July 5, 2024 When the Road Is Weary and You Wonder if God CaresABBY MCDONALD Lee en español "But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living." Job 28:12-13 (NLT) "Your back actually looks pretty good," the radiologist said. "I don't see anything requiring surgery." The resident therapy dog brushed my leg and looked up with expectant eyes. Instead of petting him, I frowned at the image on the screen. Wasn't this MRI supposed to provide answers? If my back looks good, why the chronic pain? Heart racing, I got up and walked out. The radiologist said he would send the report to my regular doctor so I could follow up later. For weeks, this appointment had represented a light at the end of a weary tunnel. I was depleted physically and emotionally, ready to enjoy activities that had been deferred for months. After countless appointments with different specialists, I thought, This is it. Now we can make progress. But with the radiologist's words, I knew there would be more attempts to treat an invisible burden. Days later, I walked my dog while uttering desperate prayers. I told God I was frustrated. Although I didn't voice it out loud, another question burdened me: Does He care? Sometimes when I pray these prayers, God throws me a spiritual life vest. But this time, He sent something else: a meteor shower. My husband is a dedicated stargazer, and he knew this show of wonder was predicted. As we watched the sky light up that evening, I felt God's embrace. Sometimes God allows the darkness so His light can be magnified. In Scripture, few people suffered more than Job. But even as he struggled to understand what was happening to him, he looked at creation and knew two things: God saw him, and God alone was wise. He lamented, "But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living" (Job 28:12-13). But even though Job was honest with God about his questions, he didn't let them cloud his view of who God was. He shifted his focus from his desire for deliverance to the Deliverer: "God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found, for he looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens" (Job 28:23-24, NLT). As I put my head on the pillow that night after witnessing God's wonder, I sensed Him saying, I know you don't always see it, but I'm caring for you in more ways than you know. He puts out fires we may never see. He deflects destruction flying toward us. While my struggle remained, somehow I felt seen and held right there in the middle of it. And I knew His love reached places beyond those streaks of fire. God, thank You that nothing we go through escapes Your notice. You see our suffering, and we can come to You with full transparency. When we question Your ways, help us to see who You truly are. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Abby McDonald's book, Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God, offers more insights into how a simple shift in perspective can allow the power of God to reign in our lives. Pick up your copy here! ENGAGE Are there areas of your life where you can't seem to find a breakthrough? Click here to take Abby's "5 Days to Life Unstuck Challenge." You can also connect with Abby on her website and Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Romans 11:33, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" (NIV). When was the last time you were completely honest with God about your struggles? How does it make you feel to know that God is protecting and caring for you even in ways unseen? Tell us about it in the comments. © 2024 by Abby McDonald. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post When the Road Is Weary and You Wonder if God Cares – Encouragement for Today – July 5, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

Happy 4th of July, everyone! On this day, nearly two and a half centuries ago, our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, laying the foundation for our free and beautiful country. And today, our so-called ‘president’ Joe Biden mistook Independence Day for Christmas… “Ho, ho, ho!” Biden greeted the crowd as Kamala Harris almost (“accidentally?”) introduced him as vice president. Watch for yourself: BREAKING: Joe Biden just mistook July 4th for Christmas, saying, “Ho, ho, ho,” when Kamala Harris almost accidentally introduces him as the vice president Between these two, who’s on more drugs? pic.twitter.com/8JEdiyhxY9 — George (@BehizyTweets) July 5, 2024 KAMALA: “We give thanks to our commander-in-chief, the vice— the president!” BIDEN: “Ho, ho, ho!” pic.twitter.com/jJ4MdfLcF9 — RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 5, 2024 I’m gonna miss Joe Biden in 2025. This is now becoming pure comedy. Ho Ho Ho on the 4th of July . pic.twitter.com/QvcVUCzyXs — John Shahidi (@john) July 5, 2024 The New York Post reported on Biden’s gaffe-filled White House 4th of July celebration: President Biden made several odd gaffes and misstatements throughout the official White House Fourth of July celebration, appearing confused at times and puzzlingly greeting the crowd with a hearty “Ho ho ho! Happy Independence Day!” The president, 81, and first lady Jill Biden were joined on stage by Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Harris introduced the “extraordinary” President Biden who then began a short statement of well-wishing for the holiday. Biden looked more sprightly than during his much-maligned June 27 debate performance. But his statements weren’t much more coherent despite being louder in volume. “We gotta do what our founders did: show the world we’re a nation of dignity, honor, and just devotion to one another,” he said before telling the audience to enjoy the fireworks. As Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” blared, the group made their way off the stage. Biden, bringing up the rear, suddenly paused his gait mid-step, seemingly unsure to whom he should hand the microphone. You truly can’t make this up, folks. We’ve reached levels of satire that can’t be parodied anymore… Check out these reactions:   More like oh no, no, no! At this rate, he’ll be handing out Easter eggs on Thanksgiving. Perhaps he’ll confuse the nuclear codes with his lunch order next. Can’t make this stuff up, folks. — Hank (@HANKonX) July 5, 2024 Christmas in July for Republicans. — John Rust (@JohnRust_IN) July 5, 2024 Joe Biden is no longer with us and the Democrats can’t hide it. — Cash Loren (@CashLorenShow) July 5, 2024 At this point, we have to wonder: is this real? Or an act?   Ok, I’ve seen enough. This isn’t real. It’s theatrics. They’re trying way too hard. I’m not buying what they’re trying to sell. This is just an over-sensationalized made for tv drama to make way for another candidate. Remember, Hollyweird is involved with these bad actors. — LadyPatriot #Trump2024 (@Pete2Shawn) July 5, 2024 Or, maybe we got it all wrong and Joe Biden wasn’t actually impersonating Santa Claus at all…   No he was calling Kamala a ho ho ho — Conservative SB (@Conservative_SB) July 5, 2024

Looks like Trump is ready to drag Biden out for some more humiliation. He’s proposing a no-rules debate. It’s like a political cage match, and Trump is itching to get in the ring! He wrote, “I have the answer to the Crooked Joe Biden Incompetence Puzzle — Let’s do another Debate.” What will the Democrats do now? We know they want to replace him? Even Trump knows, as he said so on a leaked video. But I suppose this will help wake up some of the stubborn normies. Will Biden accept the challenge? Trump Challenges Biden to a No-Holds-Barred Debate: ‘Anytime, Anywhere, Anyplace!’ READ: https://t.co/IZygnO7piW pic.twitter.com/GLkYB03RGS — The Gateway Pundit (@gatewaypundit) July 4, 2024 NEWS: Trump took to Truth Social Thursday evening to challenge Biden in a presidential debate on ‘No Holds Barred’ hosted by @PaulAllenNHB & @AFDaltonC pic.twitter.com/ORFhHRU0Zd — AF Hasbara (@afhasbara) July 4, 2024 The Gateway Pundit reports: President Donald Trump issued a challenge to Joe Biden via Truth Social on July 4th. Trump proposes a one-on-one, no-holds-barred debate to discuss the future of America. The former president’s call for this unconventional debate format promises a direct, unfiltered discussion on key issues affecting the nation. “I have the answer to the Crooked Joe Biden Incompetence Puzzle — Let’s do another Debate,” wrote Trump. He envisions an all-out discussion with just him and Biden on stage. “An all on discussion, with just the two of us on stage, talking about the future of our Country. The ratings were massive for the First Debate, record setting, in fact, but this one, because of the format, would blow everything away!” he said. The first debate was a testament to the biased media, with CNN clearly tilting things in favor of Joe Biden. The debate format, with its mic muting and strategically placed commercial breaks, blatantly controlled the narrative to favor Biden. Trump’s challenge includes asking Biden to explain his stance on several controversial policies. “Let Joe explain why he wants Open Borders, with millions of people, and many violent criminals from parts unknown, pouring into our once great Nation, or why he wants Men Playing in Women’s Sports, or demand ALL ELECTRIC VEHICLES within five years, or why he allowed INFLATION TO RUN RAMPANT, destroying the people of our Country, and so much more,” Trump said. JUST IN: Trump doubles down on his criticism of Joe Biden & Kamala Harris in a 4th of July post on Truth Social. The post came just hours after a leaked video showed Trump shredding Biden and Harris. Trump turned his sights on Harris & trolled her for her previous relationship… pic.twitter.com/eGImIjgHg8 — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 4, 2024 Donald Trump challenges Joe Biden to another debate pic.twitter.com/AkzbzEv1Ok — ALX (@alx) July 4, 2024