There are many things that strip the joy right out of my life. And, many of those things are not dependent on 
my circumstances but on what I believe while in the middle of them. This past week one of our teaching pastors at Cornerstone Fellowship, Matt VanCleave, gave a message that hit home for me personally. And, in that message were some questions that challenged me.
Today, I pass what Matt impressed in my heart, through his message, on to you. I pray that these questions and the verses that accompany them challenge you to pay attention to the “view” you might have when in the midst of real life challenges. To hear the complete message go to www.cornerstoneweb.org. If you live in the Northern California East Bay, I invite you to join us at one of the services at Cornerstone, and if you live far away…as I know many of you do, I invite you to join us online. The weekend services are online for you to view , and you will be encouraged and taught more of God’s Truth…. just me sharing a little of my church family/community with you.
Here’s from Matt’s Message:
- Why would I live my life saying ” I can’t” when I read Philippians 4:13 that says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength?”
- Why would I live my life in worry when Philippians 4:19 tells me, “God will supply all my needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”?
- Why would I have fear in my heart when 2 Timothy 1:7 tells me, “God did not give me a spirit of fear, but one of love and power and self discipline.”?
- Why should I lack wisdom when James 1:5 says, “God would give it to me generously if I just ask for it?”
- Why should I go around shackled in the chains of my past knowing that 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”?
- Why should I feel dead in my sin when Colossians 2:13 assures me that, “God made me alive with Christ, for he forgave all my sins.”?
- Why should I ever feel alone when Jesus plainly said in Matthew 28:20, “he would always be with me.”?
- Why should I shrink back from doing what I need to do when Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for me, who can be against me?”
- Why should I complain when Philippians 4:11 says, “I can learn to be content in all situations.”?
I pray that you ask yourself “Why” today. Why allow the things that trouble you to remain when you are never alone and God is always with you, for you, and working in your situation. And, this is my prayer for myself too.
Learning to trust God with my “whys”,
Debbie
I just realized I got one of the verse references wrong. It should be 2 Timothy 1:7.
I’m so honored to be serving with you Debbie. You inspire and encourage me more than you know.
Hi Matt!
I fixed the scripture, thanks for letting me know.
The honor is mine…you really inspire people much more than you realize.
My family has been impacted by your ministry.
thank you!
And….I have this Why? list, copied and in my purse to look at when I start doubting….
Debbie and Matt,
I came back to the website to print a copy to carry on me also as a reminder. Such a great message I can’t wait to share it with my 17 year old daughter who I am praying for her salvaition. By the way Matt she really enjoys listening to you, she really understands what you are preaching. I hope through your message she will hear the Holy Spirit knocking.
Thank you both so much for the love of Christ you share.
Great post Debbie!
Since we’re on the topic of Matt’s message: The “mommy don’t look at me now” analogy which set the stage for how Christians try to hide there sin was spot-on Matt! Thanks for really bringing it home.
Thanks for sharing this Debbie. I was listening to Matt’s lesson just this morning on my way to work. (Second time hearing it this week) This is for you Matt, even though you will never meet me you still inpact my life with your ministry. I enjoy all the teachers who are in Cornerstone, but you dear sir are one of my favorite. I prayed for the adoption of your new little daughter and rejoiced when you finally got her. I smile when hearing fun stories about Lilly and Kathy sounds like a wonderful wife. It is Kathy, right? LOL Thank you for your service to Christ Matt. Glad you are feeling better Deb. God Bless.
Thank you Debbie for being a beautiful vessel to so many. Your hope, encouragement, faith & love is truly inspired nourishment.
Quote from ” Mr. Jones, Meet the Master!” by Peter Marshall
“Church members in too many cases are like deep sea divers,
encased in the suits designed for many fathoms deep, marching
bravely to pull out plugs in bathtubs.”
– From Pastor’s Postscript
Why?
Because HE says so.
Thank you for the message.
Thank you for this blog too…
I cannot tell you just how much you have ministered to me through your study
He is my all.
You are touching lives in a way that draws others to the words that they need to hear and hold near as to more fully comprehend our Heavenly Father’s love for us personally… because you have been there.
I am in awe of how much you are pointing others to Christ and to our true hope, through grace and love and truth…
Surely as we grasp just how deep our Father’s love for us is, the more capable we are to extend His genuine love and acceptance to others.
Writing You In gratitude!