08-02-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 2, 2023
Guest Writer: Rev. Paula Gembala 
Many years ago, I was a two pack a day smoker.  I tried time after time to quit, but failed each and every time.  One day I was reading my bible and came across this scripture found in Philippians 4:6-7 which says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I started praying this scripture to God each day.  I told God he was strong and I knew I was weak after failing so many times.  I thanked him for giving me faith to know he was going to take this from me and make me a non-smoker.  I set a date of August 11th which was 2 weeks away, and shared that with God.  When my target date rolled around, I threw away my last pack of cigarettes and my lighter.  I was astounded at what happened.  I actually never had any withdrawals or cravings.  When I was around someone who was smoking, I felt sick by the smell of the smoke.  It would literally make me gag.  To this day, almost 16 years later, I still feel ill when I get near the smell of smoke!

I share all this to say, if you are facing a difficult challenge, look to the scriptures to find a verse that works for you.  Pray it daily and have faith it will work for your situation as well. 

​Wonderful God, thank you for giving us scriptures to turn to when we are going through difficult circumstances.  Teach us to pray those scriptures in our times of need and to have faith in your power to take these difficulties away from us.  You are an amazing God, with the power to overcome any challenge.  Thank you for walking beside us each step of the way.  Amen.