Author: Roz Wright

A PK (preacher's kid), an MK (missionary kid), but more importantly, a GK(God kid) who loves the Lord and loves teaching, singing, writing and my six godkids. Ever feel like enough is enough? When I make God my focus on this roller coaster ride called life, the ride isn't quite as scary or burdensome. I have found that the terrifying drops and jerky twists and turns have brought me closer to my Heavenly Father. I've grown to know Him more, not just know more about Him. The Lord is my refuge and my strength. I hope that the comfort, the lessons, and the blessings God continually showers on me will encourage you on your own roller coaster ride. Psalms 71:7-8
Encouragement

Just Keep Praying!

It doesn’t matter! Spare tire or steering wheel. Just keep praying. Wait a minute! I know I just set off a firestorm, but please read to the end before passing judgement.

Yes, prayer should be your steering wheel. Prayer should be the first thing you do each day: when you make a decision; when you’re in a difficult situation; or when you are heart is broken. Prayer should be the driving force behind every moment of every day of your life.

pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 
I Thessalonians 5:17-18 NASB

So, the correct answer is steering wheel. Then why say it doesn’t matter if prayer is your spare tire or your steering wheel? Simply consider the purpose of a spare tire.

As I drove home one night, I swerved to avoid hitting a dog that ran into the road. I hit the curb and busted my tire. Roadside Service came and replaced the flat tire with my spare tire so I could drive the rest of the way home. I drove on that spare until I could afford to buy a new tire. The spare tire saved the day!

When a person uses prayer as a spare tire, it’s because they realize they need God to save the day. Whether it is the first thing or the last thing they do, the important thing is that they prayed. They sought the Almighty God to help them in their time of need, which is what God desires from all of us.

casting all your anxiety on Him,
because He cares for you. I Peter 5:7 NASB

If prayer is your steering wheel, don’t stop. Keep praying. You are on the right track. However, remember that it didn’t become your steering wheel overnight. Therefore, support and encourage those who use prayer as a spare tire, instead of being critical of them. Pray for them, just as someone prayed for you.

If you’re stuck in the trunk, and prayer is your spare tire, don’t stop. Keep praying. Thank God every time He saves the day. Then pray again, the next time you need help. Soon you’ll realize how futile it is to seek answers elsewhere and make prayer your initial response. In time, prayer will become your steering wheel.

Whether prayer is your spare tire or your steering wheel, just keep praying!

Encouragement

WHERE is God?

DR BOGAN STEEPLE

I came out of the doctor’s office feeling lousy. On my way to the car, I took a picture of the sky that perfectly matched my mood. After I got home, I decided to add a verse to the clouds to cheer me up. When I cropped the picture, it surprised me to see something I didn’t notice earlier: the church steeple. I didn’t miss it because the steeple was in the distance. The problem was with my focus.

Covid-19 has turned our world upside down. People are dying. Businesses are closed. Grocery store shelves are empty. Our pockets are empty! WHERE is God? I can’t say why God is allowing us to go through this pandemic. Nobody can. But I can answer the question. God is right where He’s always been.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

The Bible says that if we seek Him, we will find Him. Don’t focus on the huge gray clouds looming over you: rising Covid numbers; closed businesses; unpaid bills; etc. Focus on God. He is still lavishing us with His grace and mercy every day. Seek it. He is still faithful to keep His promises. Look for His faithfulness in your life. Covid-19 took us by surprise, not God. God is still in control.

Rest in God’s promises, His steadfast faithfulness,
and not your circumstances or your emotions.
God IS with you whether you see it or not!

WHERE is God? Right where He’s always been!