For those struggling financially …
Proverbs 19:4 says, “Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man’s friend [note the singular] deserts him.” Financial struggle can be a lonely journey. Let me encourage you. I know the truth. I know that you work hard. I know that you make mistakes; yet all of us make mistakes. Even the wealthiest make mistakes. I know that you’re smart. I know that it isn’t your fault – and, even if it were, who among us is exempt from blame for something? I also know that God has not deserted you even if your friends have. Keep the faith dear brother, dear sister. God still believes in you.
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. — Luke 2:5
I never noticed this before, but I have a question for you: Did Mary need to make the trip? Were they officially married? Could she have stayed home with her parents? Or, now that she was pregnant, did she get kicked out of her home? What kind of rejection did she put up with? Was Joseph the only one who would take her in? They didn’t seem to be in any hurry to return to Nazareth — it looks like they spent the next two years in Bethlehem and then they took off to Egypt.
Here’s the point. Look around you. You and I never know what kind of struggles other people are wrestling with. How many people around us are putting on a brave face, but inside are in turmoil?
May the God who has accepted us grant us the heart we need to accept others around us, even the “fringe” people whose eccentricities may make us feel uncomfortable. And rejoice with me! God knows all about us, and yet He calls us family.
I’m glad you are part of our family, my brothers and sisters!
Be encouraged!
Dwight
What happens when you partner with Dwight Clough Ministries?
Victims of violent crimes and survivors of abuse are finding peace,
wholeness, the power to forgive and the strength to set boundaries.
Those ensnared by addictions are finding freedom. Marriages are being
restored. Families are strengthened. Christian brothers and sisters in
restricted lands who face persecution are finding strength and
encouragement. Young believers are learning how to walk with the Lord,
and people are coming into the faith for the first time. None of this
happens as a result of one person’s efforts, but rather this is God’s
work as He blesses the sacrifice of many people including yourself. We
partner with you, with other ministries, and, most significantly, with
the Lord. That’s how the supernatural happens.
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