Do Not Worry

In these troubling times, God reminds us He is still with us and He is our provider in times of trouble. The economy is a mess. Only God can truly restore it. We have many people losing their jobs, their homes, and unemployment is steadily rising. Financial institutions are struggling. We are definitely living in uncertain times. We must rely on God.

My husband and I are facing the possibility of another layoff. A few years ago, he was laid off twice within a 3 year period. He works a full time job as a computer programmer along with being the Youth Pastor for our church. He just found out yesterday that his work will be cutting 3% of the work force (more layoffs coming) and that they will lose 2 weeks of salary pay for the year. In other words, he will lose 2 weeks salary pay over the year. He will gain 2 weeks extra vacation but it will be unpaid. He will know something by March 15 concerning his job. We are going through the hard times even now as we face the financial struggles. We have no savings, that was drained over the last layoff. We have our daughter's wedding coming up in May. I am beginning to feel the pressure and the worry setting in now. After praying and speaking to a close friend of mine, who is such an encourager, God truly works in amazing ways. God reminded me of a scripture and I am going to share it with you. I know that we are not the only ones going through hard times and I hope this brings encouragement your way.

Matthew 6:23-27 says,
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Matthew 6:31-34 says,
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

He provides for the birds and He will provide us. He got us through the tough times years ago and I am reminded that He will get us through this storm. If you are facing a storm, don't give up just give it all to God. My prayer is that God would bring restoration upon our economy. I am asking that all the prayer warriors really begin praying for our economy and all those are in need and struggling to make ends meet. May we reach out even in the tough times to help our neighbors in need. God reminds us that He is always with us even when we feel alone, He is still there. He is with us during our darkest moments and in our happiest moments. God is faithful, he will see you through the storm.

I am reminded that anytime I feel down or discouraged, go to God in prayer and give it all to Him. He will take care of it. I know that worry has been something I have always struggled with but I serve an awesome God who knows all things. He created me and you. He knows everything about us and what is going to take place before we even know. His will is perfect. Don't let the worries take over your life, give it all to God. He will make a way when there seems to be no way out. Blessings to all and God be with you!!!

Matthew 7:7-8 says,
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."