Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Do you really trust that God cares for you?  Or are there other voices crowding in?  "Yes, but" ... "why is the burden of grief still so heavy? ... why am I still struggling in my marriage? .... why can I still not find a job? ... why is my loved one still suffering from health problems? ... why am I still struggling with health issues?" 

 

Peter is writing to a community that is asking similar questions, although their questions concern the persecution, torture and death that they are experiencing because of their faith.  Peter's response?   "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you ... Discipline yourselves, keep alert.  Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.  And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 4:12, 5:8-10.

 

Cast all your anxiety on the Lord, because he cares for you.  He will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.  If the adversary seeds doubt as to how very much God cares for you look to the ultimate proof of his loving care - the cross.  The cross is proof-positive that he cares for you.  In confidence you can cast all your anxiety on him.  Hear the Lord speak to you in the words of the song "I am" by Jill Phillips:

I Am by Jill Phillips - Video with Lyrics

 In His Peace, Grace, and Love,
Rev'd Sarah+