From the Desk of James W. Goll:
We are living in crazy and uncertain times. Everything that can be shaken is being shaken. The bigger the storm, the bigger the anchor that is needed to keep the ship secure.
I am personally convinced that all the hills and valleys I have passed through in the last 14 years have prepared me for the uncertainty of the times in which we're living.
In today's article I share some wisdom lessons from my journey that will secure you in the midst of any trial, circumstance or storm. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)
James W. Goll
God Encounters Ministries
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James W. Goll, Franklin, TN
We are living in crazy and uncertain times. Perilous. Unpredictable. Fearful. Everything that can be shaken is being shaken. The bigger the storm, the bigger the anchor that is needed to keep the ship secure.
Hope is the anchor that holds in the midst of any situation, trial or storm—no matter how severe it gets.
"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)
I am personally convinced that all of the hills and valleys I have passed through in the last 14 years of my life have prepared me for the uncertainty of where we find ourselves today.
Knowing that God causes all things to work together for good, I believe some of the wisdom lessons that have been hammered into me will be helpful for you as you travel on this unfamiliar road.
Navigation System
I am convinced that it is impossible to travel safely in pitch-blackness unless you have some kind of navigation system. Even if you are somewhat directionally challenged, as I happen to be (I can get lost even on my way to the airport), you can't stay on any road or path in the dark. You need guidance, some kind of GPS, to take over.
When you are going through a dark night of the soul, for whatever reason, it may take a while before you remember that God is your GPS—and that He wants you to have His help. Has this been your experience? Or do you know in theory that He is your GPS, but you wonder if He knows your name and address anymore?
When you go through severe stress, you tend to lose your bearings. You might have always walked with God, but now you barely recall what it was like. You used to be able to follow His directions, but now your road map is lying crumpled in the dirt, and everything around you looks unfamiliar. You feel lost.
To find your way again, you are going to need directions that are super simple and easy to follow.
I had to go back and rediscover my core values because they seemed like all I had left. I also decided to lay hold of the "main and plain" doctrines of the faith and to stick with the Word of God.
I reviewed the facts: Jesus Christ is the only Son of God. Salvation comes by grace through faith in Him. My life matters to Him. There is an eternity and a Heaven. God's Word has authority. And many more.
But did He really care about me?
The minute I allowed myself to wonder if maybe I was an exception to God's Word, I began to flounder... (continue reading)
