Do The Next Thing

        I am a huge fan of Amy Carmichael and Elizabeth Elliot, but especially Elizabeth Elliot. I can relate to her in so many ways. I would love to have every book written by her if I could afford it! She is such a great hero of the faith to and for me. Whether it's a good or bad day, whenever I read the one book I have from her, it always challenges me to be just a little better. To reach out and KNOW the God I serve, to not just know of Him, but to actually know Him. She had such a walk with God that I hope and try to have. She is to the point. She doesn't make things easy or allow you to make excuses for why you should or could take the easy way out in life, but strongly reminds over and over God is the ONLY choice there is. I want someone to tell me like it is, in spiritual matter that is. ;) In the recent days I have needed some comfort and words of encouragement, once again first the Bible and then Elizabeth Elliot have been those words of comfort for me. They both gave me the balm I needed for my wounded spirit, but also admonished and reminded me that my eyes are to only be on Him. When my eyes are on Him alone it doesn't matter what happens or doesn't happen, it may shake me, but won't destroy me.
       I love verses from the Bible, and also love quotes and poems from my heroes of the faith. If I could I would have many quotes and verses from the Bible on my room walls. I like to read and re-read quotes and verses from the Bible that help me keep life in perspective. There are a couple of poems I especially have found comforting. Just maybe someone else needs or will need one of these! :)

DO THE NEXT THING

From and old English parsonage, down by the sea

There came in the twilight a message to me

It's quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven

Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven

And on through the hours the quiet words rang

Like a low inspiration - DO THE NEXT THING

Many a question, many of fear

Many a doubt hath it's quieting here

Moment by moment, let down from Heaven

Time, opportunity, guidance are given

Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King

Trust them with Jesus, DO THE NEXT THING

Do it immediately; do it with prayer

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverance, tracing His hand

Who placed it before thee with earnest command

Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wings

Leave all resulting, DO THE NEXT THING

Looking to Jesus ever serener,

(Working or suffering) be thy demeanor,

In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,

The light of His countenance be thy psalm,

Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,

Then, as He beckons thee, DO THE NEXT THING!

                                                  ~ Elizabeth Elliot

 *** I love this poem! Are you worried, mad, sad, happy, or just melancholy? That's okay, keep your eyes fastened on Jesus and DO THE NEXT THING!

I have found the last sentence to be SO true, through trials you can either decide to walk away or trust God. Any relationship, if it is true, must stand the test of happy and sad times for that relationship to grow stronger and deeper. A relationship with God is no different. The past couple of years there have been times where I thought I just couldn't handle the difficult things that had happened, but through it all I can truly say from personal experience that that God on the mountain is truly the God in the valley. He gives you the strength to 'DO THE NEXT THING', but you must first be willing to take the next step. Recently in my Bible reading I have come upon 2 Samuel 22, and it was so timely. I have written and memorized passages over and over. I will only write a couple that stood out to me! 2 Samuel 22 7, 31 "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears." 

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him."

**I hope one of these poems encourage you like they do me. There really is no down side to living for the Lord, whether it's a time of excitement or sadness it is still fabulous all the way around!  IF you have a favorite Bible verse, poem, quote or thought that helps you in difficult times or just in ever day life, please feel free to comment below. I would love to hear it!:)