Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all. Psalm 34:19 AMP.
What we focus on grows. Since I know that hardships and perplexing circumstances are part of life; it’s in my best interest (and therefore the best interest of those around me), that I focus on God’s promise to rescue me from them all.
In 2017, I read a book by Jeff Vanderstelt, titled Gospel Fluency. Jeff recommends three questions to ask ourselves during hardships and perplexing circumstances:
- Who is God right now?
- What has He done for me?
- Who am I as a result?
Answering these questions:
- Redirects my focus away from self-pity and problems.
- Reminds me of who God is, and what He’s done.
- Reveals where my perception isn’t aligned with the Truth.
When crisis and trials come, I may become emotional, and that is when these questions center me on Jesus. For example, I could be tempted to think that the answer to question 1 is: “God isn’t for me,” or “How could God let this happen?” But as soon as those thoughts or words come out of my mouth, I am aware that my thinking is faulty; because God already told me in His Word, that trials and testings are part and parcel to life, and that
He will rescue me from them.
As I move to question 2, I ask God’s forgiveness, and am more God-focused than problem-focused. And remembering who God is, and what He’s already done for me in trying times, renews my trust and faith. Praise and faith break forth!
Now question 3 is my continuation of the praise that developed as I answered the second question. Who I am as a result of who God is in my life, and what He has done; is a daughter dearly loved by the King of Kings. A daughter that is thankful once more that her heavenly Father was with her all the way through the trial, and caused her faith and trust to grow as a result.
Maybe you are in the midst of a trial, just learned bad news, or are thinking of your own experiences with Jehovah God rescuing you. Either way, isn’t it good to know that even our ‘nightmare’ experiences are never wasted? His promise to us who believe:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV. Click here if you would you like to have relationship with God.
Blessings,
Jacquie ♥
Joy Cottage 
Jacquie, your discussion took me to read further from Psalm 34 and Romans 8. Both of these places in Scripture are uplifting and remind us that our God sincerely cares about us. His living Spirit will right our sinking ship when we are ready to abandon it.
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Amen. Not only are we never left alone, but God is working “all things for our good.” Nowhere else in life are we given such heartening outcomes. ♥
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Thanks, Jacquie. An encouraging post with a very tender picture. You reminded us of how God shapes our lives and of how our faith and trust grow increasingly stronger as we see how he rescues us from our difficulties.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come…
🤗
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Sally, thanks for reminding me of this powerful song. We are blessed as no matter what comes our way, our God is with us; to love, guide, heal, protect and provide all that we have need of. Blessings ♥
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Yes, Jacquie, for sure ! Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound…😊
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Beautiful reminder which never fails! Thank you. ❤️
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Absolutely, Hope. Our God gives us every reason to trust and keep our faith in Him. Blessings! ♥
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Jacquie, good reminder that God is always with us. Like the bird in the photo, God wants to rescue us and tenderly cradle us in His loving hands.
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I agree Jeanne, I’m amazed by the fact the King of the universe who is All Powerful, loves us so tenderly and compassionately. ♥
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Romans 8:28 has been my lifeline. Knowing the Lord is working all things together for good gives me hope. I like the 3 questions from Jeff’s book. Blessings Jacquie!
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I agree, Dawn, Romans 8:28 truly is an encouragement. His promises are stability as our lifeline; and the 3 questions have redirected me many times. Blessings to you and your sweet Mom! ♥
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Perfect timing for this message! Thank you for the encouraging message!
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Always Maria. I pray your coursework is going well, and that you and your family are well. Blessings sweet friend!
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Wonderful. Love the photo, too. 🙂
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May He continue to love and empower you through this life and the gifts He’s given you ♥
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Focusing on God and not my circumstances has helped me through many trials
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Amen, there’s no better way. Blessings!
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Focus on, and faith in Jesus is what carries me through the storms of life! Great questions and Christ-focused answers.
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Yes. I was surprised at times by emotions that lead my thinking away from the Truth. I’m grateful for strategies that keep me on track. ♡
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I am, too!😊
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Thanks Jacquie. I will pray for you. Thankfully, trials have an expiration date, but they also produce great fruit. The Lord is with you.
As a long time reader of my blog, I wanted to alert you to a post I wrote six years ago which I just reblogged in which you made a great comment. I thought you might like seeing it again. Perhaps the timing is also right. I answered your comment with a Phil Keaggy song that is a favorite.
Blessings to you my friend.
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Thank you RJ, how kind. I am taken back by how much time has passed. I am blessed by your encouragement, and look forward to reading your post and response. Blessings always friend ♥
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Sweet reminder and encouragement! My husband read this same book, Gospel Fluency, last year so we have it at home…I’ll have to be sure and read when I finish my current read.
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It’s a great read for those wanting to grow in the Lord. I find taking time to reassess priorities and where I am in my walk, at times painfully refreshing. Blessings to you and your family!
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