Undoubtedly, no matter how big or small our problems may seem, God is always bigger! God is always there for us, ready to help us through whatever situation or circumstance we may be facing.
However, as you know, sometimes it is hard to fully grasp God’s deep love and will for our lives when we are subjected with wave after wave of overwhelming hardships and/or disappointments.
Now, I can cite scripture after scripture where ordinary people like you and me experienced these same kinds of hardships and disappointments and God delivered them out of them all! You can just do a quick google search and I guarantee you will be blown away at what you find in the Bible.
My brothers and sisters, when we experience these unwanted interruptions in our personal lives it’s encumbent on us to fully and trust trust God and know that He will never abandon us (Deut 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5). We must choose to cleave to biblical scripture and prayer in all circumstances so that we can see the light of God’s wisdom shining through the darkness.
Isaiah 55:8-9 is always a great go to reminder when the waves of life come crashing in and the prophet said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
So today, I want you to remember that God is so much bigger than anything you are facing today. Please reflect on the hope you have in Jesus because God is with you and He is navigating every step!
Your faith isn’t tested by fire on your best days, it’s tested by fire on your worst days.
I’ve heard it said, “A faith that can’t be tested, can’t be trusted.” Now, let’s be honest, we don’t like it when our faith is being tested because we are afraid of disappointment, failure and defeat.
When our faith is tested it can be difficult to understand why a ‘good’ God allows us to go through such trying situations. Now, we can go down several rabbit trails why God allows this trials, but the primary reason is simple: sanctification. God is transforming us into the image of His son, Jesus Christ. God test us for our good; to develop our faith. Testing is not something we should despise because it’s a chance to show the genuineness of our faith and glorify our Lord.
I Peter 1:7 reminds us that, “Trials will show that our faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when our faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring us much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”
On a side bar, gold is naturally impure. To purify it, the goldsmith must put it into the furnace repeatedly. With each pass through the fire, it becomes purer. This is why there are different karats of gold (8,16,24). The higher the karat the purer it is, with 24 karats being the purest. If we want our faith in God to be pure and indestructible like gold, our faith must go through the fire again and again and again. Although we’ve been made right with God through our faith in Jesus Christ, the remnant of our sinful nature is still within us. Hence, the reason why salvation is instantaneous, but the ‘work of a saint’ (aka) ‘the sanctification process’ is lifetime.
Furthermore, in order to authentically follow Christ we must pick up our cross and deny ourselves daily. This requires dying to our own desires and ways of thinking. The tests we go through are not designed to fail us, they are designed to kill our flesh so that we can live by the Spirit. Ironically, trials feel like the complete opposite of what life in Christ should be, but it’s not. Again, the purpose of the test is to grow our faith, free us from bondage, and increase our dependency on God. Shallow beliefs and idols won’t last in the trial, they’ll be ruined by the fire. Only what is true and pure will remain.
My brothers and sisters, if your faith is under fire or being tested in this season don’t fear the fire – the tests and trials. The fire isn’t designed to destroy you, but to remove everything that’s holding you back from God’s perfect will. If you remain steadfast, you will glorify God and come to know His power in a deeper way. Your triumph will be a testimony to believers and unbelievers alike. Now, this isn’t to say it will get any easier, but you will become stronger, wiser, and not as easily swayed by storms that come your way. Remember what James 1:2-4 tells us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Philippians 4:6 in the NLT encourages us to, “Tell God what you [we] need, and thank Him for all He has done.”
Now let’s be honest, we got the ‘telling’ part down pat, but sometimes we’re hit or miss when it comes to the ‘thanking’ part. Unfortunately for some of us we don’t give thanks more because we are more concerned with self-preservation. In short, we struggle with idolatry and I’m not talking about little statues people put on our mantels.
Idolatry referenced in this devotional means to place trust in something or someone other than God. It might be a belief in ourselves (self-idolatry) or trust in the economy (Mammon) or government. Some of us look to our spouse or family to deliver us. Others place their trust in a mentor or expert (counselor, pastor, or leader.) Some of us worship our work, our hobbies, or our favorite cause. At the end of the day, every hood and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17).
Real quick, you remember the story of Jesus healing 10 people with leprosy found in Luke 17:11-19. This is one of several good biblical examples of how thanking God “for all he has done” affects happiness.
From all historic biblical accounts, people who had leprosy were social outcasts. Nobody wanted to get close to them for fear that they might get leprosy. But Jesus treated all 10 with compassion, healing each one of them. Yet the Bible says that, after being healed, only one turned back to give thanks: “And he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]” (Luke 17:16 AMP).
The truth of the matter is no one knows the reasons why each of the other nine men did not return to give thanks. But, I do know that if I were part of the 10, there would have been two to turn back to give thanks (1 Black Man and 1 Samaritan). You see, giving thanks to God is not just about being thankful….it’s called worship! Worship is our response to God’s grace, mercy and power.
So, like the leper who turned back, are you grateful for what Jesus has done for you? When was the last time you authentically got your worship on??
If I am speaking to you, please turn to God in prayer today, and happily thank him “over and over” for all the good things He has done and because we serve a God that can make the impossible-possible, go ahead and worship Him for what He is getting ready to do in and through your life!
It cost us $0.00 to thank God for all the blessing He is given us.
Let’s all be honest, living a Christ centered life is not always easy or glamorous as we sometimes portrayed/displayed at church, home, work, and on social media. At times life can be downright dirty, hurtful, and painful as the reality of sin and death rears its ugly head in our personal lives and in the lives of the ones we love the most.
Undoubtedly, Jesus never promised this life would be easy but He promised we shall overcome if we trust in Him and walk in His ways. Jesus clearly forewarned us in John 16:33 and He said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Let’s be clear, that’s not to say there is no joy in serving the living God. But like all things there is bad as well as good and you can not have one without the other. Psalm 126:5 reminds us, “They that sow in tears shall harvest shouts of joy.”
In my opinion, this verse speaks about how we should remember to look ahead of our struggles and sin and that the tears we shed today will be like seeds that are planted in a field that in time through much toil and suffering will rise to a great harvest of joy, gratefulness, and thankfulness.
Personally, I feel a bit convicted as there are people who suffer far more than me for the cause of Christ in their daily lives but we should not compare ourselves to others as we all have been given a specific path to follow as He directs and lead us. But we should pray for our brothers and sisters in the faith that they will overcome in their daily battles as God has commanded us to do so (Ephesians 6:18).
In the end, all wrongs will be righted and hope will be restored. And our weeping which may endure for a night shall become joy in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
So, today I want you to know the next tears you cry will be tears of joy because God is already moving mightily, expeditiously, and intimately on your behalf.
I was taking a break today, but I am certain that somebody needs to hear this word of encouragement and refreshment today.
That being said, if you are the person I am writing to, I would like to remind you that if God did it before, He will do it again!
Furthermore, if God did it for one, He could do it for another. Remember Moses’ exodus story? The children of Israel were literally between a rock and a hard place, but God opened the Red Sea by the hand of Moses. Fast forward 40 years and we find Joshua (Moses successor) and the children of Israel needing that same God to intervene as they faced the Jordan River, and God did just that. The Jordan River opened for Joshua just as the Red Sea did for Moses. And guess what, Saints of God, Hebrews 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever” and Malachi 3:6 says: “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”
The Bible is filled with so many stories like the ones mentioned above! I encourage you to do your own personal search, but for now let me ask you, what is your Red Sea experience or your Jordan River need today? Is It Sickness? God is a healer! Is it despair due to the death of a loved one or the pain of divorce? God can heal your broken heart! Is it financial debt? God can give everyone in your deparment a raise so you can have debt relief! Are you discouraged or depressed? God is the God of comfort and peace! Whatever your unique need may be, remember that God can do anything. Put all of your faith and trust in Him, and He will bring it to pass!!
There’s a little impatience even in the most patient person. Impatience has its roots in fear, worry, frustration, and anxiety. It’s a feeling of rising stress that starts when you feel that your needs, wants, and desires are being ignored. In a modern environment where we’re accustomed to instant communication and immediate access to data, it’s a growing problem.
Patience is a fruit of God’s spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and just because we are filled with His Spirit doesn’t negate the fact that patience requires a life time of daily practice? Somebody say, “Herein lies the crux of the matter!”
You see, practicing patience is difficult because it often goes against our expectations and desires for immediate results. This is especially true when we are waiting on the Lord and His timetable doesn’t match our own. In such situations, it’s important to remember we can’t go wrong waiting for Him. Psalm 27:14 reminds to, “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.”Blessings will manifest in God’s good ole time when we choose to trust in Him and discipline ourselves to stay in sync with Him!
Look at it this way, we often ask the Lord for what we think we need, based on our limited information. But His understanding is infinite and our understanding is finite. It’s not uncommon for God to sometimes simply says ‘no’ to our requests. In other cases, He may adjust our desire to match His. And sometimes He answers in a way that looks nothing like what we requested, but it will be exactly what we need. Contrary to popular beliefs, a submissive heart accepts the omnipotent Father’s gentle redirection, recognizing that He is always right.
At the end of day, waiting patiently on the Lord strengthens our faith in Him: We learn to rest in His loving care and accept that whatever He gives us is best. It’s also a witness to others, who see His care and faithfulness to us and may choose to put their trust in Him as well.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, God wants to produce patience in us to slow us down and to show us how to trust in Him. God does not test us just for the sake of testing us, but He tests us to teach us to walk in His ways and to trust in Him. Undoubtedly, God is never late and when we fully embrace this empirical truth we will wait differently!
How many times have you thought, “Enough… It’s over, I can’t do this anymore! I quit!”? How many times have you felt torn between abandoning a path you set to reach a goal or continuing, but with “gritted teeth” and decreasing interest and motivation day by day? Trust me, I am not exempt from any of these questions. In fact, I’ll submit to you that it has happened to me often, but my walk with Christ has taught me that He is in control and above all, I mustn’t give up, because in reality, I am much closer to the goal than I think.
The Bible teaches that God’s sovereignty is an essential aspect of who He is, that He has supreme authority and absolute power over all things. And yes, He is very much active, despite our lack of understanding, perplexity and ambiguity. Scripture says, “Dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations (Psalm 22:28) and God works “all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11).
That being said my brothers and sisters, life may not be fair right now, but I want to remind you that God sees what’s happening and He knows what your going through! He has you in the palm of His hand. He’s given you grace for every frustration and mercy for every bad choice you’ve made. He’s righteously breathing in your direction right now. So, don’t quit! You’re so close to your breakthrough; you’re so close to a new beginning.
If this word of encouragement blessed you, share it with someone today and always remember that you’re greatest blessing is always in front of you and never behind you, so be blessed on purposed and be strong!
Essentially, they are three stages of faith. The FIRST STAGE is known as LITTLE FAITH. This stage of faith is also known as restless or struggling faith. This faith is not sinful unless a person gives up (Romans 14:23 AMP). This stage of faith isn’t where a person should desire to stay but undoubtedly this is where we all start out and occasionally vacillate in our faith journey.
Now this leads me to the SECOND STAGE. This stage is known as GREAT FAITH. This stage of faith is known as reaching faith. In this stage we believe God can and He will. It’s choosing to live in a place of expectancy and not ambiguity. This stage of faith is willing to obediently wait on God no matter the consequences or the time it takes for the promise to manifest. This stage of faith is intrenched in the scriptures and it believes in the character, promises, sovereignty, and power of God. In this stage of faith we thank God for His promise(s) in advance because we use waveringly believe that if God said it, He will perform it.
The final stage or THIRD STAGE of faith is known as PERFECT FAITH. This stage of faith is called resting or abiding faith. Perfect faith doesn’t mean you’re perfect, but as you rest in God’s word, promises, and reflect back on what God has done for you in the past, it enables you to hear God’s voice, see the invisible, believe the impossible, and receive the incredible. This stage of faith enables you to look pass the Goliath size obstacles, fortified walls, and believe it’s already done. AMEN!! This stage of faith sees the end result at the very beginning because we know at some point God’s promise will become a physical and living reality in the circumstance at the ordain time!
After reading this, I know that it doesn’t take rocket scientist to determine which stage of faith we should choose to live in our personal faith journey. I will submit to you that depending on the situation(s) or circumstance(s), I sometime vacillate between the first and the third stages, but I found the more I search scripture I learn more about God’s character and the more I learn about His character the more I learn to obediently trust Him. I can honestly say at this stage in my life, I am actively learning to living in resting and abiding faith!
For the record, I could’ve cited numerous passages of text to contextually and scripturally validate each of these stages of faith, but I challenge you to dig into the word for yourself and find those specific passages of text applicable to your situation(s) or circumstance(s) today and make the conscience decision to live consistently in reaching, resting and abiding faith!
