When Discouraged, Reflect on God’s Miracles

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When Discouraged, Reflect on God’s Miracles

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When Discouraged, Reflect on God’s Miracles

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Years ago, when my oldest son David was 10, he became sick. I thought he had the flu. After a week of this, I became concerned and asked an elder in our church to anoint him and pray for God to heal him. The next day we took him to a doctor, who told us he just had the flu. “Take him home and let him rest,” the doctor said. “He will be fine.”

Before we left the office, the nurse called my husband over to the side and privately told him that he should take David to the hospital to make sure everything was okay. She felt something else was going on. Charles and I took him straight to the hospital. Alarmed, the doctors immediately took David into surgery. Apparently, David’s appendix had ruptured several days before. 

So what great things has God done for you? Reflect on those things! And when you are overwhelmed in a storm, always ask for encouragement.

David was in the hospital for a week while they drained all the toxins out of his system. To this day, we are very thankful for this quick-thinking and brave nurse, as she saved our son’s life. Had we followed the doctor’s advice and taken David home, he could easily have died.

We know to whom the ultimate thanks was due that day—God! I can name many times that God has intervened on our behalf. Some were serious and some not so serious, like the windmill answered prayer.

An unexpected blessing

Many years ago we lived in a house that had a huge windmill in the front yard. I loved that windmill, especially in the springtime when the wind would twirl the blades. The beautiful flowers that surrounded its base only enhanced its beauty. Often, early in the morning I would stare out the window while sipping on a cup of coffee. The windmill’s beauty and movement would send such peace and calm. It was a great way to start my mornings.

After years of the windmill standing tall and providing me with such joy, the paint faded, and it badly needed a paint job. It was over 10 feet tall, and with four children to feed, it was not in our budget. I just casually mentioned to our Father in heaven that I wished I had the money to paint that old windmill and bring back its beauty.

A week later, my husband glanced out the window and quickly told me to come here. He said the windmill had a fresh coat of paint on it!

Who painted our windmill and in the color that I wanted? Later that day, a young man who lived next door came over and said he painted it last night. While I should have gotten upset that a neighbor painted my windmill without permission, how could I? Strange as it was, it was a wonderful blessing. God heard my desire and inspired this young man to paint it.

Another time, we were down to hardly anything to eat. While trying to figure out how we would feed our kids that day, I heard a knock on the door. It was a woman from our church with a bag of groceries. She said she was just inspired to bring us some food. She had no idea how badly we needed the food, but God did.

Remember and be encouraged!

We all forget God’s blessings and interventions from time to time. When we get overwhelmed and discouraged with the trials we are going through, it’s good to remind ourselves of how awesome our Father in heaven is and how He has helped us all along the way in the past.

God is there to help us in the times of urgency, but He also cares for the little things that matter to us. In John 15:7 God tells us, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (New International Version).

God wants to give us the good things in life. So, do we see a loving God who wants the best for us, or do we see a harsh, uncaring God?

At your most discouraging moments, ask God to encourage you. It works! Make a list of the times He has intervened in your life. Pull it out when you get overwhelmed and review it.

If God helped you in the past, does that mean He is gone and not interested in helping you today? No! He is not fickle and gone with the wind, as you may feel some people are in your life. God is loyal and never changes (Malachi 3:6). Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

He will never leave you and commands you to be strong and courageous. Deuteronomy 31:6 states: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (NIV). Never!

God saved my son’s life. He provided desperately needed food for my family, and He even inspired someone to paint a treasured windmill for me.

What great things has God done for you? Reflect on those things! And when you are overwhelmed in a storm, always ask for encouragement!

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Comments

  • KARS

    When I was troubled many years ago I decided to go outside and sit quietly.
    Much to my amazement I noticed God our Father's works around me. I began to not only watch His insects buzz around, but listened to the wind in the trees and so much more.
    God our Father's music is incredible. No wonder the classic composers were able to write such beautiful music. Going outdoors can be the peace of mind your looking for.
    Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Peace.

  • Janet Treadway

    That is so true. My oldest has a long drive to work and he said to listen to beautiful christian relaxes him and takes the stress out of driving.

  • Korinne Wood

    Perfect timing Janet!
    I have a picture of my 2 granddaughters, my son, and I at the Home Office that I see every time I log onto my computer. The miracle was that my family was finally able to be together, (the first time my youngest granddaughter got to see her father in person and she was 7 years old)! But it was even MORE of a miracle because we got to spend time together on the Sabbath day!! I no longer get to see them (again), so I can get discouraged when I'm at Church and they aren't with me anymore. I'm definitely praying for another miracle! In the meantime...the picture does make me smile and I cant help but remember how God planned that time perfectly!! There is no denying He intervened in our difficult family situation!

  • Janet Treadway

    Thanks so much Korine. God is good and is always there for us. Hugs

  • Lorelei Nettles

    Thanks Janet, a timely reminder. It is too easy to think of things as coincidence. God is watching over us and sometimes we just need to be still and listen and know He knows best.

  • Janet Treadway

    Thanks Lorelei. Loves your article as well. How you treated your co-worker with kindness.

  • petuniababi

    I have so much to thank God for.I have been a widow twice and both times I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to support and take care of myself.But remembering times my mother told me we can do nothing without God and other teachings from the Bible I have survived and can even help others sometimes.God works in my life daily and I am so grateful for his help and love.Without it I know I wouldn't be where I am.I love him with all of my heart.

  • Janet Treadway

    Thanks Wanda. God is ever with us and will never leave us. Always waiting for us to ask for encouragement.

  • Chinga Govhati

    Oh how encouraging! May He forgive me for not being thankful enough!

  • Janet Treadway

    We all get in that mode if ingratitude. How merciful God is to us even when we are in that attitude of ingratitude. He is so gentle and kind in dealing with all of us.

  • Janet Treadway

    I might add that God cares about the smallest things in our life. I wrote an article years ago about The Windmill. So nothing is to great or too small for God. He cares deeply for all of us. https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/the-windmill-mystery

  • Jhaskins

    Excellent blog! An added suggestion, would be to them down. When you do get depressed. Look at your list, and remind yourself about them. The state of mind, may be too far down to take the energy to think in a positive way. Keep Praying for your encouraging needs and others.

  • Janet Treadway

    So many need encouragement right now. So important that we become the intercessor for others when they are in this state of despair. Pray and ask God to lift them up and encourage them when they don't have the strength to do it themselves, nor the desire. No wonder we all need each other. Always ask God to give you green pastures, relief from trials. It is amazing how it works when you ask God to encourage you. I have seen it in my life many times. Never cease praying for others who are going through some really tough times.

  • Janet Treadway

    Thanks Linda. You are always so encouraging.

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