Message in a Nutshell

I Peter 4:12-13

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Alright, I will have to admit that I did not know what I was thinking when I said that I wasn't going to make this blog personal. I should have known that I cannot do anything for God and it not be personal. So I say really, really Rosanne, what were you thinking? I should have known that anytime I do something good in the name of Jesus that I will be attacked. Isn't that what Jesus told us, haven't I already talked about that very thing in this blog. I say all this to say that I recognize the antagonist and I refuse to sway from what God has called me to do. I may not be the best writer and I may not interpret scripture with the most in-depth, intellectual intelligence, but I truly love God with all my heart and soul and I know without a doubt that this is what I am suppose to be doing.

Without going into any detail, Satan seems to have let loose on me and everything that I am involved with, but praise God, he has given me the wisdom to recognize who my attacker is. I will also have to admit that I have broke down a few times over the last few days, but my wonderful Savior sent me a message in a nutshell, literally. This afternoon included one of those ‘frustrated with how things were going’ breakdowns, but then I saw it. After going outside to get something I glanced down and saw it, lying on the ground by my flower pot. This nutshell with a perfect heart inside. Funny thing…I have no idea what kind of shell it is and I am not sure where it came from. We have only oak trees and pine trees around our house. Do you think maybe, just maybe, God put that there for me to be reminded of the love that he has for me? I would like to think so. I think if He is capable of creating the sun, moon, and stars, then he is more than capable of leaving me a message in a nutshell.

So I took the picture to share with you and to put in my file as a reminder of how awesome and grand my Father is! He really loves me this much! He will take time to show me his love in ways that only he can show, he will do the same for all of his children, but you have to be looking. Are you looking? I think about how many messages that I may have missed because I wasn’t looking. Honestly, I was so frustrated that I wasn’t looking for a sign from God, but he knew what I needed, so he drew my eyes to that nutshell---there is no other explanation.

Although we know we will face trials, we also have to know and believe God’s promise that he will never leave us or forsake us. We have to know that in the middle of every trial we face, God is right there----sometimes we just have to look!

Romans 4:20-21

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.