Here’s my dose of reality: I’m in the middle of some real messes, and my passivity only makes them worse. I know God is with me, I never have to walk these journeys alone. But just waiting for Him to fix things doesn’t always work. Sometimes He intervenes, but often it’s on me to step up and get things done. Worship, prayer, and time in His Word are essential, but they don’t replace the need to face my situation head-on. Avoiding what’s in front of me by turning to another Bible study, small group, or book is not the answer. Those things have their place, but they’re not the entire solution. Right now, I need to act, trusting in His goodness and knowing He’s with me every step of the way.
I feel the same as you about situations. I hold back for fear of not having the right words or saying things lovingly enough and for fear of alienating my adult children. This causes me to have a sad and anxious heart
@@greencastleelementarype3264 I understand that tension - wanting to reach out but holding back out of love and concern for your children. That gentleness you feel speaks of your deep care and grace, even if the words aren’t perfect. May you find peace knowing that your heart for them, even in the quiet moments, is powerful. He sees your love and knows the weight you carry.
Early this week Hebrews 11:6 came to mind - Without faith it is impossible to please God - as I was considering an opportunity that could lead to a dream coming true or being crushed. I realized that I had been expecting God to guide me in such a way that I wouldn't make a mistake, and when I did make a mistake, I'd missed God. At that moment I realized that faith isn't about a guaranteed outcome, but that no matter what happens, God's goodness toward me remains the same. So I stretched out my withered hand, choosing to believe that He will always be good and he will never leave me even if my heart is broken.
Misty thank you for sharing your heart and story with us - so poignant to remember "God will always be good and he will never leave me even if my heart is broken. We deeply appreciate you. Bucky
Good morning ☀️ 😰 whew, a Job I am so far away from. To be so humble, persistent in his love for God in that season is definitely demonstrating in our weakness with God he is strong. Oh such faith, hope, and love Job believes about God in spite of his pain/suffering and to believe God is always good.🙏🏻💕🍃
Thank you. Again a timely message for my life’s circumstances today. I also want to tell how personal it feels to get a glimpse into your environments, both John and Tim. Tim messages aren’t canned, he takes us into his home just like John does. Thanks Tim. ❤
You are the first person I have ever heard who gives credit to Jobs friends for being able to sit in silence for 7 days. I have thought the very same thing for years. Most of us couldnt make it through 5 minutes of that type of consoling silence, yet love to rag on his friends . They were far from perfect but they did much better than the majority of us in very trying circumstances. Speaking of justice, I just really appreciate credit being given where credit is due. Thank you for your very insightful and timely video.
@@JackCaradonna-rk5bk Habit 5 in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is indeed "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood." This habit emphasizes the importance of empathetic listening, putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes to truly grasp their perspective before we respond or make our own needs known. Stephen Covey suggests that by truly understanding others first, we can communicate more effectively, build trust, and foster stronger relationships. It’s a powerful reminder that empathy and patience are foundational to connection and understanding. The Bible, too, teaches us to listen with humility and empathy. James 1:19 says, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." This verse captures the essence of Habit 5, encouraging us to pause, listen, and approach others with openness before rushing to respond or react. Proverbs 18:13 adds that "To answer before listening-that is folly and shame." Both scriptures emphasize the wisdom of careful listening as a way of showing respect and love to others.
Thank you Jack for your kind words and encouragement - we appreciate you sharing your thoughts. The seven-day mourning period in Judaism is called shiva. Shiva is Hebrew for "seven It is quite a meaningful and beautiful tradition Thank you for being with us Bucky
John, I want to believe in the "goodness" side but when I read God's response to Job I do hear his care for his creation but also his power to create it. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" "Have the gates of death been revealed to you?" "Can you bind the chains of Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion? These seem like "power" statements.
