us. God picks us up. Smooths the splinters, gives us renewed faith and stands us back up. Tall and strong and let's us see that we are stronger than we were before the storm. Nothing is wasted! He uses it all for our good!
If you are going through tough times right now keep repeating Philippians 4: 6-7, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."
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