Love scared me. It meant to be vulnerable and have them see what's inside. The deeper root of fear was knowing they can hurt me. Many of them did by different methods. Some cheated. Some abused. But all left. Love scared me, yet it's bittersweet because I wanted love and to love. God had to teach me first that true love comes only from Him. He used the hard pain to draw me close. The tears didn't go unnoticed by Him. He would send reminders He never left. When I thought I blew it and how can God love me, He taught me through scripture He is a God who is slow to anger yet abounding in love and in the Gospels I read He is compassionate to the lowly and sinners. For years, I had a mindset when I sinned that God was furious with me.

I had to learn for myself that God's love is for me, too. It's easy to believe it's for the world and for your neighbors, but it tastes different when you need to believe it's for you, too. Jesus is tenderhearted with those who feel heavy. He showed me patience with daily mercies each morning. He sent me butterflies as I was deep in my thoughts in a nature walk to remind me He answers my prayers and He sees. If I were to unpack every hurt I've came across, this article would turn into a novel. I don't need to name the things to prove I've been heartbroken in the past. Much of that is healing under Jesus' Light. The emotional scars don't prove I'm broken. I used to believe in that lie. Scars are testimonies on how God carried me through it and how I survived. I'm not broken because I felt deeply.

Walking out of a mess, God sent someone, who little did we know, is part of God's plan. It wasn't always perfect. There was a season where it was hard. But instead of it breaking us, God used it to teach our hearts what love and healing looks like. He has no idea how much God used him to heal parts of me left wounded. And I hope I can say I've been a comforting source of healing in his heart and mind. God wants to keep touching the hidden places of my pain. Sometimes He'll send a love, which in my case, the love of my life, teach me and help rewire my mind from painful wounds. My loved one is part of the healing journey for the both of us. God truly blessed me with him in this life, always side by side. I wish I could say, but maybe Lord willing, I can in the future.

Love scared me, but it's been a journey to renew my mind on what love feels and looks like. I hadn't been shown love before. I didn't know what receiving the love of the Father looks like. I believe I will always be learning this, yet God is patient. He has compassionate understanding. Slowly, I've been putting the armor down. I don't need to be on guard and watch my back. I can fully trust in God's love for me. And fully trusting in God will always be the life lesson for every Christian. Love scared me, but God calls me to Himself. It doesn't have to scare me anymore.

He heals the brokenhearted

and binds up their wounds.

— Psalm 147:3 ESV

The LORD your God is in your midst,

a mighty one who will save;

he will rejoice over you with gladness;

he will quiet you by his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing.

— Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

— 1 John 4:18 ESV

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

— 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

— Romans 8:38-39 ESV

Drew this to go along with my poem I'm going to share. This poem is from my new upcoming poetry book due at the end of this year. The poem was inspired by a time in my life where I was really sad, but God reminded me how a sparrow doesn't worry about the next meal or where to fly. In scripture, it tells us His eye is on sparrow and that we are much more valuable then them. I hope this poem encourages you. I'll keep everyone posted when it will be released.

Lessons From A Little Sparrow

God of Mercies came to me

He sent a sparrow from above

A beautiful creature sat on my window sill

A verse whispered to me, "Do not worry about your life".

Why do we mortals fret?

Really it is vain

Christ is with His Bride

He watches over her

He cares for her

His tender grace is fully sufficient

Christ provided a place for the sparrow to land

It didn't worry if it would be a branch or a roof

The sparrow doesn't get caught up in the stress of its next meal

God tells it where to go and the food is there

Every morning, the little sparrow would sing

Which I believe are for the King

Why do we mortals still fret?

Christ who is faithful in saving His own

It is not hard for Him to provide our daily bread

I thank God for the little sparrow

It taught me a lesson of do not fret

I was sitting to read/study Matt. 11 with my coffee on my nightstand and my highlighters, pens, sharpies, and sticky notes spread on my bed. I took notes and highlighted. I reviewed them and I saw the lesson that so many of us miss.

° John the Baptist doubted, too. It wasn't just "doubting" Thomas. (Matt. 11:1-15)
° There is a sure and coming Judgment in the end for unresponsive generations. (Matt.11:16-24)
° We who believe in Christ are love gifts to Him from the Father and Jesus comforts us with His teaching. (Matt. 11:25-30)


Not All Doubt Is Bad

Thomas often gets a bad rep for doubting Christ risen from the grave. Honestly, I think we would be more like Thomas. His doubt was caused by grief. It's understandable.

John the Baptist was the forerunner for Jesus. He preached and baptized people, and urging everyone to repent of their sins because someone Greater then he is coming (Matt. 3:2; 11, Mark 1:4; 7, Luke 3:3; 16, John 1:26-27). John's doubting may of started in prison or it was brought out more while incarcerated. He was doubting if Jesus was the Promised One to come or if they should keep looking. When Jesus was asked this by John's followers, He didn't get mad or short with John or the messagers. Jesus answered lovingly to the doubt and then turned to the crowd to talk good about John the Baptist. There was no negativity. No bad word spoken about him.

The lesson: God doesn't get mad when we doubt and have questions. He gently reassures us in His love.


Repent Before It's Too Late

Jesus addresses the crowd for their unbelief in Him. He also drew comparisons from other cities that if they were to know it was Him that is the Messiah, they would have repented and believe. The message is true today. Time may have changed during the course of generations, but the message stays the same. There's a coming Judgment for all who rejected the Gospel, and it will be a sad day.

The lesson: Don't wait. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corin. 6:2).


Jesus Is Our Sabbath Rest

No one earns salvation. It's entirely a gift from God and Jesus' desire for us to become His children. Jesus continues to address the crowd about having true knowledge and rest from Him in the ending of Matt. 11. Only the Father and the Son knows each other, and anyone else who is elected. We are chosen in Christ. His desire is His choosing in Himself. Then it is followed with taking Jesus' teaching and finding rest for our souls. This rest is salvation and our sins forgiven. We don't have God's wrath abiding on us anymore. It's been taken care of by the cross. Jesus will teach us through His Word and the Holy Spirit, and we will learn.

The lesson: Christs teaching is not heavy and hard on us. It's because we belong to Him. Jesus desired to be our Savior before we loved Him.

“They who seek Christ are already being sought of Him. You who desire Him shall have Him! You who want Him shall not be long without Him. It is to have Christ to some degree, to hunger and to thirst after Him and when you feel that you cannot be content without Him, He will not let you be, but will soon come to you!” Charles Spurgeon, Sermon #3331 “Knowing and Believing”, Dec. 5, 1912.



Closing Comments

The Bible never gets dull if we truly seek. I'm thankful I'm able to share this. I thought this was so awesome that I couldn't keep it to myself. I hope this blessed you.

I'm going to take a break from writing this week. Instead, I'll show you what I've been working on. I did some art while spending time with God.

This here is what I sketched and painted. I got my inspiration from the picture below as I was searching. I needed some ideas for Jesus sitting with someone. I also put Ps. 34:18 as the theme verse for the picture.

I hope you guys liked my art. Next week, I will have a written article on Matthew 11. God bless.

So we come to the end of my Mini Series: The Names of God. I hope this has been beneficial for your walk with the Lord. If you can, please leave some feedback. It can be both positive and constructive. There's always room to grow. Now, let's go into Jehovah Jireh.

Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Will Provide
Bible verses: Gen. 22:13-14, Ps. 23, Mark 10:45, Rom. 8:2
Attributes linked to His Name: Faithful, Fatherhood, Provision, Sovereignty

I think this is a good name to end the series with. Jireh means, "To see" or "To Forsee". With our limited knowledge, we can't see or know what's ahead, but with Jehovah Jireh He knows the start, the middle, and the end. Think of this, God has good plans for us. He knows which road to put us on in order to accomplish His good work in and through us. He knows the right and wrong people to santifiy us, to grow us, to share the Gospel, and to mature our hearts. Everything we have is provided by Jehovah Jireh.

He is a Good Father like Chris Tomlin sings about. It's Who He is and we are loved by Him.

In Gen. 22:13-14, Jehovah Jireh provides a ram to be sacrificed instead of Isaac. Abraham named the place "the LORD will provide" ,

So Abraham called the name of that place, "The LORD will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided." -Gen. 22:14, ESV


And when we look forward through the pages of the scripture, we see The Lamb of God being provided for mankind. Jesus was "The Lamb slained before the foundation of the world" (Rev. 13:8). In creation, God made the universe, the vegetation, the bodies of water, angels, creatures big and small, the stars (sun and moon included) in the sky, and THEN made man after His image (Gen. 1-2). The crown of creation (Ps. 8:5) was provided for from the Hands of the Creator.

Jesus told His disciples that salvation left to humanity would be impossible. Noone can save themselves. We owe too much of a debt to God. Yet, in the same breath, Jesus answered "but with God, all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26). This is Jehovah Jireh's way of saying, "I provide for all things. You're never in lack. I Am the Good Shepherd."

In the Fatherhood of God, He takes care each one of His children. The illustration of the Shepherd and His flock in Ps. 23 is one of the best examples of how tender Jehovah Jireh's care for us. In Matt. 7:11, God the Father brings good things to us.

In another verse in James 1:17, it says every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights. James is saying that God is good, holy, and unchanging. We can relay on Jehovah Jireh because He is our Provider.

Which mountain are you standing on today? Like He provided the ram for Abraham and The Lamb for humanity, He is providing for you. The mountain we are standing is "The LORD will provide".

Jehovah Jireh

When I was hungry, You blessed me food to eat
When I was thirst, You provided a cup in my hand
When I was broken, You wiped away my tears
When I was lonely, You brought comfort
When I was weak, You held me up
When I was lost, You provided the cross
When I called out, You revealed Yourself as Jehovah Jireh

References

Learn What Does Jehovah Jireh Mean Through the Story of Abraham and Isaac – Driven By Grace https://share.google/X0BOUaLEOTnygXHqv

https://share.google/FKYOHHoUWgN5cDhEE

Jehovah Jireh, the Lord is My Provision | Veritas Church | Cedar Rapids, IA | Veritas Church | Cedar Rapids, IA https://share.google/gsvLXDK86jUWLFy1z

Note: Please let your feedback. It is my desire to grow as writer.

Also, keep me in prayer as I finish writting my poetry book due by the end of this year, plans to write a children's book, and to write a Names of God devotional. Much of what you read in my series will be in the devotional, but I'll be adding some more names along with poetry. I don't know when that will be out. I will keep you all updated on it. For the children's book, it will be on God, but I haven't firgued out which direction. I also want my children involved in creating the book. They will draw the pictures!!!

May I add to pray all my writings and what I put my hands to do glorify God.

Soli Deo Gloria

Hello, again, friends. This week, we are going into the name Jehovah. Next week will be wrapping up the mini series. I really do hope this blessed you.

Jehovah: The One Who Is The Self-Existent One
Bible verses: Ex. 3:14; 6:2-4; 34:5-7, Ps. 102
Attributes linked to His name: Self-Existence, Eternal, Faithful, Love, Merciful, Just, and Righteous


Jehovah. Through the Bible, His name Jehovah often tags a role or responsibility to meet the human need like Jehovah Rapha, which means Healer. Jehovah is a personal name of His that the Israelites don't even speak the name out of reverence. They treat His name holy. In the Bible, it is mentioned as LORD or Lord. Jehovah is complete and whole. No one created Him. He has always been here, which is fascinating and awesome at the same time. Self-Existent is one of His attributes, and He shows this in His name.

Jehovah never changes. His character is faithful to us, even when we turn astary to Him. Which, let's think about this. In God's very name, Jehovah, highlights He is unchanging, faithful, loving, merciful, just, and righteous. It's in His name, Jehovah, God reveals His character and attributes to humanity.

Jehovah is more dependable than man. It won't take long to find out when someone, even those we love and trusted, hurt us. We depend too much on the arms of flesh. Only in Jehovah do we find our Safe Harbour. There is no other name we can take comfort in.

God wants us to know Him. He gave us His word (Bible) to learn about Him & the Gospel, and He reveals Himself through His name who He is.

Since He is Jehovah, those who are His needs humble submission in obedience towards Him. The I AM who created the whole world deserves praise and worship. I think sometimes we forget Who we are serving. It's very human of us. But then, if we are treating God like a casualty, we need to ask God in humility to help us get our hearts right to Him in reverence and not as a To Do list. We need to come back to the place of contrite heart like David, and repent for a lack of love and faithfulness towards God.

Remember, He is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). If you slacked on your devotion towards Him, know Jehovah. He gives you mercy and He loves you. Run back to Him like the Prodgial son. The father was waiting. Your heavenly Father is waiting.

Jehovah

Holy is the name of Jehovah

Self-Existent before time
Created all the unseen and seen worlds
Angels and demons are at His service
His Word never falls to the ground

Holy is the name of Jehovah

Created man in His image
Imago Dei, we are
We breathe to bring Him glory
Humble our hearts, Lord

Holy is the name of Jehovah

Faithful to protect the innocent
Unchanging like the ocean tides
Loving the broken while show them mercy
The I AM WHO I AM

Holy is the name of Jehovah

References

What is the significance of the name "Jehovah”? | Baptist Bible Hour https://share.google/BO6IvYzZWtDFWxOhj

What Does the Name Jehovah (Yahweh) Elohim Say About God? What's in a Name? - Jean Wilund, Christian Writer/Speaker/Bible Teacher https://share.google/qlkRJvYo4Ayfoq2kI

Names and Attributes of God – Jehovah - O Taste and See https://share.google/XkRXsjtao7qZWN1cd

***Photography taken by me. Methodist church in Chesterton, IN***

I hope everyone has been enjoying the mini series of the names of God. We only This week and 2 weeks left in this series. This week, it's Immanuel.

Immanuel: God with us; I Am
Bible verses: Is. 7:14; 8:8-10, Matt. 1:23
Attributes linked to His name: Incarnation, Comfort, Empathy, Deliver, Savior


The name Immanuel points to Christ. Every Christmas, we sing songs that has us reflect the birth of Christ, the Christmas Story plays at church, and Is. 7:14 being quoted by pastors and social media posts. But Immanuel is more than a Christmas card. We are familiar with John 3:16. He came on a mission from the Father to save His Bride. Looking at His name closer, it shows He is the Promised Messiah. He the Savior of the world to deliver us from our sins. The book of Matthew points out OT to Jesus clearly. Those who have spiritual eyes can see this. Jesus is God man, fully God and fully man; having dual natures.

For the comfort and empathy in His name, Immanuel says it all in the meaning, "God is with us". His Word promises He is with us always,

° Hebrews 13:5
° Deut. 31:6
° Matt. 28:20

God never will abandoned us like man would. He doesn't leave when we fail. When we truly repent, He is faithful to forgive and restore us. When we are sad and broken, He is closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). When we feel scared, He is our peace. He is Immanuel.

Immanuel

God is with us
Through every storm
Through every tear
God is with us
Immanuel came to seek
To save us from deaths grip
Immanuel came to seek

References

Immanuel by Gerald Bilkes https://share.google/D3FYBzOcyzfFXpvEN

Topical Bible: Immanuel: A Name of Jesus https://share.google/boAh47oX6rlVoei3C


Jesus – Our Immanuel - Founders Ministries https://share.google/JUSPdGYiVAACtMXdC

What “Immanuel” Means in the Bible https://share.google/BxK0ZZ0hmKPP2ypvq

We are coming to the end of this mini series. I hope you enjoyed reading it and hopefully we're encouraged. The name we are diving into this week is El Shaddai.

El Shaddai: The All-Powerful Sufficient One, The God of the Mountains, God Almighty
Bible verses: Gen. 17:1-3; 35:11; 48:3; 49:25, Ps. 90:2
Attribute linked to His name: Sovereign, Mighty Power, Nurturing Provider


I don't know about you, but when I hear His name El Shaddai, my mind goes to the tune El Shaddai by Amy Grant. It's a beautiful song, but God is more beautiful than lyrics. In almost every study, Sovereignty is linked to many if His names. Even Provider or Mighty. There is Noone like Him. Yet I love how El Shaddai also means God of the Mountains.

So Abraham called the name of that place, "The LORD will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided." -Genesis 22:14, ESV

God has all the sources to tenderly provide for His children. He does so because He loves us. I know it sounds so simple. Yes, it is His power at display, but it's not the full picture. He does so because we are loved by Him. Think of the blessings He bestows on you. Too many to count. He gave because He is good. When God blesses us, it's not because we are entitled to it. He owes us nothing, but yet He is rich in His goodness. So really it is His glory at display. The blessing always points back to El Shaddai.

The reason why the problems in our lives seem so big is because they are. We can't do anything, and that's a good problem. God lifts those problems, those burdens, those whatever you're facing today onto His sure shoulders. El Shaddai can carry it. He had already worked it out. We are just seeing how He did it. Have you ever thought of that? We are just seeing it played out because He already decreed and ordained it. The story of our life will unfold how El Shaddai planned. But with twists and turns of life, He is faithful and generous along the way.

El Shaddai has a tenderness for us. Think of a mother with her baby. She feeds, clothes, baths, and rocked them to sleep. When the baby cries, she wakes up like the 5th time in the middle of night to attend to her sweet baby. This is suppose to be a picture of how God takes care of you. Parents can get it wrong, but there is no fault in El Shaddai. So, how does His name feel for you?


El Shaddai

Oh no, I said
A big problem faces me
It's scary and big
I can't solve this at all
Calling onto God Almighty
The One who makes the seas roar from the waves
The One who created man from dirty
No problem is a riddle for Him
Oh, look, I said
A little problem comes to stress me
It's so minor and annoying
I don't have patience at all
Calling out to the All Sufficient One
He reminds me of His grace while not removing the thorn
Oh, El Shaddai, I said
You tenderly love me and provided
You are truly God of the Mountains

Resources

Sermon – The Names of God: El Shaddai (Genesis 17:1-8) – Cornerstone Church Kingston https://share.google/Ms59awHitxSYaB5V7

El Shaddai | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org https://share.google/eGM0c6pTNHiUyRGuW

What does it mean that God is Almighty? | GotQuestions.org https://share.google/VWE8wj66JB1qDpYVq

Last week, I hope you enjoyed reading about El Olam and how His name is a great comfort. This week, I am going to write about one of His names which is a personal comfort to my heart. It is the name El Roi. Let's dive in.


El Roi: The God Who Sees Me
Bible verses: Gen. 16:11-14, Ps. 139:7-12
Attributes linked to His name: Omniscient, Omnipresent, Compassionate, Defender, and Comforter


In 2017, I went through a really rough amd humbling time. I'm not going to share much about it, but there is a backstory on why El Roi is a very dear name to me. A lady from a church I used to attend invited me to her house. She wanted to read and encourage me with the story of Hagar with me. She was doing this to point out God's name. Pearl, was her name, said the same God for Hagar is the same God for me. He's El Roi. I remember receiving a print out of His name so I can hold to. God sees you. This always stayed with me. I was pregnant and homeless with a 6 year old daughter, but God saw us.

El Roi is the Defender who can't defend themselves. Hagar couldn't defend her son, Ismael, and herself. She cried out to God when they ran out of water, and didn't want her son to die (Gen. 21:15-19). He provided water for her son and for herself for the journey in the desert. But that wasn't the only encounter. Back in Gen. 16: 7-14, God found her when she ran away from Sarah. He told her to go back while comforting her with a promise about her son. God showed compassion. Hagar's response was humble and thankful. She is the first and only woman to name God. She named Him, of course, El Roi.

God is not immune with our circumstances. Think about what it is that you're facing, and then think about how God is caring for you. He lives up to His name as El Roi comforts us, defends us, and has compassion for us just like He did with Hagar. God shows us His Fatherly tender care over us. He is aware and He will provide to show you you're not forgotten. It is awesome how God knows our troubles and sorrows, and actually wants to be here for us. So, take heart with this. God knows, sees, and cares for your tears. You're never alone.

El Roi

The God who sees me
Is watching over me
Though my troubles are present
He is closer
Every tear from my eyes
Are remembered in His bottle
His Fatherly care over the defenseless
Is shown through His daily provision
El Roi, the God who sees me
Remember, oh, heart
He is watching over me

Resources

https://youtu.be/3RlCsbF1WUo?si=8uM1Dy72rOGWN2S4

Biblical Counseling Coalition | El Roi: “The God Who Sees” Changes Everything That Matters https://share.google/gXm8oPWwFhVEoiS7d

Why El Roi Is the Most Comforting Name of God | Christianity.com https://share.google/VeCe3ey4ieQNjEpx8

"El Roi" Meaning and Importance: The God Who Sees Me | Bible Study Tools https://share.google/xU91H8jTrK2jBG3df

Last week, we discovered what Elohim means and how His name applies to us today. This week, we are going to look at the name El Olam. I'm excited about this study, so lets dive in.

El Olam: The Eternal God, The Everlasting God

Bible verses: Gen. 21:33, Ps. 90:1-2, Is. 40:28, Rom. 1:20

Attributes linked to His name: Eternal, Immutability, Faithful, Sovereignty, Protector, Source of Strength

Last week, I had an OCD anxiety attack of the worse kind. The thoughts flooded of the "What if's" or "Maybe this..." I was mentally exhausted and I wanted it stop "being loud". I remember feeling defeated like what kind of Christian am I if I suffer from this. Didn't I trust in Jesus? I came to Him with my tears asking for it to stop and if He had anything to say to me. Already with my Bible out, I grapped a huge chuck of pages to flip through once to the OT (I was going to go to the Psalms). Wiping the tears from my eyes, I saw I was on Is. 40. I looked down as I saw I had highlighted v. 28 and Post-It note right by the verse. It read, "El Olam, Gives strength to the weary".

As we all know, God is Eternal and Sovereign.

"Lord, You have been our dwelling place from generation to generation. Before the mountains were born Or You brought forth the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." -Ps. 90:1-2 LSB

Before ANYTHING existed, there was God. It is pretty amazing and mind blowing when we think of it. Noone created God. He is Self-Existing, which is an attribute of His. It's all the more reason to worship Him. Only He really deserves it. In fact, it's owed to Him. El Olam is the Beginning and the End. If we slowed down enough to really think deeply about that statement, I believe we will learn a new treasure about Jesus. God never changes (Heb. 13:8). It's His character and He stays true to Himself. It's comforting to be reminded which not only is El Olam Eternal and Sovereign, but in His character is unchanging. In other words, He is faithful.

El Olam is also Jesus. He obtained salvation for our souls. We have eternal redemption because of what He did on the cross. The worries of life, they do come and go like an ocean tide on a shore. But, we must always remind ourselves of the Gospel daily (And I'm preaching to myself). It's natural to get caught by our emotions. We tend to believe our own narrative instead of God's on some days. This is why learning God's names are so important. His names are offend linked to His attributes. God never fails and His purposes always stands. El Olam works His purposes in our lives and throughout time. Remember a little earlier I shared my story about last week? This is the verse that was highlighted,

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, Yahweh, the Creator of the ends of the earth, Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unsearchable." -Is. 40:28 LSB

EL Olam is our source of strength. We will run dry. We will want to quit. We will ugly cry. But, God knows we will have many days like that because we are weak. Without Christ, we are nothing. Yet, Jesus invites us to lay our burdens at His feet. It doesn't matter how many times we get to lay whatever burdens down. The comforting fact is He never gets tired of it. God revealed His name to me that day when I was drained and weary. This is the character and nature of His heart towards His children. He didn't do this because I'm special. It was out of His love and who He is. El Olam is the same God to you, too. His affection is for you. Whatever it is you're going through, He is the Giver of strength to your weary soul. He's purposes are good and worked out. God is Faithful to the faithless. The Everlasting, Eternal, Immutable, Sovereign God walks with you wherever God's path leads you.

El Olam

Throughout history was His story

The Everlasting, Eternal God

Ordained out His plans before the world began

Nothing is out of order

All is controlled by El Olam

What a comfort for you and me

Our life is not by accident

Whatever comes our way serves only good

Because when we are in Christ,

We can trust the God's road ahead

Faithful day and night, He leads

No, we are not accidental, but purposeful

He knows the beginning to the end

Giving us strength even in the darkest of hours

Trust El Olam

Resources

El Olam — The Everlasting God – Ann Spangler https://share.google/MiqyXSFIli4B8WS8U

El Olam: "the Everlasting God" — Today Daily Devotional https://share.google/neMhpCQVuqSNiK36h

The Names of God #9 - El Olam https://share.google/OXOTNcA58YgZrFR6w

https://youtu.be/2uw_P83djbI?si=uv41AGZO0YE4u1C9

It's another week, but a different name as we go on in this series. We are going to look at God's name, Elohim, it's meaning, and how it applies to us today.

Elohim: The All-Powerful One; Creator
Bible verses: Gen. 1:1-3, Deut. 10:17, Ps. 68, Mark 13:19
Attributes link to His name: Sovereignty, Creator, Omnipotent, Might

The first name in the Bible was revealed in Gen. 1:1-3. It was Elohim. Right from the start, God reveals Himself to creation that He is a powerful Creator, which He is sovereign over it. Elohim can also refer to angels, demons, and human judges, which honestly can get confusing. But, I will be going over the true God. The Name Elohim is plural and shows God's Trinitarian relation to His creation. How does Elohim relates and applies to us today? God is involved in His creation. Every person He made, He has a plan for. Each person has a purpose, either they believe in Jesus or not. God knows everything about us. The One who created the universe and flung the stars in the sky knows you by name. In fact, it goes deeper than. Elohim is everywhere all the time. Nothing will ever escape His notice.

So, whatever it is you're going through or will go through, you're not facing it alone. Elohim knows the beginning to the end because He ordered it so. Every outcome is under God's sovereignty. There are things that happens in life we wrestle with and try to make sense of it. Not everything can be answered like why does evil have to exist? Elohim is not the Creator of evil, but of good (Gen. 1). Why God permits evil is part of His plan we know nothing about.

Think of the cross. Because of sin, Jesus was willing to lay down His life for His beloved Bride, His lost sheep, His little children. Jesus faced evil that day and He won. We get so easily distracted or entangled by the worlds mess that we miss Gospel truth. Jesus is the answer to fight against evil forces. In John 16:33 is one of my many dear and favorite verses of the Bible,

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33, ESV

When it doesn't make sense, which in most cases it won't, Jesus is the peace we hold on to. He didn't sugarcoat this either. He didn't promise a trouble free life. We will have trials and tribulation where the evil in this world goes against us and mock the God we serve. But in the last sentence, Jesus' words bring comfort as a light in a dark place.

"Take heart, I have overcome the world"

This is the answer. We not know theologically why evil has to permit, but we know evil doesn't have the last word. I am almost in tears just thinking about this. I had some traumatic series of events in my life, but Jesus didn't promise me trouble free. He promised me to take this to heart that He overcame the world. You also are promised this if you're in Christ. Another food for thought, the evil that goes on is not ultimately towards us. While it hurts, God sees and cares. It's against Christ. It's about God's Kingdom fighting against the kingdom of darkness. My last words of hope is remember this, in Revelation Jesus will wipe every tear from our eyes because all the evil and sin will be over. We will be free to bodliy dwell with Jesus in the New Jerusalem. So, Elohim is involved in all creation, everywhere all the time, knows all, and created all. Take heart, my friends.

Elohim

You paint the colors of the sky
Speak the words, and by command
The colors began to form
Hues of pink, purple, and orange
Come together like paint on a canvas
Who's mind is like this?
That can think of a sunset as beautiful like that?
Elohim, God is Creator
He needs no help from man
He is Supreme over all
God just speaks and at His command,
Noone and nothing can resist
You are involved in mankind
Each individual can't escape You
Elohim, You formed the sunsets and sunrises
You have Your creative power on display

Resources

What “Elohim” Means in the Bible https://share.google/QgffRfE4GNcJ9YuVz

Elohim, First Name - Genesis 1:1 — InspiritEncourage https://share.google/0arIIlzLQ5dedcmXZ

Elohim in the Bible: The Name of God in Scripture | Bible Study Tools https://share.google/hmbftUp39eBFsBpd1

What is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org https://share.google/7tbxKMZnAQe3mvczR

I hope and pray you have been enjoying our time together on learning the names of God. It has been a blessing to write about it. Last week, we learned about El Elohe Yisrael and how He is a personal God to us. This week, we will dive in the name El Elyon.


El Elyon: The God Most High
Bible verses: Gen. 14:17-22, Ps. 78:35, Dan. 4:34, Acts 16:17
Attributed linked to His name: Supremacy, Sovereignty


There is no other god like Him (Is. 45:5, Deut. 4:35, 1 Corin. 8:4). Mankind has always been trying to be like god. We make wooden images that we have ideas of what a god would like. We make up false religions to serve our flesh. We have little idols stored up inside our hearts. Yet, we are living in a delusion of our carnal minds. None of the idols we chase after is worthy. As the we are warned in Jer. 17:5,

Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. -Jer.17:5, ESV

And in 2 Chron. 32:8 we are reminded,

With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. -2 Chronicles 32:8 ESV

Only God is Supreme and Sovereign. He is the Strongest of the strong and the Highest of the high. An army of 3,000 troops can't stop El Elyon. An idol fashioned doesn't deserve the praise and worship, but El Elyon. This should bring comfort to the heart of a Christian. What can man do to us? Nothing (Ps. 118:6). Did you know El Elyon is Jesus?

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, -Luke 1:32, ESV

And crying out with a loud voice, he said, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me." -Mark 5:7, ESV

Jesus is the Son of the Most High, and the demons recognized Him. That's how much authority Christ has. All authority belongs to Him (Matt.28:18). It is also proves how Sovereign and Supreme He is, too. So, as His children, we don't need to fear the future or uncertainty. Death is not something to be feared because Christ over that for us. Jesus Christ holds it all together (Col.1:17). We can rest in knowing His plans for us are good and nothing falls out of place for us. What is meant for us, God is in it. He has the power to ordain, to make a city raise or fall, and to speak words that change from nothing to something. God is absolutely Sovereign and Supreme.

El Elyon


Christ is the Son Most High
He came as a baby to grow as man
He came to save His Bride
Christ came to do His Father's Will
El Elyon, there is Noone like Your name
No false gods nor fake religion,
Deserves the praise and worship
El Elyon, You're Supreme over creation
Everyone is subject to You
Noone can boost
Sovereign over the world, time, and space
You called it out and bring life to it
El Elyon, Jesus, You shall be praised
One day, every knee will bow
And tongues will comfess You are Lord
The God Most High

Resources

EL ELYON: The Most High God – Israel My Glory https://share.google/0JNb1maoFiRB0x5KB

Prepare for Life Bible Study - El Elyon https://share.google/qekfz2sV2V6pjHN1N

El Elyon | Love Worth Finding | Love Worth Finding Ministries https://share.google/CTGlrs7XaPKXeb7NR

Strong's Hebrew: 5946. עֶלְיוֹנִין (Elyon) -- Highest One https://share.google/PpZkZ4AQzECm8WMGk

It's a brand new week, and we will be looking into a brand new name. It is so interesting how God's names shows His attributes. One of the things I like about this study. Let's dive in.


El Elohe Yisrael: God, the God of Israel
Bible verses: Gen. 33:20, Ex. 5:1, Ps. 68:8; 106:48
Attribute linked to His name: Covenant faithfulness, personal God, providence, and grace


El Elohe Yisarel is a covenant keeping God. Even though His name means the God of Israel, He is also our God, too. He is a personal God that also takes cares of us. We have His provision, His grace because of salvation, and His protection. We can praise God's name. Let His name serve as a reminder you always have Jesus. When the bills look like it's not getting paid, God's provision comes through. People are faithless, but is faithful. He has grace for us every new morning. And when we feel alone in our head, remember Elohe Yisrael is a personal God. He is not ashamed to be our God. Whatever it looks like this week, remember Elohe Yisrael. We can boldly approach His throne of grace (Heb. 4:16).

Now for my poem on the name El Elohe Yisrael,

El Elohe Yisrael

Sitting alone to myself
Alone with the thoughts circling,
Inside my head
I began to cry
Crying out to El Elohe Yisrael
Personal God, come near me
Comfort me once again
Tell me everything will be alright
Don't leave me in the dark
It is scary and there are shadows
I feel alone, but it is not true
El Elohe Yisrael, His grace draws me near
Lift me up from the shadows
It pulls me down to go lower,
Inside my head
El Elohe Yisrael, I remember You
Protect me once again, Faithful
You never left
You are near, El Elohe Yisarel
You sit in the dark with me
El Elohe Yisrael whispered, "Take heart daughter. You are planted and growing. I will be with you til the end."


I hope and pray you enjoyed today's name for this week. Come back for next Monday for His name, El Elyon.

References:

Topical Bible: El-Elohe-Israel https://share.google/vP7PMBBZIYpXvRVN2

Strong's Hebrew: 415. אֵל (El Elohe Yisrael) -- God, the God of Israel https://share.google/j8rASDicitNrxU94L

Genesis 33:20 Study Bible: He erected an altar there, and called it El Elohe Israel. https://share.google/vOPlQu87fVcqMjl7F

I was sitting inside my van while I was on break for work just an hour before I had to go into training (I'm working on my CDL class B. My test is next Tuesday. Prayers please!). I had some despairing thoughts that were intrusive. It's a daily battle. Sometimes there's victory. Other times there's loss. But God is faithful always and He has blessed me with a love and gift for writing. These thoughts I know are lies, yet I battle and battle. What God has shown me is how to wage war and that He is always there.

So, as I sat in my van, I wrote out a poem. It was getting loud in my head and I had to somehow dull the noise. They just come like a firery dart. God gave me an outlet to turn my suffering into art. A poem to write. In my struggles, I hope will bring encouragement to others in letting them know they are not alone in fighting the war inside themselves and that it will point to Christ. I pray this will bless you and help you remember God is ultimately fighting the battle. The battle is not ours, but Lord's. We remind ourselves of the truth and He covers us with His peace. The name of my poem is, “Loud Inside”.

Loud Inside

Oh, the thoughts sowed in my head
Who planted the seed?
Growing, growing stronger
It's loud with a lot of noise
Unrealistic and inconsistent
Yet, it shouts fear I'm not safe
Worrying, worrying drains the peace
Come back, I need comfort in this space
Get out, get out thoughts
I can't suppress them
It will only stick more
What stronghold has been built,
Inside the corner of my mind?
I perhaps grew careless in guarding
Oh, the thoughts just fly in
An unwelcome guest accusing this and that
It beats me up and I feel like I'm not in control
I grap ahold to the Truth and I prayed
"Lord, see the despair warring inside me
The thoughts are not honest, but yet can't break the bondage
Release me from this side of hell
And help me to stand on only Your Voice
Intrusive thoughts bark loud like a dog
Yet You are the One with the words of peace
Yes, Abba Father, I feel your approaching presence
What a gift
You do hear me"

If you had enjoyed this, I would like to know your thoughts. This poem will be featured in my new upcoming poetry book in December. Stay tune. God bless.

The last name we left off was Adonai meaning "The Lord; My Great Lord". I am now going to introduce another one which is El. I have resource links in the bottom of this article for deeper reading.

El: The Strong One
Scripture verses: Ex. 15:2, Num. 23:22, Deut. 7:9, Mark 15:34
Attribute linked to His name: Might, Strength, Cohesive Power

His name El says it all. God is like no other, and noone can stand to defeat Him. All the false Gods in the world are only made with human hands. God was always God. Noone made Him. God is Self-Existing, which is mind blowing. He IS the Beginning and the End. Time didn't create God. God created time and He holds it all together. No angel and not even satan can be equal with God. Created spiritual beings are under God's subject authority. The same goes for us humans. The world government thinks they are governing, but it is God who ordains His plans to come to pass. His name, El, is also attached or linked to other names like El Elyon or El Roi which we get to later in this series.

Maybe you're facing something this week that got you off course? Maybe you're just having a bad moment? Remember El. We can trust in His name to be strong for us. The obstacles or challenges we face are not a problem for God. He overcomes them. Jesus overcame death in the grave. He paid it all for us on the cross. We are more than conquers in Christ (Rom. 8:37).

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ESV

When we feel like throwing in the towel, pause and pray. Paul was human, too. He had moments. Paul wanted the "thorn" in his flesh to be done with, yet God comforted him with the truth about Himself. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" is meaning we don't need to act tough or like we have it all together. Christ is the one who holds us up. Paul learned this truth about life. So must we if we are in Christ. When we are weak, call on upon El. Down below is a painting I believe we can all relate to. Jesus holds us up when we don't have the strength to stand. Pictures are powerful illustrations to communicate a message. This painting says you don't need to be strong for Jesus. Jesus is strong for you. This illustrates 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 perfectly.

***“Forgiven” painted by Thomas Blackshear, 1991***

I hope this encourages you this week. If you're met with a challenge or hardships, remember El, The Strong One. Here's a poem to end this article,

El

Who is mighty among us?
Who is strong for us?
Who has the power in their hands?
With waves crashing
And seas roaring
By His Will, it be done
El, The Strong One
It is His name
He gives grace when we are weak
Grace is His power
To stand tall in the firery trial
The Strong One we can depend

References:

God's Attributes Explained: Discover Communicable Attributes & Biblical Names https://share.google/vZ28gfNFZgQ89EM7M

https://www.hopewithgod.com/names_of_god_el?fbclid=IwdGRjcARktyhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6nIGYOHO162bIYGLf6NZi_ACF7kcfgHp6kiqeBl2AeGzV8BShSQqOPRjmXMQ_aem_RXZYGta4OmXW4XARNE0L7A

The Significance of God’s Names – Pastor Mike's Message Notes https://share.google/aG07Uew2qCESjMfAE

Check out my profile: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenniferarmato

I'm passionate about a lot of things, but one of them is writing. I've loved writing since the age of 9. I write about anything from poetry to articles about God on Substack. I want my writings to help and relate to people. If my writings has blessed you, please consider to donate so I can continue what I love to do-writing. Thank you for your support. 

To kick off the mini series on the names of God, I hope and pray this will edify and strengthen your faith in God in an intimate way. Names generally have meaning. God has over 900 names (I had to do a quick Google search) in the Bible! That's a lot, but I narrowed it down with eleven we will focus on. I love doing a study on His names. It's so personal in getting to know God in this way. He is revealing to us what and Who He is in His names. So, enough said. Let's get into it.

Adonai: The Lord; My Great Lord
Scripture: Psalms 8, Isaiah 40:3-5, Ezekiel 16:8, Habakkuk 3:19
Attribute linked to name: His Sovereignty

I have references linked below for a deeper knowledge on His name, Adonai. God reveals to us He is Master and Lord over all creation. Adonai is in total control on every outcome, situations on the matter, the whole of creation, and His decreed Will that no person or angel can thwart. This name can serve to be a comfort for us in tough times. When life gets messy, which often does, we can call on the name Adonai and remember His has all Authority. Whatever it may be which comes, it won't harm or destroy us, if we're in Christ. Each day is a Will spoken by God planned long before we ever existed. He planned the tomorrows. Think of this: each trial or season, either good or bad, is planned by God. It's His Lordship over us. Adonai doesn't plan evil or harm towards you and me, but discipline, wither we sinned or not. Discipline is God's love language to His children. It is corrective like a father, teaching us and guiding us along the way in this life (Heb. 12:6). Like each day is a gift and every morning there is mercy, there is God's loving discipline to grow us. It is santification at its finest. He is the Lord, and that is what it means God has planned good for us. This also highlights how faithful He is. Remember when life gets chaotic or not, seek Adonai. Remember Who He is revealed in His name and that you can let it go what you're facing, trusting in God's name and character. Adonai is in complete sovereign control.

Poem

Adonai

Who are we to believe,
we have complete free will
You are Master over all
Spoken the world into existence
You set time and seasons in place
You provide what mankind needs
Noone is above or beside You
You are Lord in creation
The mountains bow,
The lions knows You provide their meal,
And the flowers bloom by the command of Your voice
We serve Adonai, King of the earth and
Lord in our hearts

Our next name we will be focusing on is El. This will be next Monday. Stay tuned.

References

https://youtu.be/-_dOp6Vh1KE?si=JKRpcd4jpwVIFZBJ

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/what-does-adonai-mean.html#:~:text=When%20the%20angels%20visit%20Sodom,his%20life%20for%20a%20reason.

Names of God - Adonai - Think Biblically https://share.google/IMf1J9wlvgP4IoIb9

Names Of God by Rose Publishing

Check out my profile: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenniferarmato

I'm passionate about a lot of things, but one of them is writing. I've loved writing since the age of 9. I write about anything from poetry to articles about God on Substack. I want my writings to help and relate to people. If my writings has blessed you, please consider to donate so I can continue what I love to do-writing. Thank you for your support. 

I had decided to do a little series on the names of God. In starting out in this mini series of the names of God, I will name a few of His names on which I'm going to write about.

Adonai
El
El Elohe Yisarel
El Elyon
Elohim
El Olam
El Roi
El Shaddai
Immanuel
Jehovah
Jehovah Jireh

Knowing God's names helps us to get to know Him in a better way. In a meaning of His name, we get knowledge on His character, His attributes, how He is towards creation (us), and how holy He truly is. There is also something very powerful in praying His names as well. God wants us to know Him. This helps us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). I hope I can faithfully inspire to pray His names and to study deeper in who God is, all revealed in His names. I'm no expert, but I do like to read and study. I will do my best to highlight each one of His names as listed. And perhaps, I'll end each article with a poem to capture what we learned. The mini series will start on May 4th (And that made me think of Star Wars, lol). I'm real excited about this, and I hope you are too. God bless.

In Christ,
Jennifer ☕️📖🌻

I wrote a poem during my break while I was at work. I got inspired to write about Jesus. This poem is titled, “Son Of Man”. It will be in my upcoming new poetry book later this year. I'm thinking right around Christmas time. I hope this poem will help point you back to Jesus and to love Him more. I wanted to capture the deity of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice in my words for my poem. If you enjoyed my poem, please let me know. I love feedback. Here's, “Son of Man”,

Son of Man

Who came to live for you and me

Made a way for His Bride to see

A gift of life, it's eternal

Forever free with Jesus

Son of Man

Who loved you and me first

Came here to die to rescue us

A willingness to take our place

To die a death for sins He didn't commit

Son of Man

Everything is held by His hand

The Word made flesh upon mankind

The perfect, sinless, sacrificing God

Son of Man

Who is this Man?

The Son of David

It's Jesus Christ, the stump of Jesse

Came to His own to fulfill His promise

This is the Son of Man

Check out my profile: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenniferarmato

I'm passionate about a lot of things, but one of them is writing. I've loved writing since the age of 9. I write about anything from poetry to articles about God on Substack. I want my writings to help and relate to people. If my writings has blessed you, please consider to donate so I can continue what I love to do-writing. Thank you for your support. 

In the days of His flesh [Jesus] offered up definite, special petitions [for that which He not only wanted but needed] and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him Who was [always] able to save Him [out] from death, and He was heard because of His reverence toward God [His godly fear, His piety, in that He shrank from the horrors of separation from the bright presence of the Father]. Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered - Hebrews 5:7-8 AMPC

Pain is a beautiful teacher. Sorrow can be a friend when you're teachable. Jesus was a Man of Sorrows. He understands what the crushing weight felt, but He experienced it more extreme, more intense than we ever will. We can go to the Father like Jesus did, and with strong emotions of the hurting heart pour out before God. He knows our frame. He is acquainted with our heart. So have the tears flow from your eyes. There really isn't any shame in falling apart before our Father. He is Abba to us. Tenderly, God cares for us.

The Father could of saved Jesus from that night, but there was a purpose in allowing the cross behind it all. Saving His Bride. Jesus loved His Bride and came to save her from sin and death. Jesus was heard from His Father. They were close. Jesus is part of the Trinity. Yet the Father gave Jesus strength thru His Spirit. Jesus counted it joy set before Him to endure the cross and saving His people (Heb. 12:2). So when you are crying out with your whole heart, please don't get discouraged. You are heard, my friend. God knows and has purposed something beautiful, though painful, to come about.

Jesus learned obedience thru the suffering He endured. It was the rejection of His people, at the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus was being crushed, and the cross when He suffered the shame in our place. Jesus didn't have or choose the easy life. There is something special, almost beautiful in trials of suffering. It's a holy work by the Father's hand. The crushing was necessary for Jesus to go thru. Since it was necessary, it is also necessary for us to be crushed. I don't say this as we have the same rank or suffered the same like Jesus. His was special and different. I'm referring when life hurts. The illness. The divorce. The trauma. The loss from death. The rejection and betrayal. Whatever the thorn is in our flesh, believe God is using it to turn what was hopeless to redeem something hopeful.

So pour whatever you carry into God's lap. He meets you every time you call out to Him. The moment you say, "Lord, help me", His face is attentive towards you, actively listening to every concern, big fears, heaviness, and little worries. It touches His Father's heart as He feels your weight. In answering prayer, He takes it into His hands and starts to begin to mold something beautiful with it. He turned ashes into beauty (Is. 61:3). Someday, you'll see the beauty in which God made inside you. You'll praise Him for allowing the valley journey to crushing because at the mountain top is where you will see God's glory.

Your painful season is the start of the blessing. It is truly when we have real intimacy with God. Moses was in the wilderness with stubborn people and never made it to the Promised Land. Yet God was intimately close to Moses. Moses knew God face to face (Deut. 34:10). God used the wilderness in Moses' life. It wasn't easy for Moses, but he had God with him. Towards the end of Moses' life, God did show him the Promised Land. There was grace extended to Moses, even though he disobeyed God. After Moses died, God buried him. And here's the point, God will allow the hard thing to grow our intimacy with Him. He will give us grace as well when we don't deserve it. Also, He takes care of us like He took care of Moses thru his whole life.

So pain is a beautiful teacher. And sorrow can be a friend when you're teachable. Pain does eventually heal. Sorrow does turn to joy. The trial is our butterfly effect. It's dark, but there is transformation happening. But please, don't lose the lesson of the season. The lesson of building real true intimacy with God. Jesus is our friend. "What a friend we have in Jesus"...

Check out my profile: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenniferarmato

I'm passionate about a lot of things, but one of them is writing. I've loved writing since the age of 9. I write about anything from poetry to articles about God on Substack. I want my writings to help and relate to people. If my writings has blessed you, please consider to donate so I can continue what I love to do-writing. Thank you for your support. 

***Photography by Kim Anderson from Pinterest***

I woke up heavy one Sunday morning. It was a thick heaviness. It showed up in my tears. Pain covered my heart. My mind was pulling towards isolation. It was a fight inside. Hope would try to reach into my heart but when it would, fresh pain appeared to mock me. Over again, depression made its mark. Satan had a field day. He wanted me to believe the thoughts he was filling in my mind and to forget trusting in God with my heart. Love didn't walk away. It was standing on the sidelines patiently. Its not love didn't exist, but it is being shaped into something more mature and beautiful. I wasn't understanding this part of God's plan in what He was allowing. Trusting in God in that moment seemed scary because of the unknown and the negative questions which followed of "what if". My thoughts lied to me and played fear on me as a game of chess. This reminded me of Elijah when he wanted to die, yet God took care of him and had Elijah rest. God is a caring God.

Where was God? It seemed He took a vacation from my lamenting even though it's not true. The warfare in my mind and heart was overwhelming that Sunday. I turned into myself to shut it all out. I was pulling away because of the pain. When I had became a Christian in my mid 20's, I had a desire to marry the specific one God has for me. And I really do believe this that God has someone for anyone who desires a godly marriage. Yet, honestly, I did make some mistakes, but God never failed. My story is still unfolding. It's amazing how when we fail, God uses it for His plan. Nothing gets in His way.

This small hope is still breathes inside there. It just lingers around like a friend over for a visit. This is where faith meets with not understanding the whole picture. The words spoken since 2016 and 2017, I've carried in my heart, even when I've made my mistakes in rushing God. I produce “Ismaels” while God had the “Issac” still for me. I believe God is not limited. He works with impossible things. His glory gets showcased for our good. In all honesty, I believe God brought him into my life, but there's a deeper work to be done in both of us. In fact, God is always doing the shaping in our desires. I strongly do believe about him and I. God is guarding the outcome in the waiting. It won't leave me, the promise God gave to me. For my question of where is God, I know from scripture He is near. It's my clouded mind that's asking. The impossible situation doesn't intimidate God. I know what was spoken and I am holding on to Jesus to guide us. Back to that one Sunday, God brought healing and encouragement through my friends that day. It was like a hug from Jesus as He wiped away my tears. He lifted me up from the ashes that I laid in. When it hurts, it doesn't mean God left us in vain. It is when He is closest to us.

I'm not in a start of a wilderness season or in the middle of one. It's learning a new normal of trusting God whatever this new normal is. Yet I believe God is good. It is strong in my soul of this belief. It's a knowing God is up to something beautiful and holy. I have good faith God is working things out and it will be lasting. Looking to God is a step by step process. In the midst of wondering if I was going to make it that one Sunday, God showed Himself always there. He gets grief. If I can think of anything is that I hope my honesty honored the Lord in where I am at right now and it would serve as an encouragement for someone's heart they are not alone in suffering of any kind. When we are honest with ourselves and tell the truth, it brings God glory. It's in that vulnerability God works through.

Trust Yahweh with all your heart; do not lean toward your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will straighten your paths.

-Proverbs 3:5-6 LEB

Check out my profile: https://buymeacoffee.com/jenniferarmato

I'm passionate about a lot of things, but one of them is writing. I've loved writing since the age of 9. I write about anything from poetry to articles about God on Substack. I want my writings to help and relate to people. If my writings has blessed you, please consider to donate so I can continue what I love to do-writing. Thank you for your support.