Never Doubt What God Can and Will Do

Matt 14:28-32 “Lord, if it’s you, ”Peter replied. “Tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come.” Jesus replied. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink cried out,” Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith! Why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord! Be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord!

• BELIEVE…DON’T DOUBT!
  • I believe that we as Americans, will come back much stronger than before.
  • I believe that our economy will soar…due to the expertise of our President in the realm of business. We were there once, with God’s help, we will be there again.
  • I believe that there will be a Great Awakening within the realm of Christianity.
  • I believe that there will be great lessons learned from this Pandemic both Spiritually and throughout the realm of science/health care.

SO WHAT IS OUR PART IN ALL OF THIS?

Well for the time being, it’s about being patient and social distancing; taking the responsibility to follow the rules at present.

Once things open up, ask yourself this question. “What can I do to not only improve myself and my family, but also, what can I do to make a difference? Try to put yourself out there, and see what God brings back to you tenfold.

PERSONALLY, I TRY TO LIVE BY THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. If they don’t help you to move forward with your life, and walk on water, nothing else will.

LOVE: Emotions and feelings are important. However, love is based on commitment and the well-being of others.

Commitment…most young people have no idea what that means. It means being there for the long haul; not divorcing the minute something goes wrong. In 48 years together….my, the many times I wanted to strangle him my the many times I prayed, ”God help me!” You don’t run, at the first sign of trouble.

1 John 4:7-12 Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us; He sent his one and only son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

JOY: The world does not understand the true meaning. Yes, you can be happy due to your wealth, health, and other circumstances. True joy comes from believing in God, obeying his will, receiving forgiveness, fellowship, ministering to others, and sharing the Gospel.

I was raised strict Catholic in the 50-60’s era. Guilt reigned. I didn’t know what Grace was really all about. I had to earn it, and I could lose my salvation at any given moment.

I never knew true JOY…until God revealed it to me; FREEDOM IN CHRIST. Romans 8 fed me with my Divine Right; I am righteous by the blood of Christ because I simply BELIEVE!

1Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him an are filled with an unbelievable, expressible joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

PEACE: Peace is a state of contentment no matter what trial or trauma befalls upon you. It is harmony between individuals. Peace is freedom from worry, fear, anxiety, and oppressive thoughts.

True peace, even in times of horrendous difficulty came to me. Why? Because He was holding my hand, and I had nothing to fear.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

PATIENCE: Patience is a slowness in avenging wrongs. It is the quality of restraint that prevents believers from speaking or acting hastily in the face of disagreement, opposition, or persecution. Patience is bearing pain or problems without complaining.

Teaching for 37 years gave me the patience of a saint. I prayed so hard for my little kiddos, who came from struggling families. I prayed for myself, that they would see Jesus through me.

Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

KINDNESS: Kindness is an eagerness to put others at ease. It is a sweet and attractive temperament that shows friendly regard.

As a teacher, I’d look at my student with the lowest self-esteem and ask, ”How come I love you so much?” Then I’d laugh and respond, ”Because
God made you special!”

At the present ,in the checkout at the grocery; I always create a relationship with the cashier and say ,”Thanks and God Bless You,” as I leave.

Proverbs 11: 16-17 A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble upon himself.

GOODNESS: Goodness is the selfless desire to be open hearted and generous to others, about what they deserve.

As a teacher, I asked for parents to volunteer items for the school year. Plus, I easily spent $1000 a year on my class.

Psalm 23:6 Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

FAITHFULNESS: Faithfulness is firm devotion to God, loyalty to friends, and dependability to carry out responsibilities. Faith is the conviction that even now God is working and acting on one’s behalf.

Rev 2:106 Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

As I rebuilt my life, after severe post-partum depression, I praised God every day for my teaching job, for my family, our health, and being able to live in such a loving, Christian Community as Plain City.

GENTLENESS: Gentleness is humble non-threatening demeanor that derives from a position of strength and authority, and useful in calming another’s anger. Gentleness is not a quality that is weak and passive.

I will never forget my student BO. His mother went from man to man….from trailer to trailer. He wouldn’t join in on academia; however, my gentle nudges began to get him to respond to me. If he picked up a piece of trash off the floor, I’d gently bow it out of proportion to the positive.
EX: “Oh Bo Bo! What would I ever do without you? You are so special, to me and all of your friends! Thank you so much!”

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, nut a harsh word stirs up anger.

SELF-CONTROL: Self-control is to restrain one’s emotions, actions, and desires, and to be in harmony with the will of God. Self-control is doing God’s will, not living for one’s self.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

OH! MY! GOD! I prayed so hard as a teacher, wife, and mother.

In College, with God’s help, I was not known as an easy chick.

• All of the above definitions were taken from the following pamphlet: How The Spirit Works In And Through Believers….Rose Publishing.

ALSO, FAMILIES HAVE BECOME STORMS OF CREATIVITY.
LOLO .. We have super pitched and cleaned this house. ..AND I HAVE COOKED WAY TOO MUCH. My husband says, ”I love Mr. Clean, but Betty
Crocker has got to stop!”

GET THE POSITIVE ATTITUDE!!!!
Summer/sunshine/flowers/picnics: unfortunately, most of the pools will not be open this summer. Also, summer sporting activities and concerts may
be cancelled. BUT WE WILL LIVE THROUGH THIS!

As of now, I believe that you can be together in groups of ten. Have small cookouts/parties.

As of yet, my three sons have no idea what their football season is going to look like. Football may be played in the spring.

BUT ONE THING THAT I DO KNOW…
*We will survive, and God will have taught us some mighty lessons throughout this entire ordeal.

HEAVENLY FATHER: Please allow the Fruits of The Holy Spirit to indwell all who seek you during this time of quarantine. Help all to realize that the world, and all of its junk, doesn’t matter..only You Lord, and our loved ones.
In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.

Sue Cutler
Fearless Faith.