“For Every Purpose”

“For Every Purpose”                                    

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV). 

WOW! Has this not been a crazy season? And King Solomon wisely said, “To everything there is a season.”

Here’s a COVID acrostic for this season which began in March 2020:

Crazy

Overwhelming

Viral

Interesting

Disruptive

What would your COVID acrostic look like? You might do better than I because all those words I came up with seem a bit understated.

Now, look at the second part of that verse: “a time for every purpose under heaven.” Time is a measure of space in each of our lives. Purpose is the reason and the value we place on something. 

When we look at the first and second chapters of Ecclesiastes, we see King Solomon attempting to put his finger on the meaning of life. He concludes that much in life is out of our control. The pandemic has certainly illuminated that all over the globe. Striving to corral everything in our little sphere is like “grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14) and he concludes, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV).

We must remember that God created the universe— “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world and all that dwell therein) Psalm 24:1 KJV). God is in Heaven and we are on earth. God is eternal—from eternity past to eternity future. Our time on earth is temporal—limited and brief. But we are eternal beings and because of that God has put eternity in each of our hearts. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

So, God created the earth and the universe. He put it all in motion and set up a time for everything—a season and a time for every purpose—His purpose.

We will do well to know our place in His world. He is Creator and we are a part of His creation. Though we’re each a small part, He knows and loves each one of us. He saw our form in our mother’s womb and He knows each of us by name. We’re higher beings than the animals, birds, creeping things, and sea creatures. We’re greater than the trees, plants, mountains, oceans, lakes, soil, rivers, and deserts. We are the crown of God’s creation for we are made in His own image and are triune beings, consisting of spirit, soul, and body.

We can be assured that this season of COVID19 is a period of time when God will fulfil a purpose—His purpose. No, I don’t know what that purpose is, but might someday.

So consider this acronym for COVID:

Cosmic Occasion Vigilantly Illuminating Divine purpose.

Five things we can do to maintain hope & peace during COVID19:

1- Stay focused on our Savior, Jesus. Spending time in His Word and in prayer are key.

2- Do what we can to stay safe and healthy.

3- Remain positive, confident that God is on His throne and has this all figured out.

4- Trust God to fulfil a great purpose that will astound us in the end. Be excited with anticipation!

5- Encourage others along the way. 

Let’s pray: Oh Lord, You see each of us. You are intimately aware of how this season of time is impacting each of our lives. Thank You, Father, that Your love is unfailing and without end. Thank You that we can trust You with our present and with our future.

Thank You for Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and help us to take His peace and rest in Him. And thank You that You are doing wondrous things during this crazy time. In Jesus name we pray—Amen.

Questions to consider:

1. Evaluate the quantity and quality of time you spend in Bible reading/study/meditation and prayer.

2. What are you doing to stay safe and healthy?

3. Do you have a positive attitude during this COVID season?

4. List some positive things you believe God is doing or will do during this COVID season.

4. List ways you can encourage others during these days of pandemic.

“O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do,                                   but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NKJV).

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

The Good vs. The Best

The Good vs. The Best                                           

Do you know the difference between what’s good and what’s best?

I drew a beautiful home design for our family. The layout was great and it had lots of windows. My parents were excited about the prospects of our building our new home on the hill above theirs.

The big obstacle was heightened interest rates at that time. The idea of selling our current house and building a new one just wasn’t practical. After prayer and counting the costs, we decided to hold off on such a project.

A few years later, my husband and I decided that the time had come for me to leave teaching and embark on a new career. After much prayer and preparation, I was ready to launch my own log home business, representing a company owned by friends.

The hill behind my parents was not a preferred location for our new log home. God had a plan greater than our own and we found land which better suited our needs and was only about a quarter of a mile from my parents. Then to add to the beauty of our story, when our son retired from the military a few years later, he and his wife built a home on that hill above my parents’ which, of course, thrilled my folks.   

Photo by Connie Wohlford

King David wanted to embark on a grand building project. He yearned to build a magnificent house for God. A man after God’s own heart, he loved his Heavenly Father deeply and wanted to honor Him in a grandiose way. 

We find the account in 2 Samuel 7. David said to Nathan the prophet, “’See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent and curtains’

“Then Nathan said to the king, ‘Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you’” (2 Samuel 7:2b-3 NKJV*).

Without inquiring of the Lord, Nathan responded prematurely to David. The idea sounded great and Nathan basically said, “Sure. Go for it.” But this was out of God’s plan and He set Nathan straight that very night.

“But it happened that night that the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, ‘Go and tell My servant, David, “Thus says the LORD: would you build a house for Me to dwell in?’” (2 Samuel 7:5). He went on to tell him that He had moved about in a tent all along and had never asked David to build Him a house.

Then God made a covenant with David, moving from the good to the best.

“Now therefore, thus shall you say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD of Hosts: ‘I took you out from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a great name, like the name of the great men who are on the earth.

“’Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel, and caused you to rest from all your enemies. Also the LORD tells you that He will make you a house.

“’When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever’” (verses 8-13).

The covenant blessing continues through verse 16, ending with, “’Your throne shall be established forever.’”

Awestruck and overwhelmed with gratitude, David sat before the Lord and said, “’ Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD; and You have also spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come. … Fort there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

“’And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name—and to do for Yourself great and awesome deeds for Your land—before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods?

“’For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever; and You, LORD, have become their God. …

“’So let Your name be magnified forever, saying, “The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel. And let the house of Your servant David be established before You. … Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord GOD, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever”’” (2 Samuel 7:18b-29).

Here God made an eternal covenant with David, that his seed would be on the throne of God’s people forever. Centuries before, prophets had proclaimed that Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah. David was from the tribe of Judah and twenty-eight generations later after him, Jesus took His seat on the eternal throne at the right hand of Father God.

Ultimately, David’s son, Solomon, built a magnificent temple—the dwelling place for God. This was God’s plan, not the plan of a man.

Let’s be assured that God knows best in all situations. He knows what lays ahead, down every path, and around every bend. When he steps in with correction, whether redirecting or plan or helping us come to repentance for a sin, we can be confident that it’s because of His unfailing love for us, He always has our best interest in His mind and in His heart.

Like David, when God corrects us, lets worship Him and extol His greatness. 

Let’s pray: Father God, thank You, that You always know what’s best for me and that You love me so much You’re willing to step in and correct me when needed. I love You and am forever grateful. In Jesus wondrous name—Amen.

In comments below, feel free to share about a time when God corrected or redirected you.

*All Bible quotes are taken from the New King James Version.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

A Season of Reset: Three areas to consider

A Season of Reset: Three areas to consider       


Have you said or heard the word, “reset” lately? 


With the beginning of the COVID19 Pandemic and the upending of our lives, many people have been talking about and anticipating the implementation of a reset in certain areas of their lives. For many, it has been in regard to family and the way they prioritize time. For some, it’s a forced reset because their means of earning a living has diminished or vanished.


Whether being affected by the pandemic, or more recently, civil unrest, I want to suggest three ways in which we can each benefit from a reset. 


A word used in the Bible that is comparable to reset is renew. It is described as “a combination of ana, ‘again,’ and kainos, ‘new.’ The word suggests a renovation, restoration, transformation, and a change of heart and life. In Romans 12:2, it indicates a complete change for the better, an adjustment of one’s moral and spiritual vision.” *


It says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 NKJV).


Then in Paul’s letter to Titus, we’re told of the Holy Spirit’s work in helping accomplish renewal. Holy Spirit is helping us reset our character. 


“but when goodness and lovingkindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4-6 RSV).


When we believe and receive Jesus, we’re made new—we’re born-again. From time to time, even daily, we can do some soul-searching and consider how we’re doing in our walk with Christ. Occasionally, we may need a reset and renew our commitment to Him. We may even need to rededicate ourselves to Christ. 

Image by Focus on the Family 

As we are on the cusp of reentering society, let us consider three ways we can reset our lives in order to live better on the other side of COVID19. In doing so, we can more closely experience the abundant life God wants for us.


Let’s reset: 


1. Our spiritual walk. In this season of quarantine, many people are interested in knowing God better and involving Him more in their lives. Please read Titus 2:11-3:8 or at least re-read verses 4-6, quoted above. Romans 12:1-2, (above), gives insight as well. 


We can ask ourselves and ask God, “What can I do to improve my relationship with my Creator?” Here are a few suggestions:


Let’s spend quality time, daily, in His Word and in prayer, and listen quietly to hear Him speak. He’ll probably not speak audibly but will speak into our spirits in a still small voice through an impression, instruction, or encouragement.

Involvement in a Bible study group, church fellowship, or both, either in person or online can give us sound teaching, encouragement, and fellowship.


2. Our priorities. A reset of our spiritual walk will set us up for realigning our priorities. 


It’s sad that, due to the pandemic, people are out of work. And it’s unfortunate that sports and extracurricular activities have been suspended on every level. But there has been a bright side to this situation. 


I’ve heard many people say that since they have more time at home, they’ve had additional family togetherness, time for exercise, pleasure reading, or Bible study. Some are doing things they’ve not had time for, like plant a garden and enjoy creative talents such as art, cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, woodworking, and so on. 


I recently hear a man say that after quarantine he and his wife plan to continue taking frequent walks together. Others are exercising on a regular basis and plan to continue in the future.   


It’s good to look on the bright side of a dark event. Taking time to prayerfully realign priorities is wise and can lead to a more joy-filled and meaningful life.

Regarding our use of time, the Bible says, “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise—sensible, intelligent people; making the most of the time—buying up each opportunity—because the days are evil! Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17 Amplified). 


3.Our finances. A thorough evaluation of and reset of finances is a good thing to do periodically. Currently, as many people have experienced a reduction or total loss of income a financial reset has dealt a harsh blow. 


No matter our level of income we can execute our financial life according to biblical teachings and we will be blessed in doing so. Resetting our spiritual walk and our priorities put us in position to reset our finances with godly wisdom.


Learning biblical principles on money and aligning our priorities with God’s Word and His character give guidelines that, when followed, produce financial security. In a nutshell, the Bible teaches that we should work and earn a living, give into God’s kingdom generously, and spend money wisely. Also, we’re to stay away from excessive credit. Proverbs 22:7b tells us that “the borrower is servant to the lender” (NKJV).  

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Jesus taught, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-20 NLJV).

As we reset our finances, we’re wise to follow the principles set up by God, being confident that He knows what’s best. 


So, have you been thinking about a reset of some kind? Please share your thoughts in a comment, especially if COVID19 has impacted your ideas on the subject.


May God bless you as you continue to navigate this strange season. If a reset of any kind is a part of your life, I pray you do so with God’s leading.
   

*Spirit Filled Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, “Word Wealth” at Titus 3:8, page 1863.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

My Own Pentecost

My Own Pentecost


It happened many years ago—in the late 70’s. That Sunday morning our friend, Sonny, preached at the Methodist church, but I don’t remember a thing of what he said. 


For quite some time I had become more serious about spiritual things and was wanting to know God better and live a life more pleasing to Him. I believe God knew the state of my heart and the desires in my spirit and decided to bless me in a big way that day. 


The service was ending, and I stood with my family for the benediction. That’s when it happened. It was incredible, amazing, nothing like anything I had experienced before. It was supernatural!


With eyes closed, I felt close to God. Then suddenly, from the upper right corner of the vaulted ceiling of the sanctuary it came. I couldn’t see it but I sensed it descending toward me. Then I could hear it, softly at first.


As the volume increased it swirled around me and gently encouraged my spirit. It’s really hard to describe. Louder and awesome, the swirling continued. It was thrilling, not one bit scary, and continued for what seemed like several minutes.  

I could best explain it like a “mighty rushing wind,” as described in Acts 2. The sound became thunderous. I thought that everyone in the sanctuary must be hearing it. It continued and I revered it and was overjoyed by it. 


My mind interrupted the awesome experience and told me that if it didn’t soon stop, I would end up on the floor and embarrass myself and my family. I didn’t want it to stop but I didn’t want to suffer that humiliation either. I told it to stop.


That thunderous mighty rushing wind slowly ascended back to where it came from. I loved it and didn’t want it to go but I was afraid for it to stay. Afraid of what? –of what others would think. That’s a big mistake. I had quenched the Spirit.


I regret not allowing God to stay and finish whatever He wanted to do in me but God will not overrule our free will. I knew it was the Holy Spirit moving over me and that He wanted to do something for me. That’s always a good thing. But because of my fear of man, I stopped Him. 


BUT—I was certainly changed by the experience. There was no doubting the supernatural power of God and His Spirit. Also, it was incredible to think that He would visit me in such a way. It was a personal visitation of the Holy Spirit to me—such a small particle of Creation.


That experience brought me to a greater awareness of the reality of God’s presence in me. I better know God’s love and have a greater capacity to love others; my hunger for God’s Word is greater; my desire for things of God has increased; I can see with spirit eyes and hear His voice more clearly; and my desire to point others to Jesus has intensified. 


I believe that I was baptized in the Holy Spirit as spoken of in the Book of Acts. In Acts 2, we learn about the Day of Pentecost when Jesus’ disciples received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. They were endowed with the dunamis power of God and went out from there and changed to world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 


For me, speaking in tongues came later, in the form of a prayer language, but I believe God gave me the gift that day. I regret stopping the Holy Spirit when He visited me in such a mighty way. Sometimes I wonder how I and my life would be different if I had let Him have His way.


I’ve not experienced His mighty rushing wind since then, but I experience the Holy Ghost in me all the time and from time to time, His manifestation in a supernatural way. And He sometimes tells me things and shows me things that could only come from all-knowing God.   


In my weakness, I don’t always follow His leading, but my prayer is that I will do so more and more. He’s always there to show the way and give strength but the choice is mine.


Have you experienced the second touch of the Holy Spirit since you believed? (Acts 19:2)


On His Resurrection Day, Jesus breathed on His disciples and they received the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22) Then when He ascended back to Heaven, He promised a second infilling of His Spirit--with power. So, they waited as He instructed. Then it happened. 

We read about it in Acts 2:

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).  

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From there, the empowered disciples went into the streets of Jerusalem and proclaimed the Gospel. They each preached in a language unknown to them but was heard by other people in their native tongue. Then Peter preached his famous sermon, quoted in Acts 2:14-39. About 3,000 people came into the Body of Christ that day by believing in and receiving Jesus into their hearts.

Our Creator wants each of us to experience Pentecost. Peter said, “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). 


Please pray, knowing God is for you and has magnificent gifts for all who will believe and receive Jesus. May God richly bless you on this Day of Pentecost.    

All Bible quotes are taken from the New King James Version.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

TO HONOR AND REMEMBER American SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE PRESERVATION OF FREEDOM AND LIBERTY, I WANT TO POST THE PRESIDENTIAL PROCLIMATION. 

        also AT THE END OF THIS POST IS A LINK TO president Reagan's SPEACH AT Normandy ON June 6, 1984, A FITTING MEMORIAL DAY REMINDER. 

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gOD BLESS AMERICA! 

Proclamation on Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2020*

Issued on: May 21, 2020 

Since the first shots fired in the Revolutionary War, Americans have answered the call to duty and given their lives in service to our Nation and its sacred founding ideals.  As we pay tribute to the lives and legacies of these patriots on Memorial Day, we also remember that they sacrificed to create a better, more peaceful future for our Nation and the world.  We recommit to realizing that vision, honoring the service of so many who have placed love of country above all else.

As Americans, we will always defend our freedom and our liberty.  When those principles are threatened, we will respond with uncompromising force and unparalleled vigor.  Generation after generation, our country’s finest have defended our Republic with honor and distinction.  Memorials, monuments, and rows of white crosses and stars in places close to home like Arlington, Virginia and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as well as far-flung battlefields in places like Flanders Field in Belgium and Busan in Korea, will forever memorialize their heroic actions, standing as solemn testaments to the price of freedom.  We will never take for granted the blood shed by these gallant men and women, as we are forever indebted to them and their families.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Allied victories over Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan in World War II.  As we commemorate these seminal events, we also remember the tremendous cost at which these victories came.  More than 400,000 souls of the Greatest Generation perished during this titanic struggle to liberate the world from tyranny.  In his address to the Nation on Japan’s surrender, President Truman’s words remind us all of our enduring obligation to these patriots for their sacrifice:  “It is our responsibility — ours the living — to see to it that this victory shall be a monument worthy of the dead who died to win it.”  As we pause to recall the lives lost from the ranks of our Armed Forces, we remain eternally grateful for the path they paved toward a world made freer from oppression.

Our fallen warriors gave their last breath for our country and our freedom.  Today, let us pause in quiet reverence to reflect on the incredible dedication of these valiant men and women and their families, invoking divine Providence as we continue pursuing our noble goal of lasting peace for the world.

In honor and recognition of all of our fallen heroes, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer.  The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 25, 2020, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time when people might unite in prayer.

I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

I also request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that, on Memorial Day, the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control.  I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.

DONALD J. TRUMP 

* https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-prayer-peace-memorial-day-2020/ 

President Reagan's Address at the Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, D-day at Point-du-Hoc - 6/6/84. https://youtu.be/eEIqdcHbc8I

from The Reagan Foundation, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Need a Strategy?

Need A Strategy?                              


Do you need a strategy—you know, a plan?  

Image by Connie Wohlford

Are you trying to figure out what to do next—what the future holds?


David, the shepherd boy—turned warrior—turned fugitive—turned king--had just been crowned king over Israel’s newly unified kingdom. He and his people were under threat from their long-time enemy, the Philistines, on two fronts. This young king (age 30) needed a strategy. 


As was his practice, he asked God what he should do. In 2 Samuel 5:19b, we’re told that David inquired of the Lord and the answer was this: “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 


David did as God instructed and God did as He said He would do.


Before long, the Philistines were gathering in another location to go against the Israelites. David turned to God again for guidance. I love the way God gave David a unique and specific strategy.


“Therefore David inquired of the LORD, and He said, ‘You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the LORD will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.’ And David did so, as the LORD commanded him; and he drove back the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer” (2 Samuel 5:23-25). 


Maybe you need a unique and specific strategy right about now. Do you feel like you’re being attacked by the enemy called COVID19—perhaps on two or more fronts even? We’re all affected in some way. 


Do you need a strategy—a plan on how to handle health concerns, family unity, friendships, loss of income, or   (fill in the blank)   ? Or your enemy may have nothing to do with COVID19. You still need a strategy.  


If your health is compromised, you need a strategy. 


If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, you need a strategy. 


If your way of life has been turned wrong side out, you need a strategy. 

If you've lost your job, your business, or your nest egg, you need a strategy.


If you’re in the middle of constructing a house or a business, you need a strategy. 


If you’re alive, you need a strategy. 


Like David, we need to inquire of the LORD. We need to ask God. 


God has a strategy. He has a strategy for everything that concerns us. 


A long time ago, King David, as psalm writer, spoke to God saying, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made … Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me when as yet there were none of them. How great are Your thoughts of me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand” (Psalm 139:13-17).

Photo by Connie Wohlford

God sees, God knows, God cares, and God has a plan. 

It’s reassuring, and exciting, to know that if God saw each of us as we were being formed in our mothers’ wombs and fashioned our days, He surely has a strategy for us to successfully work through the trials life delivers to us. 

After all, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 ESV).


Since we have free will, some of our trials and our enemies may be self-imposed due to our own lack of following God’s leading along the way. Nonetheless, He still wants to help and has a strategy to do so.


God knows what we should do in every situation. It may not involve Mulberry Trees, but it will work. We need to inquire of Him, listen for His answer, and do what He says. For many people, hearing God’s answer is where the problem comes in. 


I’ve often heard it said, “I never hear anything from God.” The first thing I say back is something like, “Do you read your Bible regularly?” At least ninety-nine percent of the time their answer is, “No.”    

God speaks to us in many ways. In my experience, I mostly hear from Him through study and meditating on His Word. Also, He speaks through prayer and sitting quietly before Him, through other people, and through situations happening around us. He can be very creative in how He speaks to His people.

At 2 Sam. 5:23-25 - Photo by Connie Wohlford

When we think we have an answer, we can test it against God’s Word and His character to see if it lines up. But, how can we do that if we don’t spend quality time in the Bible?     


Will we sometimes miss God? Yes, but He knows our hearts and He’s well able to help us get back on track.


So, what is it that you need a strategy for at this moment? 


Let’s pray: Father God, You know every detail of every situation in my life. I need Your help and I need a plan—a strategy—to help me work my way through this. Please help me hear your voice and show me what I need to do. Then, Lord, I ask that You help me have the courage and the strength to follow through. I praise You and thank you for Your love, Your care, and Your help. In Jesus name, Amen.    


Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are taken from the New King James Version.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford