God fulfills His promises through interesting people, doesn’t He?
One of the greatest promises in all of Scripture was given to Abraham and Sarah when God said that He would make their family “into a great nation” (Genesis 12:2) and that “all the peoples on earth” would be blessed through them (v.3).
In many ways, Abraham and Sarah appeared to be a curious choice. At the time of their calling, they were steeped in pagan culture and well past child-bearing years—Abraham was seventy-five years old, and Sarah was sixty-five. They often lacked faith in the promise and needed consistent reminders from God.
The couple also had their fair share of marital issues. More than once, Abraham tried to pass off Sarah, who attracted the interest of several powerful kings, as his sister to save his own skin. And as time passed and the promise remained unfulfilled, Abraham and Sarah even tried to speed things up by having Abraham conceive with Sarah’s servant, Hagar. Perhaps Abraham and Sarah could have benefited from some sessions in the counseling tent.
Despite all their shortcomings, God chose Abraham and Sarah to be the father and mother of His great promise to create a nation—the one that would eventually produce the Messiah. This is how God works! He doesn’t choose all-stars to fulfill His plans. He chooses spiritual scamps, creating beauty from the ashes of human imperfections and heavenly design out of human chaos. God’s promise wasn’t fulfilled because of Abraham and Sarah—the fulfillment of God’s promise was always dependent on Him.
Aren’t you glad that God’s eternal plan of redemption doesn’t hinge on us? Aren’t you grateful that all of His promises concerning your salvation, growth, and eternal glory are based on His wisdom, power, and righteousness and not ours? God’s promises never fail because they are directly linked to His character and His alone. Amazingly, He chooses to work out His sovereign purposes through us. But ultimately, all of His plans will succeed solely because of who He is.
This gives great hope to fallible folks like us. God calls us, warts and all, to be part of His great redemptive plan for humanity. He commands our love, faithfulness, and obedience, but His purposes are not derailed when we inevitably fail. God doesn’t call an audible. He doesn’t need a backup plan. And somehow, mysteriously, He has lovingly incorporated our weaknesses into His grand design.
Written by Josh Cooley
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95 thoughts on "Abraham and Sarah"
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This was so good!!!!!! ❤️
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May I ask for prayers for me, please, sweet sisters? I feel silly even posting because I don’t really know what to say. I am still struggling with my speech and coordination (with my legs… they work, but not as I think they should… a few times I almost face planted… mostly upon descending… on a ramp or down a hill). I feel very alone and have been keeping my feelings to myself, rather than confiding in my husband. (I’ve even had thoughts that maybe he was poisoning me… Heeheehee!) I am still having trouble sleeping. I have been working with a Nurse Practitioner lately that is in the functional medicine space. I was encouraged at my first appointment because I felt like she really heard me, and that she knew which direction we needed to go. We have been working on diet and lifestyle, and I am taking some vitamins and supplements. (I have always eaten pretty well, so there aren’t huge changes in my diet.) I feel like I am going crazy, and no one believes or sees my issues. Before that, I visited my “traditional” nurse practitioner ( last July… this has been going on for a while now!) She also seemed to listen to my concerns well. She ordered a bunch of blood work, a CT and an MRI. All were fairly inconclusive. She did discover that my iron was low, but it improved with the supplementation she recommended. A few months later, my iron has taken a dive again. My TSH is high, but T3 and T4 markers are fine. The neurologist I saw thought I was fine and also that my neurological exam was fine. I have had our well water tested. There are no concerns there. I have been doing some journaling to avoid spending time and money with a counselor, but wonder if I should go that route. This all started in about 2020 and has been more problematic lately. We have been attending a Mennonite church, and I stick out like a sore thumb. My skirts/dresses are not like the other ladies’, of course. I wear jewelry and makeup too. I don’t think they’re judging me, really, but I am so different. I don’t fit their mold in so many ways. I am starting to get anxious about going to church and to work/preschool. It helps just to write it all out to you, my sisters. Maybe I SHOULD seek counseling. But please, please, please keep me in your prayers. Thank you for letting me vent to you.
Oh, Adrienne, how frightening and confusing for you! Prayers for definitive diagnosis and treatment plan soon!!! I am glad you vented here. Hugs, sister! ❤❤❤
Agreeing with CEE GEE in prayer for and with you. This should always be a safe place for our sisters, thank you for trusting us.
Is there a Mayo Clinic or similar near you that you could get referred to for an all over eval?
Praying for you, Adrienne. I have had thyroid problems for 25 years. It can affect all systems in your body. It took two years to get a diagnosis and four more years until I felt myself again. I finally got the help I needed from an endocrinologist. I had myself diagnosed before the medical field did. I spent hours in the library researching thyroid illnesses.
Interesting that you are attending a Mennonite church. I was raised a Mennonite and attended Mennonite colleges. I no longer attend a Mennonite church, but feel I have a rich heritage.
I will be praying for you.
Precious Adrienne, I am so glad you shared with us! Praying that a diagnosis can be found soon. ❤️
Praying for you. I have Hashimoto’s and it thankfully was found through bloodwork. I see my endocrinologist every 4-6 months because it changes frequently. I encourage you to see an endocrinologist. Thyroid disease is complicated and an endocrinologist can do an ultrasound on your thyroid gland and parathyroid gland.
Perhaps a physical therapist could help you with balance issues or at least help you find ways to strengthen yourself to prevent falls? I use walking poles due to arthritis and recovery from surgery, and it really helps keep me safer. Also learning what kind of footwear is safer. Some of this is normal as we age. I’m just throwing out some ideas in hopes that some of them will be helpful and praying as you seek answers.
So glad He doesn’t call audibles! Aren’t you?
God always keeps His promises. ❤️
Hello Shes
I find my myself meditating on the different responses by husband & his wife to the three visitors.
Abraham ran to greet & feed them.
Abraham: “‘This is why you have passed your servant’s way. Later, you can continue on.’” Genesis 18: 5)
While Sarah laughed & denied their prophecy.
Sarah: “So she laughed to herself:’After I worn out and my lord is old, will I have delight?’” (Genesis 18: 12).
When do I run without hesitation towards the Lord’s invitation?
When do I turn in unbelief away from the Lord’s kindness?
Yet, He lets nothing come between His divine purpose.
Whether I am proactive or reactive.
Whether worthy or underserving.
Our God is undeterred.
A blessing through the ages.
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Speechless!
So thankful!
I love the last line in this devotional. He lovingly incorporates our weaknesses in His gran design
Yes, loved that too!
Yes !
What stood out to me in today’s reading was the long waiting period between God’s promises to Abraham and their fulfillment. The well-known part of the story where Abraham and Sarah wait 25 years to see God’s promise for a son fulfilled. And then the part I don’t recall reading before: “Know this for certain: Your offspring will be resident aliens for 400 years… In the fourth generation, they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” As I’m in my own time of waiting in many areas of my life, this was a good reminder that God is in control and has reasons behind His perfect timing that I do not see; I need to trust and not lose hope.
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That caught my attention today too and hadn’t before.
The covenant between God and Abraham was so special and such a simple reminder that not only does God promises never fail, but He KEEPS his promises. We can trust him to keep his promises no matter what
“Down through the centuries, some of the “living links” in the chain of promise may have seemed insignificant and weak, but they helped to fulfill the purposes of God. We who know God’s promises and His purpose have the privilege of passing them on to others.”-NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible
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“God’s promises never fail…”- This statement reminded me of one of my favorite songs:
“Trust In God (Radio Version)” by Elevation
Blessed assurance
Jesus is mine
He’s been my fourth man in the fire
Time after time
Born of His spirit
And washed in His blood
And what He did for me on Calvary
Is more than enough
I trust in God
My Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail
Perfect submission
All is at rest
I know the author of tomorrow
Has ordered my steps
So this is my story
And this is my song
Oh I’m praising my risen king and savior
All the day long
Repeat chorus
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Oh that is SO good, thanks for sharing! I love the song Trust in God, it is a favorite at jail ministry! (heart)
My leader is out for 6 weeks, and although I hate that she can’t be there….I get to pick the music for the next 6 classes!! lol.
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As I struggle with getting pregnant (not quite infertility yet), I’m in my late 30s, so the story of Abraham and Sarah gives me such hope! Especially coming off the heels from reading about Noah yesterday and them re-populating the earth!
I can only imagine how hard that is. Our recent church message was finding God in the wait. That not only are we waiting on God’s timing and Him answering our prayers (ask and you will receive) it also what is in the waiting wait…Seeking HIM and you will find)..it is the important thing. His divine plan is good. Afterwards at alter prayer call a lady your age came up and said she was waiting to get pregnant and that message was just for her, and I prayed with her, and I am praying that same prayer for you dear Kendall. Thank you for sharing with us your struggle in the wait!! Keep trusting…the song Cee Gee shared..”Trust in God” Elevation Worship! Hugs. Also journal your prayers. It is a great way to look back and see where God has worked. Most of us take our young babies for granted quickly in the business of diapers and crying and then toddler-hood. But you will know the amazing gift more than most! That is such a blessing!
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Hey She’s, can y’all please say a prayer for my friend and coworker, Pat, today? He was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago, but had surgery to get it removed and it hasn’t been detected since. But a month ago his blood test came back with cancer detected and today he gets another test to find out more how fast it’s growing and where. We are praying it hasn’t grown at all and that he won’t have to go through chemo and radiation. And please pray for his kids, one of them is far from the Lord so I can’t imagine how hard this is for them. Thank you all, Ive been reading and praying over yalls post everyday.
Yes Darby, praying for Pat…no cancer! And for his children. Things like this draw the questions of non-believers, which is good!
Lifting up Pat in prayer today!! Please keep us updated!
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Praying for Pat and his kids.
“Despite” God chose Sarah and Abraham. Despite God chooses YOU and I. Lately I’ve been feeling bad about myself, BUT GOD, our SWEET JESUS I know He doesn’t see YOU or I the way we see ourselves even with our shortcomings. “Shortcomings” is the word that stood out to me this morning. I have them and have many. YET God used someone like Sarah and Abraham with their shortcomings and lots of BIG/HUGE mistakes, just like me. We serve and are LOVED by a God who does-not-change! Thank YOU JESUS! Had more to say, got erased and it’s time for me to get ready for work! WORK…it’s teacher appreciation week. My sweet TK teacher and I have received the sweetest gifts so far. YESTERDAY I received a card as well as the teacher with nice gifts, BUT the card, the card had a handwritten note by each parent, mom and dad expressing how grateful they were to have us as their son’s first experience in school. The teacher and I were so encouraged! God gets the glory! HE knew I needed this reminder! God is good and will always be “despite” my circumstances.
What a great blessing from the parents, and the other gifts from student! You and the other teachers are doing a GREAT work, especially being in the state of CA.
I love what you shared as well at the top, thank you! And we appreciate YOU every week! I just keep picturing you in the clip of you receiving that award last week- you are humble with a beautiful smile. We will never feel worthy in comparison, or measuring up to our Great Jesus…but so glad accepts us where we are and creates a new life, his chosen! That’s where we focus! Even as we may laugh like Sarah..(me?!-ha)..But God—I love that he renews and transforms us…Thank you Lord!!
Thank you, Rhonda. This is so sweet! There have been some tough situations outside of work and needed this reminder that you and I are dearly loved by our Jesus, no matter our circumstances.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Read Psalm 139. It is such a great reminder of how G- d values you and knows you! I am glad parents are showing appreciation. You have no idea what an influence you are on young lives. Perhaps God put you there for such a time as this.
What a beautiful reminder that God can use anyone!! Happy Wednesday She’s. Lifting up your requests to the Lord!
“God’s promises never fail because they are directly linked to His character and His alone. Amazingly, He chooses to work out His sovereign purposes through us. But ultimately, all of His plans will succeed solely because of who He is.”
God’s promises never fail….I am very much aware that I have veered of the “right” path countless times. Times when I knew that I made the wrong choice or decision, maybe not to the point out laughing inwardly, but I just have no idea how many promises I missed or overlooked simple because I did not take the time to pray and seek the Lord. And yet, without question, I have experienced the faithfulness of God in countless ways and can see His hand even when I’m pretty sure I have missed the obvious and have failed. Abraham’s faith seems so bold to me and he just listened, trusted and believed – not without someone getting sidetracked of course, but the Lord still made the way. God redeemed and blessed through a “veering off the path, missed the mark, made a bad decision” broken story – that I can relate to.
Thank you Lord, that you do not fail, that you are Sovereign over all of our days. That you use a broken, wayward sinner like me and that your plans and purposes can be accomplished. That you have protected me in ways that I am not even aware of. Thank you that nothing is impossible because of you. Thank you Father for the hope and trust we have in you. Remind me Lord of your truth and to seek you first to discover what you have for me. Amen
Amen and Amen!!
Amen! ❤
GM She’s!
It’s funny how when we are young we dream of how our life is going to be, what we want to do, kids and marriage perhaps or grand career. We have places we dream to go, and things to accomplish. Many of us may have been Christians, but yet didn’t even think to bring God into “our plans!” It wasn’t until I had two failed marriages at the age of 31, and a whole long list of other colossal mistakes and burdens, that I hit my knees and said…my life is a mess Lord, please come into my life and help me. I’m sure it was my Red Sea moment, and then once on the other side started doing it my own way again, (eye-roll!). So God worked on me and made me wait on Him.
Now I look back and wonder how my life would have gone if I would have trusted and obeyed the Lord. People often say…”I don’t have any reqrets because they made me who I am today.” Well, I can assure you I definitely have regrets. Sin has consequences, and God hates sin. But in repentance He brings about beauty from our ashes…RESTORATION, TRANSFORMATION!
Oh I am so thankful that I learned that His ways are better than my ways. He makes highways out of broken roads, gardens from graves. He is GOOD, and will do great from our weakness and mistakes, slowly sanctifying into Jesus!! He had a plan from the beginning, and it is so amazing that we GET to read all these “stories” of the Bible to see how he shaped imperfect people, but the ones that trusted and obeyed as well.
Lord, keep molding me/us to be your beautiful daughter/s that are vessel/s for YOU, showing others love and grace. Seeing sinful, shallow people as you see them, and that I once was. I was lost but now I am found! Hallelujah! Lead us to people you want us to impact and encourage, and strengthen with your words. You reject our sin but you do not reject people. Let us be aware Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.
Amen and hallelujah!
Beautifully said…and so relatable!
Beautifully written Ronda!
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“…His purposes are not derailed when we inevitably fail…”
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Praise God His plans and purpose never fail, even when we do!
I am so thankful that God used everyday common & broken people to accomplish His will. Otherwise – I would feel so hopeless. What a mighty & wise God we serve!
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After many days of rain, the sun is finally out!
Have a blessed Wednesday sisters! ❤️
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“…His purposes are not derailed when we inevitably fail…”
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Praise God His plans and purpose never fail, even when we do!
I am so thankful that God used everyday common & broken people to accomplish His will. Otherwise – I would feel so hopeless. What a mighty & wise God we serve!
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After many days of rain, the sun is finally out!
Have a blessed Wednesday sisters! ❤️
In my Stone Edition of the Tanach,which we refer to as the Hebrew Scriptures, I love how Genesis 18:14 is worded:” Is anything beyond HASHEM?!
The title of Chapter 18 is Vayera. It translates: And He appeared or Hashem appeared..
I underlined in my book the times G-d appeared to Abraham in the passages today. Did he appear as Jesus, the God man? This always speaks to my spirit.
Jewish tradition teaches that this was the 3rd day after Abraham’s circumcision. G-d was visiting the sick. The third day was when his wound would have been the most painful and the patient the weakest.
Thank you, Tanya ❤️ Appreciate these shares
I love this line: God’s promises never fail because they are directly linked to His character and His alone.
Having just read the attributes of God, this is even more meaningful. God is good, He cannot be anything BUT good because it IS Him. I want to be used by Him, but sometimes I fail miserably. It is a comfort to know that no matter how much I fail, He will still complete His purpose. We were just talking aobut this in my Bible study group. That when we open ourselves up to being used by God, WE are blessed. But if we do not allow ourselves to be used, God will still get it done – but we miss out on the blessing! It challenged us to slow down, keep our hearts open to following His lead, and daily surrender to His will.
Yes, I was thinking the same thoughts this morning Laura!
I love this Laura! Thank you for sharing!
Great reminder! ❤
Amén… May we seek Him through our brokenness and have faith that the promises are greater than any of our shortcomings
Love this prayer ❤️ Thank you!
Yes Josh, there is great hope that God chooses to use fallible folks like us. It is not about us but our obedience to be used by God. We are the vessel He chooses to use. What an amazing blessing to be used by God.
❤️Amen!
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Good stuff this morning!! I’m so thankful that God doesn’t need perfect people to fulfill His plans and promises. He can use us flawed people who sometimes lack faith and trust. ❤️
I am imperfect, always and repeatedly, yet the Lord has a plan to use me.
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Abraham’s 25 year wait for the promised offspring (from the first mention of his descendants)! When I think about waiting a quarter of a century for fulfillment of a promise … yet Abraham waited, albeit imperfectly. Lord, patience with me and for me, please.
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And Sarah’s behavior gets me every time, she laughs to herself (“within herself”) behind Abraham, gets called out on it by God and then denies it??
God knows my every thought … Lord, my heart and mind are the battlefield. Please help me in “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
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KATARINA FRIEDMAN – praying for trusting with finances
SUSAN BURLEY – “choosing to walk with Him” ❤️
Praying for Seth.
WENDY B – “heart posture” ❤️
TANYA ❤️
CHRISTY – thank you for pointing out that the animals came to Noah! How have I read that countless times and it never stuck out?
LISA H – praying for Andrew
TAMI – praying for you, BJ and Chela
CEE GEE ❤️
Thank you Searching!!
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Thank you Searching!
Gods leadership is perfect. Help us trust you, Lord, as we walk by faith. ❤️
How many promises has God made that I laugh at flippantly? How many visits from Ana angel of the Lord have I overlooked? Prophetic words ignored? Thank You Father in Heaven for still loving and using me. I am unworthy BUT for the Blood of Jesus Christ! Amen
Yes, in Jesus’s Name, Aimee D-R!
So good. Thank you Lord for using me despite my brokenness. You make me whole.
God is SO good!
“His purposes are not derailed when we inevitably fail.”
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Thankful He is greater than any and all my failures.
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SUSAN BURLEY – praying for Seth’s healing. Is he still in the coma?
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MARGARET W. – praying David’s transition is going smoothly.
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MEAGAN C – have you settled on a house?
Joining Kelly in prayer for Seth, for Margaret and David in the transition and for Meagan’s housing and move.
Thank you for your continual prayers for Seth! He is still in the coma as his brain heals. The doctors believe he is still in a coma because of the disconnect between the left and right side of the brain.
So sad, but praying for him and know that God is working all things.
David’s transition seems to be going smoothly. I am at the beach, supposedly picking up my youngest daughter from college, but mainly enjoying the breezes and the Word with my SRT Sisters at the moment. I am so blessed! Thank you all for your love and support.
I had to ask chatGPT what “an audible” is and thought I might share for our friends who don’t follow sports closely (like me)….an audible is used primarily in American football when the quarterback makes a last-minute change in the play because something unexpected happens. Nothing is unexpected for God!!
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Thanks for the clarification! ❤️
Thank you!
Amen❤️
I don’t know about you, but as I think about retirement and perhaps down-sizing house wise, I am struggling to find one that is within budget in the area I’m in already! Looking further afield, seems to be a possibility, but I will be away from family and friends, and the life I have built here..
I am 10 years younger than Abraham was when God said to him..
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The Lord said to Abram:
Go from your land,
your relatives,
and your father’s house
to the land that I will show you.
2 I will make you into a great nation,
I will bless you,
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt,
and all the peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.
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How would I feel, if I heard those words today, from Father God?
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Would I go peacefully? Willingly?
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Would I be obedient… Straight away?
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Would I hold tight to what I have built here, my worldly goods and loved ones?
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Would I be kicking and screaming as I packed?
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Would I be remembering the scriptures of promise in God’s Word?
To be faithful. To be near to all who call on Him. To be my comfort, my strength, my anchor, my joy, my hope…
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Would I remember those promises of provision, and mercy and grace, wisdom?
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Would I remember to trust God?
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Would I remember to whom I belong and in whose image I am created..
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BUT GOD..
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I am so so very thankful that He holds me, and that what, where, who, and why He has promised, is a sure bet! If He has said it, then HE WILL DO IT, right?
If He, Father God, has chosen me for a purpose, warts, scars, brokenness and all, then who am I to stand in the way of His grand plan, which, by the way would benefit me too!
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Pondering today, on God’s promises today..And remembering that He is always, always loving in His plans and purposes for my life..
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AMEN..
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What a beautiful day, here, to ponder.. Hope the sun is shining where you are, my dears..
Much love, covered in prayers..❤
Another good one, sister ❤️
My 2 cents on your location pondering – no hasty decisions and seek His guidance. Praying for wisdom in the evaluation of where He wants you to serve Him, you may already be there.
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I can relate to your situation and all your thoughts today Tina as I ponder my future decisions too. Thank you so much dear for sharing today and every day.
Tina, I had the same thought! How would I respond if God called us to move away from family and friends! That would be hard!
This reminds me of our memory verse for the year in our kids leaders group.. Matt 16:24. The Jesus said to His disciples, if anyone wants to
Dear Tina
“Put down your arms”…
Rest safe & secure in the love of Christ.
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God lovingly incorporates our weaknesses into His grand design ❤️
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