Handling Life’s Pressures

Perhaps because our family lived in Southern California for 30-plus years, I dearly love the ocean. Surprisingly, every time I read God’s Word, I think of the Pacific Ocean. I recall the many times I reveled in the sights and sounds of its surf, with the incessant splashing, crashing, sloshing-on-the-shore waves following one after another...and another...and another.

God Delights in Giving Grace

Reading Ephesians 1:7, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace,” is like that repeating and splashing ocean. This verse is powerful, thrilling, and breathtaking—so spectacular it’s hard to imagine another verse as exhilarating.

And yet God delights in continuing to bestow His grace and His favor on us through His Son. The blessings just keep rolling in!

Another gift rolls in when we read verse 10. It’s the fact of God’s “dispensation” or management. He’s made known “the mystery of his will...to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment.”

The Master Manager

You’ve probably experienced managing a household, making a master plan, and creating a timeline for achieving or finishing a project.

Well, my friend, God is the Master Manager, and He is organizing everything according to His timing, culminating when everything in heaven and on earth is united under Christ’s leadership and authority.

Aren’t you thankful for God’s hand on your life? Your life is not hapless and purposeless. God has a plan for every step of your way. And He offers you truth and a solution for everything life throws at you...beginning with today’s challenges.

LIfe's Challenges

Whenever your life seems to be out of control or you feel like the world and its pressures are crashing in on you, realize God is sovereign. He is in charge, and He is a faithful, flawless administrator. He is working out His good and acceptable and perfect will. His purpose in saving you and showering a continuing multitude of blessings upon you has been established.

As God’s own dear child, your day and your future are secure in Him due to His kindness and mercy. God’s blessings are yours!

Your heart’s response to God’s plan of redemption for you will always be one of reveling in the truth and giving unending praise and thanksgiving to Him for all He has and will give you “according to the riches of His grace.”

RESPOND

Dear Lord, as I look into Your Word, I want to thank You for Your concern and care for the details of my life. Today has its difficulties and stress. May I be faithful to trust in Your perfect and personal management of the world around me...and me! Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES  

Creating a Beautiful Lifeby Elizabeth George—Each new day presents opportunities to grow your faith, manage your work and goals, and make good use of the time God gives you. This book for busy women will help you create a more beautiful and productive life.

REFLECT

Are there areas in your life that you need to trust God more with?

CommitEphesians 1:7 to memory: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

REMEMBER

Whenever your life seems to be out of control or you feel like the world and its pressures are crashing in on you, realize God is sovereign.