On Second Thought “So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” — 1 Kings 19:13 Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 19 feels uncomfortablyContinue reading “WHEN GOD ASKS, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?””
Category Archives: On Second Thought
WHEN TRUST STOPS NEGOTIATING
On Second Thought “Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord.” — Psalm 4:5 Trust sounds simple until God asks us to practice it under conditions we did not choose. It is easy to speak confidently about faith when the path is clear, the family is healthy, the finances are stable, andContinue reading “WHEN TRUST STOPS NEGOTIATING”
WHEN TRUST BECOMES THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO
On Second Thought “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 There are moments when faith feels less like standing on a mountain and more like sitting quietly beside a problem we cannot solve. The bills remain. The diagnosis has not changed. The relationshipContinue reading “WHEN TRUST BECOMES THE ONLY THING LEFT TO DO”
The Wisdom to Wait When You Could Act
On Second Thought “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” —Isaiah 40:31 One of the most difficult forms of faith is not acting when we believe we already know whatContinue reading “The Wisdom to Wait When You Could Act”
WHEN TRUST REFUSES TO DEFEND ITSELF
On Second Thought “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5–6 Trusting God with all our heart sounds beautiful until that trust collides with unfairness, uncertainty, disappointment, or the loss of control. It isContinue reading “WHEN TRUST REFUSES TO DEFEND ITSELF”
WHEN OBEDIENCE STARTS BEFORE THE MAP APPEARS
On Second Thought “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” —Genesis 12:1 There are moments when God’s direction arrives with less explanation than we would prefer. We want the destination, the timetable,Continue reading “WHEN OBEDIENCE STARTS BEFORE THE MAP APPEARS”
WHEN GOD SEEMS LATE
On Second Thought “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Waiting on God can become one of the most demanding exercises of faith. It is one thing to trust Him when the answer arrives quickly, the path becomes clear, and the circumstances begin to improve. It is anotherContinue reading “WHEN GOD SEEMS LATE”
THE DOOR THAT OPENS WHILE YOU ARE STILL WAITING
On Second Thought “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8 An open door often sounds exciting until we realize that walking through it may requireContinue reading “THE DOOR THAT OPENS WHILE YOU ARE STILL WAITING”
When Faith Must Outlast the Storm
On Second Thought “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 James wrote to believers who were not experiencing mild inconvenience. They were scattered, pressured, opposed, and uncertain about what the future might hold.Continue reading “When Faith Must Outlast the Storm”
WHEN THE STORM BECOMES LARGER THAN THE SAVIOR
On Second Thought “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30 Faith often looks strongest before the wind changes. We step forward believing God has spoken, trusting that He will sustain us, and feeling certain that obedience is the right course.Continue reading “WHEN THE STORM BECOMES LARGER THAN THE SAVIOR”