My husband and I just started paying off student loans which is actually the last thing I want to be doing. If you have ever been in this position, you know that it's probably the most annoying bill you have to pay every month. Long story short, we owe a good amount of money. I had the opportunity to try to appeal one of my heavier loans. Due to certain circumstances, there was a chance that I would be able to completely erase a good amount of money from my student loans. I wrote this long letter and basically pleaded and begged for them to forgive this debt I owed. My husband and I prayed and prayed and prayed that this debt would be forgiven. However, we got a letter in the mail last week that my appeal was denied. I was just absolutely crushed, and to be honest I was not too happy with God. I was so frustrated and I just broke down crying. I plopped myself down on the couch and opened my phone. I have the Bible app as a "widget" on my home screen and the verse of the day just happened to be, "Rejoice always," 1 Thessalonians 5:16
"There are a billion things that can steal our joy, but only one source
in which we can receive it."
C.S Lewis
I started crying again, but this time it was out of pure joy. The crazy thing is God knew all along that this appeal was going to be denied. It was an opportunity for my husband and I to completely trust that God was in control no matter the outcome. That was a reason to rejoice in itself. Now I can't tell you quite yet why God allowed that appeal to be denied, and truthfully I may never know. What I do know is that God being sovereign and just is enough reason to be thankful. I can rejoice always because I know I serve a loving Father who truly always knows what is best for me.
This week, I encourage you to pray for that thing you have been hesitant to pray about because you are worried how God might answer. We were never meant to worry about talking to the Lord. "Come near to God and he will come near to you..." James 4:8 The Lord wants to hear from you and wants a heart that completely trusts in Him.
Rejoice in the many things God has blessed you with. Rejoice in the fact that Jesus died for your sins so that you may spend eternity with Him! There is always a reason to rejoice.
Prayer points:
Thank You, Lord for being a just God.
Help me to rejoice in You this week.
Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins.
Help me to find joy in my struggles this week.
Father,
I am so undeserving of Your mercy and grace. Your mercies are new every morning! Help me to rejoice in You every day. You are the breath in my lungs, and the reason I am here today. Help me to live a life that reflects Your glory. Thank You for blessing me daily.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
For His Glory,
Haley Thorpe
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