Pressed and Perplexed


We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair...(2 Corinthians 4:8)
Pressed and Perplexed.  More than usual this week.  Early this morning I posted this on facebook:  
Determined (by God's grace) to live by faith and not by sight today. (2 Corinthians 5:7). I have knowledge of him in whom I have faith, and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have given into his care till that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)
I had no idea God would give us a glimpse of His goodness so soon.  First, while reading our two devotional books this morning, God in His great goodness coordinated the readings to match our pressure and perplexity.  Both of them were astonishingly fitting!  We were overwhelmed.    Minutes later, I went to the post office.  The window wasn't open, but I said "hello" to the postmistress who was filling mailboxes behind the closed door.  She opened the door and handed me a package.  (She didn't have to do that!)  At home, I opened the package.  Included were the note (above)... 
 
..the clothespin bag (just the one I'd wanted and all that I thought I was getting), and ABOVE AND BEYOND what I'd "won" in Raeann's giveaway--there was a jar of detergent and clothespins! The timing of this is NOT coincidental.  God knew I needed a faith-booster.  The timing and generosity of a friend are such tangible evidences of God's love, compassion, and great faithfulness.
I continue to trust in Him for the pressures and perplexities that we are experiencing. I KNOW whom I have believed.
This weekend my husband will be preaching on Lamentations 3:22-24.  These verses say:  
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
 The Lord IS my portion!  I WILL wait for Him!

12 comments:

  1. It seems you are going through a very hard time. I am sorry. I prayed for you this morning.

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  2. Thanks, Brenda. This, too, shall pass.

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  3. The added gifts are so thoughtful! What a nice surprise!

    He is our portion, our strength, our shield and our great reward!

    Praying for you my friend!

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  4. Awesome and Amen...how precious His provisions and encouragement that comes in such creative ways...that is if we acknowledge them...I am sure we miss a lot of encouragement He sends...or should I say I do?
    He is our portion!
    Blessings this week as you see His portion poured out on you both.

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  5. Rebecca~
    I am so happy to have been a part of God's gentle encouragement to you! He put wings on that post ~ I didn't get it sent out until late Tuesday! That you should recieve it already is proof of His working all things together for good to them that love the Lord!
    Praying for you today ~ He is faithful!
    Be Blessed, my friend!
    Raeann
    p.s. More proof ~ I am able to comment here today ~ internet is cooperating for a change!

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  6. Try whistling while you work, it works for me.
    Work I mean. Well and whistling. Whatever your troubles may be, throwing yourself into a project will make you feel good and take your mind off of the troubles!
    Such a NEAT, get it? NEAT give-away! There's laundry to be done and closets to be cleaned so get busy, you know, idle hands and all!
    Love Di ♥

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  7. Dear Rebecca,
    I'll keep you in my prayers. you are such a lovely lady and an encouragement to me :) :) Oh, that giveaway you won is lovely...and it's really neat when God surprises us with those extra goodies :) :) :) I love it when God does stuff like that for us :) :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  8. I'm so thankful for your blessings that I'm putting it on my thankful list for today. "Summer and WINTER, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above. Join with all nature in manifold witness, to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love."

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  9. Thanks for this uplifting reminder that God knows right where we are. I like the KJV version that says "cast down but not destroyed" . . . He is faithful!

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  10. What a thoughtful addition to your prize. I never would have thought to dress up a jar for detergent. I love it. Be blessed, Rebecca.

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  11. Is your husband's sermon available online?
    It is a timely topic.

    Blessings,
    Jen

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  12. No, Jen...it isn't. It was just a good, solid, reassuring word penned by a prophet who both foretold AND experienced hard times himself...

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)