Have you ever been in Abraham’s sandals? God has given you a promise which you have fervently held on to, maybe for a long time,but it continues to look so hopeless. It says that Abraham also realistically knew that he and his wife were way beyond childbearing age, yet he neither weakened or waived in his belief that God would come through somehow. And so I encourage you today…regardless of what the situation looks like, know that God is in complete control and has the power to do what He has promised, for with God ALL things are possible.
Tag: religion
Luke 10:41 ” ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered,’ you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ “
This verse comes from a very familiar story…Jesus and the disciples have come into Bethany, where Martha has invited them in for a meal. She is distracted and worried about feeding 13 hungry men, while her sister Mary sits at the feet of Jesus listening. Martha’s focus becomes the meal not the Messiah. Getting the food on the table takes her attention away from who will be sitting at the place of honor eating it. Distraction and worry give way to frustration and anger. “Don’t you care Lord?” Mary laments. I can just see Jesus smiling and shaking His head saying “Martha, Martha, there is but one necessity and Mary has selected it.” But what exactly did Mary choose? She chose time with the Lord. And so I encourage you to not allow distraction, worry, and the things of this world to rob you of this “better” thing. Mary chose what was eternal…what would you choose?
Acts 21: 12-13 ” When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered.’Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ “
Paul’s friends were beseeching him not to go to Jerusalem and certain arrest. His friends reactions were very human and kind of selfish…they wanted Paul safe. But the Holy Spirit was also speaking to Paul, and he knew this is where he had to be.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit will speak things into our lives that we absolutely know are true, but when we share them with others they discourage and plead with us to reconsider. At that point you have to make the decision of who you will listen to ..God or man. Therefore, Listen carefully, if you know it’s from the Holy Spirit, don’t allow others to dissuade you from fulfilling your ministry.
Lamentations 3: 31-33 ” For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring afflication or grief to the children of men.”
The term “willingly” comes from two Hebrew words which mean- from His heart. God doesn’t want to bring hardships into our lives, but He may do so in order to teach, convict, and bring us into a right relationship with Himself. We, unfortunately, have to live with the circumstances of wrong choices we’ve made. But the wonderful news is that despite how much we mess up, the Lord’s great love for us never ends…it is new every morning!
Matthew 15:22 ” A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to Him, crying out, ‘Lord, son of David, have mercy on me.’ “
“Have mercy on me”… This Greek word- Eleeo- is often and inadequately defined as merely clemency for holding back a deserved punishment, when in reality it means to relieve or remove the suffering. This Greek word is used especially to signify God’s salvation in which He acts to reverse the adverse effects of sin. Our sins are not just forgiven, but they are removed as far as the East is from the West. The Lord’s mercy towards us has nothing to do with us, our predicament, or even how good or bad we are…it is because of His great mercy towards us that we are saved. We can do nothing to change His mercy towards us. Thank you Lord for having mercy on me today!
Daniel 6:17 ” A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den and the king sealed it with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed.”
Sometimes God will do just that to us. He will take away our control over a situation. He will orchestrate circumstances that will hem us in and cover us over like a large stone. Then finally, He will seal it all up…so that our situation might not be changed…by us or other human hands. But be encouraged, this is the time when miracles happen. Miracles that baffle doctors and logical thinking. Things that only a mighty God can accomplish. So do not despair the stone over your life today, instead anticipate a miracle!
Safetypinlove 