A Voice of Thanksgiving

In each issue of EVE, we share true stories of hope, encouragement and inspiration. These testimonies are from women all over the world, who have gone through many obstacles and pain, yet they share their stories, so that others will know that they too can overcome their situations. For women who feel like there is no hope, we want to offer you real hope, which is in Jesus Christ.

When you're in trouble, what is your first reaction? Do you cry out to God for help, or do you sit back and magnify your problem, making it bigger than God? Many of us can say we look to God and trust Him, but do we really?

Trusting in God is looking at your situations and knowing that God has them in complete control. Your faith in Him is believing, without a doubt, that God will do what His word says He will do concerning your problems. Worry, fear, anxiety and stress don't bring relief, they bring doubt, unbelief and eventually stunts your faith in God.

We've all experienced events in our lives and wondered, "How am I going to make it? When is the pain ever going to stop!" There's no hope for me!" Events come and go in our lives, but God will never leave you. It may seem as if God's not there because of real problems you face each day, but know that God has not left you and He is there for you.

In the book of Jonah, God clearly gives Jonah a command, which he disobeys.

As you read the book of Jonah, in just four small chapters, you will find that Jonah went through a lot of unnecessary drama and pain, yet through it all, he saw his experience as a time to worship and not whine.

In chapter 2, Jonah was swallowed by a big fish and stayed in the belly for 3 days. Instead of complaining to God about the obvious torture and discomfort he experienced, Jonah worshiped God with a voice of thanksgiving and a prayer of hope.

To be perfectly honest, my first reaction would be one of great surprise to be in the belly of such a large fish, but without a shadow of a doubt, I would call on the name of Jesus! Jonah didn't hesitate to call on God, but not in desperation. He praised and worshiped God, knowing who He was and what He could do.

Jonah knew God and trusted Him with his life. We have to do the same thing. We have to know God, and trust Him with every facet of our lives. Whether we're going through a problem or just coming out of one. God is on our side! Proverbs 15:29b says "...He hears the prayer of the righteous." God hears your prayers and He knows your needs.

My encouragement to you is, never give up! Never give up on God and His word. Trust God in everything, no matter what it looks like, or how things feel. We have a voice that can make things happen.

With his voice, Jonah worshiped God and he was set free from the belly of the fish. In your distress, what are you going to use your voice for! I recommend Psalm 17, Psalm 18, I Thessalonians 5:16-18 & Phillipians 4:4-9.

Monica Ware, Publisher & Owner of EVE

Are you in need of JOY ? Have you lost what little joy you once had? During the holiday season, or throughout the year, you can experience a joy like none other. I'm talking about a relationship with Jesus, knowing Him as Lord and Savior!

Problems in life can make you unhappy, sad and depressed, but a relationship with Jesus Christ gives you the peace, joy and happiness you're looking for, in any situation.