Gleanings From The Word

Tag: Kevin Corbin

  • Trust God

    Trust God

    A bend in the trail - what's around the bend

    There are times in life when it feels like you can’t see what’s coming around the next bend. It can be unnerving or even immobilizing. It makes it hard to trust God.

    We do our best to take control of whatever is coming, but the reality is that we aren’t in control of anything, except our choices, and there are usually a limited number of options. That can be a terrifying or liberating truth.

    Knowing we aren’t in control often drives people to one of two places. There are control freaks who try to manage every detail, and the less control they have, the more they fight and suffer. Then there are the fatalists who think it’s going to happen anyway, so “why bother trying?

    We need to trust the ultimate source of control is God himself, the creator and sustainer of the world.  I find it freeing to know that while I can’t control every situation, the one who loves me controls my ultimate destination.

    Faith in Him carries weight and freedom.

    He lights the way. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

    Jesus said, “…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

    He also said, “…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

    He controls the past, present, and future. He promises never to leave us or forsake us. He gives every believer the Spirit. He loves us beyond measure.

    We have the Word, the church, and the testimony of those who have gone before us to strengthen us when we are worried about the road ahead.

    When the way seems dark or uncertain, the Bible offers this simple advice, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

    When the road seems lost in mist, and you feel like you have no control, trust the one who sees all, knows all, and controls the future.

    The road is not guaranteed to be smooth or without pain; in fact, it will be hard and rocky, but the guide is perfect and the destination assured.

    Hold fast to the guide, dear friends, and let Him lead you

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    Standing Alone – Strength and Hope in Hard Times
    Tribulation Produces Perseverance
  • God’s Promise of Renewal

    God’s Promise of Renewal

    american robin on the lawn

    I’ve seen a few robins around, but yesterday I saw a pair in our backyard.  Most years a pair (or two) nests somewhere on the property, so it’s a promise that spring is on the way. 

    We will likely get more cold, winter-like weather, but we are through the worst of it. I miss some aspects of the places we’ve lived most of our lives, but the long, cold weather isn’t one of them. 

    It won’t be spring officially for 28 more days (March 20 this year), but the true weather seldom follows the official seasonal starts. When we lived in Alberta, it saw snowfall in every month of the year, and the same for spring-like weather.

    Even if it’s not officially Spring, the hope and promise of it bring me joy. Spring is a time of renewal, fresh growth, and great beauty. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, God is in control and has promised us something better.

    The coming of Spring doesn’t negate the possibility of bad weather ahead; it comes with a promise. In the same way, becoming believers doesn’t mean we won’t have dark times, but it comes with the promise of something greater.

    You can’t avoid the cycle of seasons; every year gets some winter. We can’t avoid tough times; they are an integral part of our Faith walk. Hard times turn us to God for help, hope, and comfort. 

    Winter is a time for plants to be dormant and rest in preparation for the busy growth of Spring. Hard times are when we sink our roots deeper into Christ, preparing for deeper growth and a closer relationship with Him.

    The scriptures are full of promises for renewal.

    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

    …he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5

    If you are facing hold times, hold fast, He has something better for you. If you aren’t having a struggle, prepare because one is coming.

    In everything rejoice, the best is yet to come.

    Be blessed

    Kevin

    Trust God
    Spring
    The Gospel – the best news you will ever hear