Not So Tough

"How you are fallen from heaven,

O Day Star, son of Dawn!

How you are cut down to the ground,

you who laid the nations low!

. . .Those who see you will stare at you

and ponder over you:

'Is this the man who made the earth tremble,

who shook kingdoms,

who made the world like a desert

and overthrew its cities,

who did not let his prisoners go home?'"

Isaiah 14:12, 16-17 ESV

It's easy to fear Satan, once the angel Lucifer, the light bearer who lusted after God Almighty's position and power, desiring it for himself.  Consequently, he was cast down to earth along with all his angels (Revelation 12:7-9, Ezekiel 28:11-19).  Now he is "the deceiver of the whole world" whose mission is to steal my hope, kill my faith, and destroy my love for Jesus (Revelation 12:9, John 10:10a).  

It is easy to fear such a formidable enemy.  When it comes right down to it, though, he's not so tough, not in the scheme of things, in the face of eternity and compared to the rule of a mighty God.  Here are some things to keep in mind so I won't lose heart in the midst of Satan's attacks.

Perspective.  As one who has been created, his power is limited.  His scope is also narrow as he is unable to be everywhere at once.  And the most important limiting factor to consider is that his dominion is restrictive as he still is under God's authority.  In other words, his schemes against followers of Christ must go through our Father's hands (Job 1:12).

Since all the deceptive tactics he tries on me have been approved by God, I can trust that the Lord will use it for my good, to grow my faith, hone my character, and purify my heart (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20).  Without opposition, my faith might fizzle out, my character would stagnate, and my heart could develop impurities that cloud my perception.  With an enemy to stand against me, however, I either draw closer to Jesus for strength and protection, or I completely fall away.  

When I keep Satan in his proper perspective, remembering God's sovereign power over him, I can stand strong in the midst of attack and realize the good that God brings through the devil's evil intentions.

Doomed.  His final destination is set in stone.  Even though he struts around the earth, conducting his business as if he has all dominion and power, his fate is the worst anyone could imagine.  The punishment for his rebellion, his prideful arrogance, is to be cast into "the fiery lake of burning sulfur" (Revelation 20:10).  As if this weren't enough, he is also doomed to suffer continual, eternal torment.

Meanwhile, my fate as a devoted follower of Christ by faith offered through the kindness of God is an eternity spent in my Father's house as a co-heir with Christ (John 14:2, Romans 8:17).  I am well loved and highly treasured by the One who made me.  Therefore, I have all the hope in the world.  In light of such bounty, it is clear that I am the victor and Satan is the loser in this equation.  Why fear such a creature destined for God's worst?

When I remember Satan's future, it helps me stand firm in my place as a well-loved child that is secured by Christ's victory on my behalf (Romans 8:37).

Desperate.  "Desperate times call for desperate measures."   I remember my mom uttering this phrase from time to time during my childhood.  She was probably facing some difficult situation where she felt forced to turn to extreme solutions that may never be considered in normal circumstances.  When times get hard, we do what we have to do to survive.

Satan is no different.  He knows his fate even though he may have deceived even himself of his power, believing he can somehow defeat God.  When I stand firm against him, however, submitting myself to God, he'll retreat in the face of such overwhelming odds (James 4:7).  Still, he is desperate to win and will go to great lengths to reach his goal of world domination.  Even so, I must remember that I've been delivered and Jesus has already conquered Satan (Colossians 1:13, Hebrews 2:14-15).  He only has as much power as I give him.

When I realize Satan has been defeated, I'll understand his desperation to bring me down.

My enemy is formidable and is constantly on the lookout for ways to steal, kill and destroy, devouring my faith (1 Peter 5:8).  If I only focus on his evil, he will seem to grow in power.  But if I keep him in perspective, remember his fate, and realize his desperation, he'll shrink in status.  And when he does, in the light of God's overwhelming power and sovereignty, I'll realize Satan is not so tough.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.

When do I feel helpless against the attacks of the evil one?

How am I rendered helpless by my fear?  

Take Courage!

"When Asa heard these words and the prophecy 

of Azariah son of Oded the prophet,

he took courage.

He removed the detestable idols

from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin

and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim.

He repaired the altar of the LORD

that was in front of the portico of the LORD's temple."

2 Chronicles 15:8

Asa stayed true to God.  As a result, he tasted peace for many years.  He removed idols, destroyed the high places and commanded his people to seek God and obey Him.  As a result of His faithfulness to God, he was given peace.  Peace, that is, until the latest uprising of the Ethiopians (2 Chronicles 14).  Perhaps he despaired despite the fact that God routed his enemy before him.  Maybe Asa wondered if God was still pleased.  For whatever reason, God chose to send Asa a message:  Keep staying true to Me and your efforts will be rewarded.

It doesn't take much to get me feeling discouraged, wondering if all that I'm doing really matters, if my efforts have made a difference, if my faithfulness is having an impact.  Sometimes it takes a little assurance that my devotion and loyalty to God and his calling on my life has not gone unnoticed.  It's easy to feel disheartened when it seems my efforts are for naught.  But God always notices the state of my heart and will reward my obedience.  Therefore, I can take courage!

Fully Act.  Good enough for government work, I sometimes think as I complete a task.  I'm not sure where I first heard this saying, but it somehow entered by consciousness and seems to stick.  The whole idea that I can do just enough to get by really appeals to my sin nature.  As long as I complete the task, what difference does the quality of my work make? 

If my heart is wholly devoted to loving God, I will want to do my best for Him.  Whatever I do reflects on Him so the Apostle Paul exhorts me to, ". . .do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)  If I think of making much of God as I go through my day, reflecting well upon Him as I cross every "t" and dot every "i", my attitude toward work may change.

This is especially hard if I have a hard taskmaster, a boss who works me without a bit of praise, or a husband who doesn't appreciate my efforts.  If I think of God as my supervisor instead of man and that I'm working directly for Him, my outlook may improve (Colossians 3:23-24).

I can take courage and do my best because God will reward me for my obedience.

Don't Delay.  I never thought of myself as being lazy until I heard a new definition of the word.  Laziness is failing to do what needs to be done as soon as it comes into my consciousness.  In other words, if I delay doing what I know is right, I'm being lazy.

It's easy to procrastinate.  In fact, I have a thousand wonderful reasons why I need to wait to act.  I'm not ready.  I need to practice.  I haven't figured it all out yet.  I need time to come up with a plan.  I don't have time.  I don't have energy.  And the list goes on.

In reality, there is no time like the present to obey God's calling on my life.  As soon as I take a step of faith, I can be confident that He will give me everything I need to succeed.  I can be equally assured of the fact that Satan doesn't want me to move forward and will do whatever it takes to delay me.  Therefore, I would be wise to respond before my enemy has a chance to act.

I can take courage and obey as soon as I receive my marching orders because God will reward me for my obedience.

Honor God.  I make an effort to avoid using any profanity or to say things that would make God look bad.  I take pride in the fact that I take care of His temple, my body (1 Corinthians 6:19-10).  I have made it my practice to attend church each Sunday (Hebrews 10:25).

Still, there are ways I dishonor God.  Sometimes it's easy to focus on the stuff that is obviously good, that is noticeable to everyone else but fail to pay attention to what is hidden.  What about my thought life?  How often do I think about things that grieve God?  Or consider actions that would not please Him.  Or hold a grudge that turns into a root of bitterness (Colossians 3:13)?

While others may not realize my indiscretions, God sees every vile reflection (Psalm 139:1-2).  It is important, therefore, that I honor God in everything, not only in what is obvious.

I can take courage and honor God in all my ways because He will reward me for my complete obedience.

While I fall into discouragement all too easily I can take heart in the fact that God sees my intentions, my efforts and my motivation and will reward me for obedience to His calling on my life.  Therefore, I can live my life to the best of my ability, acting without delay and honor Him in even the little or hidden things.  I can take courage for my reward is coming!

As I begin my day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on the prize that awaits me at the finish line (Philippians 3:14).

When do I lose sight of what God is preparing for me and only live for today?

How am I guilty of doing just enough to get by? 

Breach of Faith

"Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD;

he did not keep the word of the LORD

and even consulted a medium for guidance,

and did not inquire of the LORD.

So the LORD put him to death

and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."

1 Chronicles 10:14

His unfaithfulness was obvious.  He disobeyed then tried to justify his defiance toward the God who put him on the throne.  (1 Samuel 15:1-9)  Instead of relying on God's guidance, he turned to a medium when he was in a tight spot.  (1 Samuel 28:3-25)  In place of seeing God as sovereign and just, he treated Him as if He could easily be ignored and put off.

My unfaithfulness may not be as blatantly obvious as that of Saul's but it is no less serious.  How do I offend God's jealous nature and His supreme authority in the way I live my life?  I may be surprised.

Lean on my own understanding.  I know the words well because they are one of the most popular and well-memorized portions of scripture.  "Love the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."  (Proverbs 3:5-6)  I've meditated on the meaning of this verse, thought about it's significance to the Christian walk, and discussed it's merits with other believers.  When facing everyday challenges, however, I don't always put it into practice.

The moment my health turns South I run to the doctor and seek medical advice for how to preserve my vigor and remove my pain.  I love God but figure this is out of His realm.  After all, I justify, doctors are there to heal the sick.  While God can use doctors to bring about a cure, it is ultimately the Lord who is in control.  I would be wise to then place my confidence more in Him then on modern medicine.

As soon as I experience money issues I rely on what I know and am able to comprehend, looking for all the input I can find on how to remedy my difficulties.  Instead of trusting God to lead me through these rough waters I look for ways to circumvent the hardships, forgetting that He has promised to use everything I face for my good and His glory.  

When the circumstances of my life don't make sense leading me to wonder what kind of plan God might have for me, I offend His mysterious and lofty ways in my insistence on being able to see every detail of the plan before I will take a step forward.  Walking by faith means I'll have to leave the "how" in His capable hands, letting Him lead me one tiny step at a time.  

I am just as unfaithful as Saul was when I fail to recognize His presence in and control over every single aspect of my life.

Double-minded.  I believe God is the One with the plan for my life.  I tell people that He is in control and that I trust Him.  I think He is the source of all the wisdom I need.  However, as soon as I face perplexing times, my actions show that I believe guidance can come from other sources.

If I am to receive the wisdom I need today, I must put all my eggs in His basket, believing that all other sources of wisdom fall short (James 1:5-8).  I often doubt His resources, however, believing in my heart that there are some areas where I need advice apart from Him.  When my budget needs tweaking, for instance, I ask God for help but tend to believe the answers really lie with the financial experts I hear in popular circles.  

People are quick to give me advice about my career and although I say I trust God, I often choose the route that will lead to the most benefit for me instead of believing God has a specific path laid out for me to follow that will bring Him ultimate glory. 

I also ask God for wisdom in how to spend my time but would rather take the advice of efficiency experts.  After all, I rationalize, God wants me to maximize my time, right?

I am just as unfaithful as Saul was when I don't really believe that God has all the answers to every problem I face.

Losing heart.  I got tired of waiting, desiring to see results instead of hearing promises.  Therefore, I ran ahead, attempting to make things happen so I could feel good about the progress I made.  Waiting might work for someone else, but I'm a woman of action.  Now is as good a time as any to make my life amount to something, I think.  After all, God helps those who help themselves!

This foolish thought process leads me to make foolish decisions, choosing any action over waiting in an attempt to keep from looking passive or lazy.  Waiting can be difficult because it feels weak.  I'd rather be actively working toward a goal than sitting around waiting for something to happen.

In God's kingdom, however, I must remember that He's the One with the plan and only He knows the route I will take to get to where He wants me to go.  Therefore, if I try to make things happen in order to avoid inaction, I risk getting off-track.  Once I'm outside of His will, dependent upon my own strength, discouragement sets in as my limited resources run dry. I will never run out of steam, however, if I put all my hope in God, expecting to see His plan unfold in His time (Isaiah 40:31).

I am just as unfaithful as Saul was when I blaze my own trail in an effort to avoid any delays or idleness.

I may not be as blatantly unfaithful as Saul turned out to be, but I do offend God by not totally trusting him in my own way.  I do this by depending more on what I can comprehend than on the incomprehensible mind of God, putting up pretenses that I am seeking God's wisdom when really I want something more palatable, or choosing action over waiting on God's perfect timing.  In so doing, I am showing a breach of my professed faith in a faithful God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will trust God completely in all my ways.

When do I stray away from Him because I don't feel like waiting around for His answers to be revealed?

How does this impatience result in discouragement?

Strengthen Yourself in the Lord

"David was greatly distressed because the men

were talking of stoning him;

each one was bitter in spirit 

because of his sons and daughters.

But David found strength in the LORD his God."

1 Samuel 30:6

Things seemed about as bad as they could get.  Their homes were destroyed by fire and all their loved ones had been taken captive.  Not one living soul remained in the city when the men returned.  The weeping was loud that day and the men even considered stoning their beloved leader.  As distressed and desperate as David must have felt, he took strength in the Lord.

I, too, can find strength in the midst of heartache and strife when I rely on the Lord.  (Isaiah 40:31)  As I depend on Him to fight my battle for me, the strength I draw will guide me forward.

Seek God's Wisdom

My dad often tells of the time when he converted our garage into a family room and extra bedroom without using any written plans or diagrams.  Instead of relying on precise measurements and calculations to determine how to build the addition, he went by instinct, using estimation and his eye to judge how to proceed.  In the end, it turned out pretty well.

While this job may have ended in good results for my dad, life is a bit more complicated than a construction project.  It boggles the mind to consider all the people, circumstances and details that must fall into place in order for my life to proceed smoothly.  Taking into account the complexity of life, it is obvious that there is a master plan behind it all.  

Therefore, if I want to know what path I am meant to take, it is vital that I develop a close relationship with the Master Planner.  Without Him, life is simply a series of coincidences based on luck.  To find out what God's purpose is for this day, then, I must seek Him wholeheartedly, believing that He is my one and only hope. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) When I look for Him in such a sincere and heartfelt way, I will find Him.  And with Him, I will discover the next step He has planned for me to take.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When it seems there is no way out and my life is headed down a path of destruction through no fault of my own, I can draw my strength from the Lord, believing He has a purpose for the mess in which I'm currently surrounded.  When I don't have a clue where to go next and my days seem like an exercise in futility, I can turn to God for encouragement, trusting that He has designed a purpose that lies behind the apparent pointlessness that is my life.  When everything I love has been taken away, it's easy to think God doesn't care.  If I open myself up to Him, however, and let Him comfort me, I will find the reason behind the suffering.

As I strengthen myself in the Lord, I will find it necessary to seek God's wisdom in how to proceed.

Use What God Provides

God had given him the go-ahead to conduct a rescue operation.  He had been assured that the mission would be a success.  Still, when it came time to cross over into enemy territory, he lost some of his men to exhaustion.  Could he really save his family as well as all the other women and children with only 400 men?  (1 Samuel 30:9-10)

When it comes to trusting in God, my faith is based on God's integrity not on the depth of my own resources.  It is rooted in God's ability not in my own.  It is found in God's faithfulness not on my own strength.  Therefore, I can move forward in confidence down the path on which God is leading me even if it seems I'm ill-equipped, unprepared or weak and feeble.  

As I walk in faith, then, it is necessary that I use what God has provided, no matter how thin it may seem.  If God is leading me to start a ministry but only supplied one person to help, I can step out in faith knowing that one is enough.  If God is guiding me toward a new career field but it is way outside of my area of expertise, I can walk forward confidently knowing that He will be my source of knowledge.  If God is turning me toward a cross-country relocation but I have no resources to make such a move, I can take steps toward that goal knowing that when the time is right, He will supply what is necessary.

As I strengthen myself in the Lord, I will find it necessary to proceed with what God provides.

Watch for His Hand

It seemed strange, this solitary Egyptian laying in the field.  He was weak with hunger and thirst, eagerly taking in the sustenance offered by David.  "From where do you come?  Who are your people? "  David asks, curious as to this man's whereabouts.  

"I'm the slave of an Amalekite who abandoned me here when I grew sick three days ago." (1 Samuel 30:11-14)

Soon, the reason for this man's presence became apparent.  The discarded slave led David and his men to the very people who had abducted their families.  Without this man, they may not have found their enemy so easily.  Without David's heart of compassion that led him to reach out to the foreigner, they may not have discovered the greater purpose for the slave's presence.

Who has God placed in my life that seems like an inconvenience but could in fact be a vessel of His mercy? What difficulty has God allowed into my life which appears to be nothing but a source of suffering but could in fact be the conduit of God's grace?  What struggle am I now facing which looks like just another obstacle to negotiate but could in fact be a tool used by the Master Potter to fashion me into the image of His Son? (Romans 8:28-29)

As I step forward in faith down the path which God reveals for me, using what He so graciously provides, it is important that I pay attention to signs that will point me in His direction.  While it is easy to use my own common sense to help me decide what to do, or go by advice given by godly people, it is vital to my walk of faith that I look for His sovereign work that is going on all around me.  

If I believe He is constantly at work, I will find His markers that will guide me forward.  If I think I'm left to my own devices, I will never notice how He is using people, circumstances and obstacles to direct my paths.

As I strengthen myself in the Lord, I will find it necessary to heed the Lord's direction that may come in unexpected ways.

Life is full of times when I will weep and mourn as David did upon discovering the fate of his family.  When such difficulties occur, I can strengthen myself in the Lord; seeking His wisdom, using what He provides and watching for His sovereign hand at work.  In so doing I will discover the joy of relying on the Lord for my strength.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to seek Him and Him alone.

When do I turn elsewhere to find guidance instead of trusting only in the Lord?

How am I ignorant of God's hand in my life?    

Persevere!

"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners,

so that you will not grow weary

and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:3

No good deed goes unpunished.  Hmmmpphh. . . I know why they say that!  I thought as I walked away from the house.  I was just trying to help, but they act like I'm their worst enemy.  Sheesh!  What did I ever do to them that they should be so cruel?

The world is filled with people just like you and me, sinners to the core, but they do not have the benefit of knowing Jesus.  Without the grace and mercy available through Christ, I would be just as hard-hearted and cynical as the mean and difficult people I run into on a regular basis.

Living in a world surrounded by many who don't understand His grace, I can expect to have much trouble. (John 16:33)  After all, the way God is calling me to live runs counter to the world's ways, and those who are lost will not understand my lifestyle. (1 Corinthians 1:18) 

This is a formula for discouragement if I ever heard it!  Thankfully, there is a way to continue on in the face of such sin and harsh treatment.

Weary

He was tired to the bone.  This prophet had served the Lord in many powerful ways and had seen the work of God's mighty hand, but what did he have to show for it?  The most evil and powerful woman in the region was out to get him, that's what!  And so he ran. . . and now, as he lay under a pitiful broom tree out in the middle of nowhere, he moaned, "I've had enough.  Take me now, Lord, I'm as good as dead."  (paraphrased from 1 Kings 19:4)

I've felt like Elijah at times, weary of this world and all the trouble that comes with it.  While no one has tried to take my life, many have attempted to suck the life out of me with their harsh words, superior attitudes and bitter opposition.  It's easy to grow jaded in the face of such disappointment and opposition. 

Living in a fallen world where sin and selfishness rule, weariness comes naturally.

Despondent

It's not just weariness, however, to which I fall prey.  Sometimes I'm like a certain prophet who grew angry that God didn't destroy the evil people of Ninevah.  After all, they deserved it!  They were some of the most malevolent people known for their bloody killings and terrorist tendencies.  But God, out of His great love and mercy, sent Jonah to warn them of their impending doom unless they repented of their ways.

And repent they did!  The entire nation turned to God, mourning their coming demise.  Even the king issued a decree that everyone turn from their evil ways and stop their violence with the hope that God would spare their lives.  (Jonah 3)  Jonah, however, did not rejoice with this turn of events.  Instead, his pride led him to resent that God would extend the same mercy shown him to these wicked people.

When I don't understand the wickedness of my own sinful heart, I effortlessly fall into this same attitude of despondency.  If I am living for Christ and so many around me are not, shouldn't I be the one to receive all the good things from God?

But only God has the right to decide upon whom His mercy will fall. (Romans 9:14-16)  It is my job to love those He sends my way, despite their sinful ways.

Living in a fallen world where wickedness reigns, I can easily lose heart by the seemingly unfairness of it all.

Remember

He endured ridicule, the scorn of many, the harsh blow of many whips and the cruel adornment of a crown of thorns, not to mention the humiliation of a criminal's trial followed by the sentence of a villian's death.  There is no doubt that Jesus suffered much at the hands of sinful men.

Keeping His sacrifice in mind, then, I soon realize my own predicament is not so bad.   I also can consider the fact that I am not alone in my sufferings for Jesus understands better than anyone.  Furthermore, I am far from innocent myself, truly deserving the kind of treatment Jesus experienced as a result of my sin but that He willingly bore for my sake.

Retaining a proper perspective, turning to Jesus for comfort and a reality check, and remembering who I am without the cleansing blood of Jesus will help me to keep a godly attitude and carry on.

Living in a fallen world where I can easily fall into the role of martyr, it's important for me to remember what Jesus has gone through.

There is no sense sugar-coating it:  This world is headed to hell in a handbasket!  Sin runs rampant and I constantly collide into it's effects everywhere I go.  Because of this, it's easy to grow weary of the battle and fall into despair when my kind of justice is not served.  The key to persevering, however, is to remember what Jesus suffered on my behalf, how he understands my predicament, and who I truly am without Him.  With this kind of attitude, I can keep going another day!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes focused on Jesus instead of the sin all around me.

How do I develop an attitude of judgment when dealing with the ramifications of sin in others?

When am I most vulnerable to giving up?   

Choose to Listen

"Therefore say to the children of Israel:

'I am the LORD;

I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,

I will rescue you from their bondage,

and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm

and with great judgments.

I will take you as My people,

and I will be your God.

Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God

who brings you out from under the burdens

of the Egyptians.

And I will bring you into the land which I swore

to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;

and I will give it to you as a heritage:

I am the LORD.'

So Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel;

but they did not heed Moses,

because of their anguish of spirit

and cruel bondage."

Exodus 6:6-9 NKJV

The days on the calendar stretched before me like a never-ending chasm, separating me from my husband and one-year-old daughter.  The bond I shared with our first-born was so strong that I couldn't imagine spending one night away from her, let alone dozens as the doctors prescribed. 

As an active young mother who relished the fresh air of outdoors, I savored my long daily walks shared with my baby-daughter in her stroller as we explored the area within our neighborhood or on the path circling the nearby lake.   Now, laying in the hospital bed at barely 24 weeks-gestation awaiting the birth of our triplet daughters, I fell into a state of discouragement.  How could I stay confined to this bed, alienated from the ones I love for the remainder of my pregnancy?

It was hard for me to listen to the doctor's orders when I was in such a state of discouragement and bondage.  It is similar with me and God.  Sometimes I cannot even take in His great promises because of the condition of my heart.

Discouragement

Grains of sand gritted against his skin, mixing with the tears that streamed down his face.  Rolling over to shield his eyes from the unrelenting wind, the solitary man was careful to stay within the confines of the narrowly shaded area of the thorny bush under which he lay.  A groan escaped his lips as his exposed leg met the unforgiving hardness of a pointy rock.  "Why can't I just die?  I'm as good as dead, anyway.  I've had enough, Lord!"  (1 Kings 19:1-4)

Elijah hit a low-point in his life, knowing that the evil Jezebel was out to kill him.  Thinking all hope was gone, the formerly brazen and faithful prophet became depressed.

Like Elijah, it is easy for me to become disheartened when things seem impossible.  When I'm focused on the difficulty of the circumstances, I tend to fall into the depths of despair, making it nearly impossible for me to hear God speak of His great promises.

When my heart is in anguish, it is hard for me to listen to the mighty words of God.

Cruel Bondage

Day after day he labored for his master's benefit.  Despite no wrong-doing of his own, he found himself enslaved to another in a foreign country.  He worked hard, living up to the teaching of his father without knowing if he'd ever see him or the rest of his family again.  Joseph's life was not going the way he had imagined it would.  (Genesis 39)

It is hard to see the goodness of God when I'm stuck in a situation I didn't anticipate.  Perhaps its the sudden death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, or the onset of disease.  Whatever the situation which burdens me, it can distract me from the message of hope God speaks into my life through His uplifting promises.

When I feel bound by difficult circumstances or unexpected tragedies, it is hard for me to listen to the great promises of God.

Choose to Listen

Whether I am sinking into a pit of despair or under the weight of an overwhelming load, I can choose to listen to the Truth of God's powerful guarantees as given to His people as they labored under the heavy hand of the Egyptians.

God promises me freedom from that which weighs me down, giving me a chance to live wholeheartedly for Him. (Galatians 5:1)  He also gives me the assurance of redemption from the jaws of death through faith in Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:14)  In addition, the God of love promises my adoption into His family based on His compassion for me as His child. (1 John 3:1)  And most importantly, I am brought under His lordship as the sovereign Lord of all creation. 

When I choose to listen, I hear of the wonderful promises God offers to me.

Just as I had a hard time heeding the voice of my doctors when they kept me hospitalized for the good of my unborn triplets, discouragement and bondage can work against the message of  hope God has for me.  If, despite the difficulties, I choose to listen to what God has to say, I will find the Truth that will bring a full, meaningful life; salvation from certain death; inclusion into His family; and submission to a God who loves me.  This is the message that comes from intentionally preferring God in the midst of the hard times of life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will turn away from discouragement and bondage and toward God.

How do I let my feelings of despair keep me away from God and His promises?

When am I held back in life because I choose to let my circumstances get me down? 

   

God is There

“You will not have to fight this battle.

Take up your positions;

stand firm

and see the deliverance the Lord will give you,

O Judah and Jerusalem.

Do not be afraid;

do not be discouraged.

Go out to face them tomorrow,

and the Lord will be with you.”

2Chronicles20:17

“…blessed are those have not seen and yet have believed.”

John 20:29b

God does not need me.  I like to think I am irreplaceable, but God isn’t crippled without my help.  Although I am valuable beyond measure as His child, my service is not necessary to the completion of His plan.

God wants to include me in His plan, but in order for this to happen, I must understand that it is Him who does the work through me.   My only job is to step forward in an act of faith, showing my willingness to be sent forth.  He does the rest.

So what am I waiting for?  Why do I not heed His call, instead focusing on my plan for my life, fulfilling service I am doing for His Kingdom, keeping busy working for Him?  Does any of that really matter in the eternal scheme of things?  Does it make an impact when I am doing it instead of God doing it through me?  When will I step forward as a show of confidence in my God so I can experience His power flowing through me, delivering me from whatever bondage restrains me?  Or when will I say, “Yes” to Him and “No” to my fears? I hear His call, but I don’t think I’m the appropriate one for the job.  What is holding me back?

Fear

I, like most people, have a healthy fear of heights.  I didn’t want this to hold me back, though, so a few years ago I attempted climbing a 20-foot cargo net wall.  I made it to the top and froze with fear as I tried to swing my leg over the top beam.  There was nothing to hold on to and the netting was shifting beneath my feet.  I nearly panicked as I felt the vulnerability of my position. 

Fear can immobilize me, stopping my forward motion and creating an attitude of worry and helplessness.   God reminds me many times in scripture to not fear because it sends me into a state of panic that is counteractive to faith.  Not only is it hard to move when I am terrified, but it is also hard to think about anything else besides that of which I fear!

Instead of focusing on what it is that alarms me, it is helpful to keep my eyes on the One who will deliver me and Who will supply all I need to answer His call. 

Discouragement

It is frightening how easily I can become discouraged.  A few difficulties take place and I am ready to throw in the towel.  God does not want me to give up hope, courage or confidence because with Him, all things are possible!

The key is to let God have His way with my life.  I only get discouraged when I think I’m in control .  Then, when things go a different way than I expected, my limited resources are spent and my vision is clouded.  I think all hope is lost and I must turn around and go a different way.

But if I let God lead, I become a follower of a mighty warrior who has complete, sovereign power.  He will not lose, so as His child, I will not suffer defeat.  His plan will always go forth.   If I want to be on the winning team, I must step onto His side and stop trying to serve God and live life my way.  Apart from Him, I can do nothing that matters in His Kingdom. 

Tomorrow

The unknown looms in my future.  I can plan, thinking of every possible scenario and strategy, but only God knows what is yet to come.  Trusting Him means letting Him choose the who, what, when and where.  It’s kind of like following behind someone who has blazed a trail in the snow, all I need do is walk forward on the path He has cleared.

God has promised that if I will only step forward into the great unknown, He will be there.   Moses knew how vital God’s presence was for his success.  He did not even want to go toward the Promised Land if it meant God would not go with them.  Moses knew that the power of God is what set the Israelites apart from every other nation.  He was their defining feature. 

My attitude should be similar as I step into the unfamiliar and indefinite territory of tomorrow.  Even though I have no idea what will happen, God knows and He has promised to be with me.

Knowing God is with me can give me the strength to face anything and everything as I follow behind Him.

Fear can keep me from answering God’s call and discouragement is common when I try to do things my way.  Likewise, tomorrow can be a scary place, but God has promised to meet me on the battlefield, if only I will take a step of faith, setting aside fear and discouragement and instead trusting Him to fight the battle for me.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will choose to trust God despite my inability to see Him standing before me.

Where is fear crippling me from taking a step of faith?

How am I showing my mistrust in God’s ability to triumph in the strongholds of my life?