Are we just trying to cope?

When we are competent -- we have sufficient skill to deal with situations.

When we are trying to COPE -- we are struggling.

When we are living in the COPE-TENT Our mind is camping in a difficult spot, we are struggling to survive but we are managing to get things dealt with...With our own knowledge, with our own skills and understanding.

BUT when we accept M into our midst and move from the cope-tent to coMpetent we find that we are suddenly properly qualified.

Why is that you ask?

Because the M is MESSIAH.

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

When we receive Christ we don’t have to settle for coping with this life. We can become competent....we can become equipped for doing His will!!!

We COPE with situations by worry and fret, and trying to figure out what to do...

We  can become COMPETENT when we learn to cast our cares upon the Lord, to pray and trust that the Lord with bring the right thing at the right time to supply our needs.

Simply re-read those last two sentences and just FEEL how peaceful that second one is.... Jesus says my yoke is easy and my burden is light. With HIM it is not too difficult....With HIM we are qualified to do HIS WILL.

Rest your heart and mind in the Lord.

At the Rise and Shine Retreat Lysa Terkuest said (paraphrase and how I interpreted it) "Let those worries and fears that play in your mind over and over be a reminder to pray. When you pray ask Christ to be your portion for whatever is rolling over and over in your mind."

So if you are tired and hear yourself complain over and over in your mind : STOP and ask Christ to be your portion of energy to get through the day. If you are sad and down, catch those thought that say "I just cant do this anymore!" and STOP and ask CHRIST to be your portion of JOY today.

He will be that portion ...just as God sent a daily portion of manna to the children of Isreal...

Have Faith in CHRIST and let Him transform your cope to COMPETENT!!!

F & L'er
Starla