Keep moving forward

 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

This reminder, in Joyce Meyer’s book, “The Power of Being Thankful,” is timely for us all in the midst of the present and simultaneous pandemic and other crises (hunger, poverty, unemployment, conflict, others) afflicting all, including us here in Cebu City.

No one knows how long this pandemic will last. We pray all are spared and protected from the virus. Yet, there is so much fear in many hearts.

“When you feel afraid, ask God to strengthen you, be thankful that He will, and move forward in His strength.” (Joyce Meyer)

In L.B. Cowman’s message in her devotional “Streams in the Desert” last July 15, these encouraging words of George MacDonald speak to us:

“It is easy to love Him when the blue is in the sky, when summer winds are blowing, and we smell the roses nigh. There is little effort needed to obey His precious will when it leads through flower-decked valley or over sun-kissed hill.

“It is when the rain is falling or the mist hangs in the air, when the road is dark and rugged, and the wind no longer fair, when the rosy dawn has settled in a shadowland of gray, that we find it hard to trust Him, and are slower to obey.

“It is easy to trust Him when the singing birds have come and their canticles are echoed in our heart and in our home. But ’tis when we miss the music, and the days are dull and drear, that we need a faith triumphant over every doubt and fear.

“And our blessed Lord will give it; what we lack He will supply.

“Let us ask in faith believing- on His promises rely; He will be our Leader, whether smooth or rough the way, and will prove Himself sufficient for the needs of every day.

“Trusting even when it appears you have been forsaken; praying when it seems your words are simply entering into a vast expanse where no one hears and no voice answers;

“Believing that God’s love is complete and that He is aware of your circumstances, even when your world seems to grind on as if setting its own direction and not caring for life or moving one inch in response to your petitions;

“Desiring only what God’s hands have planned for you; waiting patiently while seemingly starving to death, with your only fear being that your faith might fail.

“This is the victory that has overcome the world, this is genuine faith indeed.”

Oh to have faith, genuine faith, oh, to have faith no fear.

For those of us who are still in fear, these words of hope:

“Are you groping for a blessing, never getting there? Listen to a word in season,

“Get somewhere.

“Are you struggling for salvation by your anxious prayer? Stop your struggling, simply trust, and— Get somewhere.

“Does the answer seem to linger to your earnest prayer? Turn your praying into praise, and— Get somewhere.” (Songs of the Spirit from July 14 devotional, Streams in the Desert).

“Let us all then, together, keep moving forward, with God.

“Yes, tomorrow is uncertain. Yes, the pandemic, the other crises may continue tomorrow, in the next days, through the months, maybe even till next year, 2021.

“Yet, we can choose to stay in faith that “through waves, and clouds, and storms, He gently clears the way.” (L.B. Cowman)

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11).

Keep moving forward with God.