She told me it was okay
To not be okay
And so
I told her things I’d told no one
She listened
She spoke softly
Saying only good things
With compassion that was real
When the conversation was over
She said she was always there
I could talk to her any time
I hardly know her
So, I asked her why…
Why would she want to talk to me
She said
Because you need someone to talk to
This…
People who care
This… is how God
Can be everywhere
Copyright © C Mashburn 2019
I’m a positive person, but sometimes my big but gets in the way. I’ll start off thinking it’s going to be a good day, then say, “But! What if it rains?” I let my big but lower my expectations by anticipating something bad.
We mustn’t allow our faith to be diminished by a big but! We must proclaim our trust in God and kick buts out of our vocabulary! God is for us, and there’s no but about it! I could go on, but… I think you get my point.
He didn’t do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58
After all the time Jesus had spent with the disciples, telling them time and again He would return from the grave, they were still frightened when He appeared before them. And, even after He showed them the scars on His hands and feet, they still didn’t think it was Him. What was wrong with these guys?
Probably the same thing that’s wrong with most of us: short memories. We go through much of our time here on earth—especially in the U.S.—living a relative life of ease, never giving much thought to all our blessings and where they come from.
We hear the good news that Jesus will one day return, and we talk about how we can’t wait for that glorious day, while secretly we hope our faith is strong enough to get us into heaven. Why? Why are we troubled? Why do we have doubts?
He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds.” Luke 24:38
As time goes on, the world seems to be picking up speed and it seems we’re barreling headlong toward sure destruction. Yes, a fierce battle rages between good and evil throughout this world, but we should never give up the fight for what we know to be right.
Too often, we get so wrapped up in what’s going on around us we forget God is in charge. We find ourselves deep in the battle, fighting and straining against evil, and we begin to feel defeated and beat down. That’s when we need to read a verse, listen to a good word, or simply remember God is with us, and be strengthened.
We must continue to fight the battle and never be dismayed no matter how bad things might appear. God will strengthen us and help us and if the battles we fight are just He will uphold us with His righteous hand.
As a young man, I was afraid of nothing and rebelled at everything. I was wild, always testing the rules and boundaries, and actually made the statement, more than once, that I didn’t think I’d live to see my 21st birthday. I lived life like there would be no tomorrow, and for most of my life I was amazed I was still standing.
Then things changed; I didn’t have one of those lightning bolt experiences, and the fact is I wasn’t even looking for help or seeking to change. It just began, as I quite suddenly realized I’d lived far past my expectations not because I was 
unafraid, but because I was a part of God’s plan. I learned that even when I wasn’t aware of Him, or His plan, He was still using me.
All those years… years when I thought it was me against the world… He never let go of my hand. I am in awe of God’s love.
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