We hear them all the time. I think those of us who have been in the church have heard a few too. 'Trust and pray, there's no other way'. 'Keep your eyes on Jesus'. 'God is good all the time, all the time God is good'.
I was putting away all of my Christmas decorations yesterday and putting all of the decor that is normally up back in place. Thinking of prayers that have not been answered...yet. Trying to stay encouraged even when all I can see is the list of unanswered prayers and heartfelt cries that seem to have gone unheard.
On a table by our door are two little knick knacks with phrases on them. I bought them about a year ago. Two little reminders of what I have built my relationship with Jesus on. 'Believe: Believe when it's beyond reason to believe.' 'Faith: Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes see.'
Two statements, that when I bought them resounded in my spirit. Reminders of the truth of the God I love and serve.
But over time, as dust built up on those little tchotchkes, dust also seemed to build up on my hopes. Those little phrases of encouragement became mere cliches.
I had forgotten that although mere sayings can lose their power over time, the Word of God NEVER loses it's power. No matter how many times we hear a scripture, it is potent. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is alive and powerful. John 1:1 says that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Hebrews 13:8 quotes that Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever. So no matter how many times we read a scripture, how many times we quote it, it never loses it's strength. No matter how many times we grab on to a verse and cling to it like a life preserver, it never becomes a cliche'.
God never lies; He never changes His mind. So if His Word says HIs plans for you are for your good, He means it. If His Word says to ask according to His will and it will be given to you, it is a promise. If His Word says that the promise is for you and your children, it is a sure thing.
Remember, a cliche' is a man made saying that has some truth to it. Scripture is God-breathed and inspired truth that never changes.
God is true and sure and loving. His promises always come to pass and even if it seems like it is taking too long, His timing is perfect.
And remember, it's always the darkest before the dawn.
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