Good morning! The wonderful thing about the Lord, is that he knows our heart and he still loves us enough to forgive us. One of the greatest challenges I have is the ability to trust. Whether it’s to trust someone’s motives, trust they will keep what I said confidential or that they will come through on what they said they will do. While I struggle and ask for discernment in this area, I look to Jesus. He already knows and he knew who He could trust. He knew who would betray him, he knew the weaknesses of the disciples, and what was about to happen. Join me as we continue reading Matthew chapter 26.

BIBLE VERSE  – Matthew 26:31-35
31 On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike [Zechariah 13:7]the Shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” 33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”

34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.”

REFLECTION
Sisters and brothers, Jesus knew the heart of the men he had discipled.  While He knew each of their weaknesses, he still loved them enough to go to the cross for their sins and ours. He saw their unfaithfulness, yet he remained faithful. Jesus knew what the mission was and he remained focused on the Father and what he had been called to do.

While I don’t know or claim to know what you are struggling with, I know God does. Maybe you are struggling to be faithful or trustworthy to others. Maybe you are bearing the scars from the time you trusted someone. Maybe you often deny what you are thinking or have done, but in your heart you know that there is some truth. Maybe fear has you paralyzed.

Questions to Ponder

• Are you willing to turn it over to God?

• Are you willing to change? (e.g., not be the betrayer, become trustworthy)

• Are you willing to forgive and move forward with your life? (forgiveness doesn’t mean forget, it means not letting what someone did to you or say to you continue to hold you in a prison of anger, bitterness or despair)

• Will you trust God in this area of your life?

PRAYER
Father God, in the name of Jesus we come to you in need of your strength and discernment in our lives. Lord, you know exactly what we are going through. You understand the depth of our pain and emotions. Lord, you are the only one who knows us like you do. Lord, thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for going to the cross even when you knew we would deny you or turn away. Lord, you have the answer to our prayers. Lord, continue to work in us and heal us. Lord, forgive us for thinking that we should be the judge and jury. Lord, teach us discernment, true love, how to be trustworthy in all our dealings, and to find forgiveness in our hearts. Lord, only you change us and make us whole. Thank you for all that you do, will do and have done for us. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep seeking! Keep trusting! 

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Sisters and brothers we are looking for new board members to serve a two year term. This is an important phase for our non-profit and we are excited for the next steps. If you are interested, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

We are also seeking volunteers for our retreat, which will be in November.

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SAVE-THE-DATE
Our Next Women’s Retreat is
Saturday, November 5, 2022.
Stay tuned for more details.

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PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

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