KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD!
KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD!
Essential #1: FEED YOUR HUNGER FOR GOD
Essential #2: IF YOU WANT TO GROW—GO TO CHURCH
Essential #3: KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD!
By the time you read this post, I’ll be on my way to India to speak at various women’s conferences. So guess where my mind has been? Focused on God!
What does He want me to say? What meets the spiritual and emotional needs?
Who will He bring to talk to me? What do I need to know about the culture?
What Scriptures should I emphasize that point to His reality and power?
The questions are many, but heading into a time of ministry isn’t the only time or reason to stay focused on God. Life requires it!Some of you have heard me speak on Wisdom for Today’s Woman—Lessons from Esther. You might even have done my Bible Study on this story. Because I find that Esther wonderfully illustrates the challenges many of us face, one of my talks in India will be on her responses to tough situations (Esther 2-4).
Situation #1: Life takes an unexpected and unwanted direction.
Even though Esther was taken into the King’s palace as a young girl against her will, she didn’t focus on how unfair life had been. Nor did she sink into bitterness, anger, or self-pity. Probably most of us are familiar with these reactions. And we’ve probably all seen the results: the more we focus on how unfair life is and question God’s love or power, the more we’re gripped with negative feelings.
What can we do?
Look at what you’re thinking and telling yourself. Make a choice to stop focusing on your hurt, pain, or anger and start rehearsing and focusing on God’s character and promises. "So do not fear, for I am with you…" (Isaiah 40:10).
Ask for His help. "This poor man called and the Lord heard him…" (Psalm 34:6).
Turn toward God. My unfailing love for you will not be shaken…" (Isaiah 54:10).
"He will strengthen you with power through His Spirit" (Eph. 3:16).
Situation #2: Life’s challenges bring life-affecting choices
Esther was among strangers. She had no control over her life—but she did have the power to make a vital choice every day. She could choose her attitude, just as you and I can when dealing with unwanted situations. 3:9, 15, 17 says Esther pleased everyone around her and won their favor. How could she do this? What choices did she make that helped her become a woman we admire? And what can you and I learn for our own lives from her response?
She rejected lashing out at others. Instead of anger, she accepted what had happened.
She refused to get trapped in hopelessness. She wouldn’t let what happened ruin the rest of her life.
She determined to cooperate with what God allowed and have the best possible attitude.
The outcome? The King made her his queen. But more importantly, God had His woman in the right place for the situation He knew would come (Esther 4-6).
God has His purposes for you, my friends. As He does for me. He leads us through smooth and rough times in our lives, but it is always with the development of our faith in mind. He is good and able to make you into a woman you could never be without some of the trials and struggles in your life.
To stay spiritually alive in 2016, FOCUS ON GOD!
Soak in the wonder of Who He is.
Praise Him for His amazing, life-changing power.
Give thanks for all He has poured into your heart.
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Many blessings,
Poppy
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