Tag: faith

Christian

When God Feels Far Away

Cindy Dawson

I want to tell you about a time, not long ago, when I felt like God was far away.

I felt like my faith was losing steam and my zeal and enthusiasm for God were draining away.

Satan was putting doubts in my mind. I kept hearing this: “Who do you think you are?”

I couldn’t feel God. I didn’t feel like praying. I didn’t even feel like going to church. I didn’t feel like reading my Bible. I just wanted to watch TV, play games on my ipad, and eat junk food.

But instead, I did pray (although without emotion). I did go to church. I did read my Bible. And I continued to write my blog. I went through the motions; all the while Satan whispered lies in my ear. (Who do you think you are? You can’t write a Christian blog!) At the time, I was ashamed because I thought they were my thoughts!

But Jesus said, “When (Satan) lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44. Satan is also called the accuser of the brethren. (See Revelation 12:10)

But then God . . .

Then, in church, we sang, Jesus Draw Me Nearer by Keith Getty. As I sang the words, I knew God was explaining things to me.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart’s testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

God was testing my heart! I realized that God was making me stronger. If I lost all emotion, all feeling and joy, would I still pray? Would I still read His Word? Would I still serve Him?

Yes, Lord. I will. Let me pass the test. Make my heart pure. Make me strong.

Did God let Satan test me? I think He did. Once I realized that I was in a test, I became strong because I knew those thoughts of doubt were lies from Satan. I knew God wanted to make me stronger.

So the next time God seems far away or something happens that you don’t understand – maybe you’re taking the same test. Maybe God is making you stronger!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV

“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3 NIV

I am thankful for my church and my pastors, especially my Minister of Music, Ricky Clark, who always seems to be leading us in a song that is straight from the heart of God.

With Love, Cindy

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Christian

Thursday’s Verse, 8/13/20

Cindy Dawson

“You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.
 Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Photo by Juan Arreguin on Unsplash

Christian

Tuesday’s Verse, 8/11/20

Cindy Dawson

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8 NIV

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Navigator on Unsplash

Christian

Sunday’s Verse, 8/9/20

Cindy Dawson

“The Lord is like a father to his children,
    tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
 For he knows how weak we are;
    he remembers we are only dust.” Psalm 103:13-14 NLT

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Christian

Friday’s Verse, 8/7/20

Cindy Dawson

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Photo by Nicolas Prieto on Unsplash

Christian

Tuesday’s Verse, 8/4/20

Cindy Dawson

“But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand!  You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel, and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven!” Psalm 73:23-24 TLB

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Photo by Nghia Le on Unsplash

Christian

Do You Worry Too Much?

Cindy Dawson

We lived out in the country, in the middle of the woods. It was a beautiful setting for a family with a new baby, except for the lizards, mice, and snakes that occasionally liked to sneak into our house!

One day, looking for a certain baby toy, I was feeling around in a box on a closet shelf above my head, I pulled out a handful of small toys to see if I had what I was looking for. Among the baby rattles and teethers, I grasped a 3 foot snake skin! With a loud scream, I threw it all in the air!

That was the second time I found a snake skin in my house. Being more of a city girl, I was terrified that something would bite my baby or that a snake might slither into my bed during the night. This is the time in my life when I learned the power of believing the Word of God and putting my complete trust in the Lord. One day I came across  Psalm 4:8.

  “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Every night I would pray: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” I would pray this over and over until I fell asleep. I lived in that house for 9 years. Eventually, peace enveloped me and I slept without fear.

When you are afraid, thank the Lord for these promises:

  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.”   Philippians 4: 6 & 7
  • “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
  • “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165
  • “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.” Isaiah 41:10

How are we robbed of this peace? The Bible says the devil is a liar. When thoughts come into our minds that bring fear and anxiety, we know Satan is trying to steal the promise of God.

  •  “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” Luke 8:12
  • “… the devil … was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
  • “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Photo by Angelina Kichukova on Unsplash

Christian

Friday’s Verse, 7/31/20

Cindy Dawson

“He is merciful and tender toward those who don’t deserve it; he is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love. 9 He never bears a grudge, nor remains angry forever. 10 He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins, 11 for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.” Psalm 103: 8-12 TLB

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Photo by Taylor Durrer on Unsplash

Christian

Thursday’s Verse, 7/30/20

Cindy Dawson

“May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26 TLB

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Photo by Cosmic Timetraveler on Unsplash

Christian

Tuesday’s Verse, 7/28/20

Cindy Dawson

“But you will not leave in haste
    or go in flight;
for the Lord will go before you,
    the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 52:12 NIV

With Love,

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?

realchristianwomen.blog  

Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash