Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Nine

8/3/2019 Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Nine

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Brook ElaineEmail: [email protected], [email protected]

Faith Hope LoveChapter Nine

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Generally speaking, I do not like to shop. I know. Hard to believe. I have evenbeen asked if I am really a female because of my strong disdain for the subject but

department stores and malls are torture to me and why would I torment myselflike that? Now, I find quick browsing tolerable but fifteen minutes is usually my

max.

Mixed within the typical chit chat at work circulated a rumor of a fire sale ofsortsor maybe rummage sale would be more accurate. Luxurious, well made

articles of clothing at grossly discounted prices. But the selection did not cater toeveryone and one had to scour through the racks and piles of garments to find

anything. It was first come, first served and the individuals who had made the

discovery waited a couple days before sharing news of it.

It was there I bought a sleek, black blazer (with a double row of large buttons)

made of a thick fabric and lined on the inside. Another gal had found it but it wasnot her size so she pointed it out to me and it was love at first sight. Fitted and

comfortable, it did not leave much room for any growth on my end but I hadsomeone else in mind whom it would fit perfectly. I took my three or four items

to the check out area and made off with my score before irritation began naggingat me. I gave the blazer to a loved one and a couple years later it made its way

back to me. I kept it, a pin striped skirt suit, and a long, straight, sleeveless, lightweight, stretchy brown dress (with black and cream color patterns throughout) for

ten years before finally giving them up to an organization that collects items fordisabled vets and their families.

It was the Hong Kong leg of the travel plans that really interested me in the field

of apparel. Silk suits were said to be top of the line there and I was told I shouldindulge while I had the chance. But the opportunity would never come.

Often times I am completely dumbfounded by the way God operates and what He

ordained (even before the foundations of the earth). It is rarely what I wouldexpect (Isaiah 55:8) because His ways are not like my own. But one of the most

difficult lessons I had to learn about God is it is better to take refuge in Him than

to trust in man (Psalm 118:8). In one of the most difficult seasons of my life(James 14:4) the following verses were my constant companions:

Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things worktogether for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,

plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.


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Psalm 42:5: Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation

Ephesians 3:20: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly thanall that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

Ephesians 6:10-20: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his

might.11

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand

against the schemes of the devil.12

For we do not wrestle against flesh andblood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmicpowers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the

heavenly places.13

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that youmay be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand

firm.14

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having puton the breastplate of righteousness,

15and, as shoes for your feet, having

put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.16

In all circumstancestake up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming

darts of the evil one;17

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword ofthe Spirit, which is the word of God,

18praying at all times in the Spirit,

with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with allperseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

19and also for me, that

words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim themystery of the gospel,

20for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I

may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Philippians 4:4-8: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

6do

not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and

supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard yourhearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is

just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, ifthere is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about

these things.


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And, a quote from Alan Redpath which states:

There is nothing no circumstance, no trouble, no testing that can evertouch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ right

through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose,which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to become

panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from thethrone of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no

sorrow will ever disturb me, no trial will ever disarm me, no circumstancewill cause me to fret for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is! That

is the rest of victory!

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Faith. Hope. Love: Chapter Nine