On the way…

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Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the US. We don’t celebrate it here in NZ ….. but I think it would be a good idea! We might have different reasons to celebrate than the Americans ….. but we certainly have a lot to be thankful for. We live in one of the most beautiful and safest countries in the world. Of course we can find plenty to gripe about ….. but the whole point of being thankful is to look for the positives ….. and they far outweigh the negatives. In fact ….. everyday should be Thanksgiving Day!


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Unique Creation

Sue’s Views
Do you know that ….. before you were formed in your mother’s womb ….. God already knew you? He knew everything about you ….. including the number of hairs on your head! He gave you unique fingerprints ….. voice patterns ….. and DNA. You are extremely valuable to Him. All you have to do is unpack what He has put within you. That’s a life of purpose!
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Hope Beyond Hope

Sue’s Views
One of the most encouraging scriptures is in Romans 4:18
‘Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have! And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.’ 
Has God given you a promise? Does it seem impossible right now? Then you are in for a miracle! If God said it ….. He will do it! His promises are ‘yes and amen’. There may seem to be no reason for hope ….. others may tell you to give it up ….. but keep hoping! Through this journey ….. God is producing something far greater than you ever imagined!
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His Ways Are Higher!

Sue’s Views
If you’re anything like me ….. when you’re going through a challenging time ….. you probably try to imagine all the possible outcomes! However ….. I’m learning that the final outcome is very different to any of my imaginations! My knowledge and understanding of the situation is so limited. When I give it all to God ….. I’m left dumbfounded by His ways and thoughts that are so much higher than mine. 
Proverbs 3:5-6
‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.’
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Do Not Lose Heart

Sue’s Views
I can’t see what’s around the corner ….. but I do know there will be some challenges. We were never promised a ‘walk in the park’ ….. but a path of suffering ….. trials ….. and opportunities to forgive. We are also assured that ‘these light afflictions’ are nothing compared to the glorious future for those who persevere. So ….. don’t be shocked. Be ready! Make sure you are on the winning team!
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

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Shipwreck or God Diversion?

Sue’s Views
Feeling like you are in a shipwreck? Has the job or business you depended on gone under? Are you experiencing loss or despair? Paul the Apostle experienced a few but we are given details of one in Acts 27 & 28. It’s one of the best ‘turn around’ stories you’ll ever read! In the midst of the chaos and panic ….. an angel told Paul that no lives would be lost as long as the crew stayed together. The ship was completely torn apart ….. but every crew member got to shore on the broken pieces of the ship. Not only were they saved ….. but Paul got to share the gospel with the Maltese people. He also healed all the sick people on the island. You could call it a God Diversion! He can use anything to get us to where He wants us. Wait for the ‘turn around!’
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Steadfast and Sure

Sue’s Views
Every day things happen that are unexpected and unplanned for. These can come in the form of pleasant surprises ….. or shock waves that send you reeling. That’s why we need something steadfast and sure to hold onto. Or Someone who stays the same no matter what is happening around us. Faith in Christ gives us that assurance and support. He is a strong tower we can run into for shelter. He is a true plumb line showing us which way is up. He is an anchor of hope helping us see beyond the turmoil to better days. He is our comforter and healer when we are grieving. I couldn’t do life without Him. You don’t need to either!

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It’s Not Over!

Sue’s Views
When it seems all is lost ….. it’s an opportunity for a miracle! When we see death ….. God sees life. When we see hopelessness ….. He says ‘trust me!’ When we think it’s too late ….. God says ‘It’s just beginning!’ In fact ….. He delights in waiting till it seems impossible. Then He breathes His supernatural power and life into a situation and turns it around. That way ….. He gets all the glory! And we are left in awe. It’s not over until He says so. And then ….. it’s because He has something better in mind!
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Unfulfilled Dreams?

Sue’s Views
Do you have a dream that has faded in the light of reality? Maybe years have passed and you’ve resigned to thinking ‘that will never happen now.’ Maybe circumstances have put a barrier between you and the dream being fulfilled ….. or choices you’ve made have disqualified you from deserving it. Who gave you the dream? If it came from God ….. He will fulfil it! He’s the starter and the finisher. Yes it might take a little longer than He intended ….. and the route might be a little different ….. but hold on to those unfulfilled dreams. They are still on God’s to do list!

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Reach Out

Sue’s Views
Are you feeling stressed? Whether it’s exams ….. financial worries ….. relationship problems ….. or just life ….. stress is a major modern day plague. I find with me ….. it’s not so much what’s happening but how I think about it. Anxiety about what might happen is worse than the reality! There’s a difference between stress and pressure. We can expect a certain amount of pressure. Pressure is a good thing. It keeps us moving! Many of us would become stagnant without pressure. Stress on the other hand is when we perceive it as too much. We feel overwhelmed and defeated. That’s when we need help. Reach out to a friend or counsellor who can ask the right questions and help find the root of your stress.