A Practical Guide for surviving (and thriving through) most everything in life:

• Read (and memorize) God’s Word

• Prayer

• Seek First the Kingdom of God

• Gratitude

• REJOICE!

• Rinse and repeat – The gates of Hell shall NOT prevail. Nope. Never. Remember, we fight from victory – the victory that was completed for us on Christ’s Cross. So breathe – and read, pray, and the rest will follow.

 

Amen and Amen!

 

It’s such a great basic approach I want to remember, because dealing with fear and, consequently, a lack of deep trust in God, is a recurring theme in my stories. I’ve discovered that not fully trusting God with everything in my life is the root of my struggles.

 

Circumstances change from day to day, and so will my battles. As well as my attitude. Only in the last month have I conscientiously entrusted all areas of my life to God, telling Him, “I trust You.” When things are going well or when the power goes out, and the internet goes down, I tell God, “I trust You,” and a sense of stability settles over me, like a quiet confidence. This sounds like peace.

 

A big part of trusting God is knowing Him, like how good He is, which can be accomplished by keeping a journal of gratitude for all the good things and blessings He has given.

 

Another aspect of trusting God is knowing His promises. Read His word, and make note of a promise that speaks to you. Also, be confident that God keeps those promises.

 

While I was re-reading my stories, I compiled a list of a few story portions that struck me.

​

Favorite Quotes from my stories:

• From my July 2021 story about freedom, titled Dependence Day:

“God’s promises teach me about my true freedom. Knowing these promises by heart makes freedom more tangible, so I can live and breathe my freedom daily. They also help me keep a peaceful perspective about the blessings and burdens of everyday life.”

• From my April 2022 story about getting a hysterectomy, titled, “Hysterectomy or Lobotomy…Or Both?:”

“After a couple of days in the hospital, and so much blood drawn (sometimes at 3 AM! Really!), I was told I had a very large tumor in my uterus, and that all my lady bits needed to be surgically removed through a large incision in my abdomen. I was watching the sun rise outside my hospital room window after the doctor left. Before fear started to set up camp in my spirit over my diagnosis, I heard God tell me (so softly and sweetly), ‘It’s not cancer.’”

​

I didn’t remember this moment. I’m so glad I recorded it in my story. It brings me to tears. I still remember God’s voice in my Spirit. So gentle and loving.

​

A new quote I read in this morning’s devotion, from “Trusting God’s Process” by Brittany Rust, pulled together my thoughts after revisiting my stories:

​

”Trust is an indicator of our heart’s condition, reflecting where our loyalty and commitment lies. Trusting God in the midst of our trials and storms shows Him that we count on Him, not the world. When the choice comes, to choose to make things work by the means this world offers or rely on God, we will choose to rely on God.”

​

Yes! Yes. A thousand times “yes”.

​

I choose to rely on God, trusting in Him completely. I still have a lot to learn to get to the “completely” stage, but I’m on my way.

Thank You, and praise You, Father. You are so good and Your lovingkindness is everlasting. Amen

Blessings to you!

 

Angela Dolbear is the author of contemporary Christian novels, such as THE GARDEN KEY Series and THE TORMENTOR’S TALE, as well as many short stories. She just completed the fourth book in The Garden Tales series, “The Mid-Century Breakfast Club,” and is searching for representation for it.  Her novels are available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats. Angela writes real, relatable, and reverent fiction. She loves reading, writing prose, and writing and recording music in her studio in Nashville, TN—listen to her latest album STORMS on your favorite music streaming service.  Please drop by and sign up for news, read the latest stories, and hear new original music at http://www.angeladolbear.com/subscribe.htm.