Bigger Prayer

Bigger Prayer

Colossians 4: ¹² Greetings from Epaphras, another member of your group and a servant of Christ Jesus. He always prays fervently for you, asking God to make you stand firm, as mature and fully convinced Christians, in complete obedience to God's will. ¹³ I can personally testify to his hard work for you and for the people in Laodicea and Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke, our dear doctor, and Demas send you their greetings.

 

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Looking outside, I could see the wind thrashing wildly against the tall bushes. Heavy rain and lightning followed. During the storm I noticed delicate items like bird food and flower pots were not moving. I drove around later and a large tree was broken at the trunk. Why did the delicate items survive?

 

• I wondered why people go through troubles.
• I pondered about people who seem to go through life easy while others seem to have nothing but storms.
• I looked at the tremendous force blowing all around and wondered why something so delicate could be protected.

 

Epaphras prays a different prayer for everyone. Knowing there were many circumstances that were out of his control, he went straight to the source and prayed for GOD to “make” them stand firm. This was a bigger prayer that included the circumstances as well as the outcome.

 

My Observations

• GOD doesn’t mind me praying for a trial to go away for me or another person.
• My growth in GOD also includes becoming mature, fully convinced and completely committed to obeying the LORD.
• GOD is the source of “making” others stand firm and becoming mature and being fully convinced that HE is the only answer.

 

Looking at the circumstance can take my eyes off of GOD. I mean, I may be praying for the storm to go away instead of marveling that GOD can protect me in the middle of strong winds that come against me. I am no match for the storms. I have no weapons and the storms are frightening. BUT GOD is the source.

 

HE is the one I can go to and ask that HE orchestrate the circumstances in his or her life so he or she will be able to stand firm. GOD owns growth and standing firm as a fragile item shows HIS protective power. I am glad HE is the source that I can go to for a bigger prayer than the circumstance.

 

Challenge

• What is the prayer style of Epaphras?
• Did he ask GOD to make the problems go away or for GOD to do something else?
• Can you take your eyes off of the circumstance for a moment and marvel at GOD’s tremendous power to protect someone as delicate as you?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please make this reader stand firm, as a mature and fully convinced believer of JESUS, in complete obedience to YOUR will. amen

Elusive Perfection

Elusive Perfection

2 Corinthians 12: ⁷ But to keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw, I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan's messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud. ⁸ Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. ⁹ But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. ¹⁰ I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

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My prayers felt unheard. “LORD please heal me of…” or “LORD please heal this person or that person” or “LORD please give me a certain amount of money by this date” or something else I would ask for. When the answer was “No” I questioned if I was doing something wrong.

 

• I sometimes got tired of praying and hearing “No” for the answer.
• I kept looking at current circumstances as being hopeless.
• I wondered “why are these things happening to me?” when I was trying hard.

 

Paul was called by GOD in a magnificent way. But he also suffered a lot. He had a problem that he prayed to be released from on three occasions. He was probably thinking “If this problem would just be gone, then I would be able to serve GOD better.” GOD’s answer, “MY grace is all you need.”

 

My Observations

• I keep trying to make my relationship with GOD one sided.
• I have many problems and not a lot of answers.
• I have looked at problems the wrong way and GOD wants me to see HIS power is greatest when I am not in HIS way.

 

Fixing the world’s problems seemed simple to me at one time. I mean, after GOD forgave my rebellious lifestyle, HE had me learn about HIM. I found many promises of protections, wealth and great relationships with everyone. But that did not pan out the way I thought.

 

I ran into problem after problem after problem. “Why aren’t my prayers being answered?” I would ask. Little did I know, my prayers were being answered with “No, because MY grace is all you need.” HE guides me to realize that when I am weakest, I can feel CHRIST’s power over me. I am content with my weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties for CHRIST’s sake.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the anguish of the writer?
• Have you ever prayed for something to change over and over and over, yet it has not?
• Can you follow the writer’s example and look at the situation different by understanding that GOD’s power is greatest when your power is reduced and only HE can solve the situation in HIS time, in HIS way?

Place to Place

Place to Place

Acts 14: ²¹ They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. ²³ Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. ²⁴ After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, ²⁵ and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

²⁶ From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. ²⁷ On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

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Rushing into the gas station bathroom, I held my breath as long as I could. I really had to go, so the super-disgusting surrounding would not deter my mission. Not knowing if I made up a saying or heard it along the way, I remembered “Leave a place better than you found it.” I wiped off the grimy sink.

• There have been some places I’ve been that were disgusting.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were difficult.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were downright disastrous.

Paul and Barnabas returned to the place where Paul was stoned. Their return brought on new life to those who remained. They encouraged the residents to remain true to the faith, explaining the hardships of a true follower of JESUS. They appointed elders, committing them to the LORD. This place was now better.

• GOD wants me to meet people wherever I go.
• GOD wants me to leave people better than I found them.
• GOD wants me to encourage people and prepare them to be strong during persecution.

Some people will remain stationary and reach others for CHRIST. Others, like me, will go from place to place with HIS encouraging message. No matter which of the two, GOD wants HIS kingdom to be encouraged.

Each encounter I have with another human is precious. GOD wants me to see what HE sees in people and encourage them rather than sending up yet another complaint about “that” person. GOD already has the accuser standing before HIM, complaining about each human. GOD wats me to stand firm and pray a blessing on people I meet. I am grateful GOD gives me purpose.

• Are you complaining about people?
• Are you being persecuted?
• If you are planning to leave a place, will you encourage the people before you leave so they can be strengthened in CHRIST?

Going Through the Fire

Zechariah 13: ⁹ This third I will put into the fire;
    I will refine them like silver
    and test them like gold.
They will call on my name
    and I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are my people,’
    and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’

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What a year! I mean I have seen so much happen and many days I spent on my knees praying. I can truly say “The LORD is our GOD!”

• GOD takes me through fire in order to refine me.
• GOD takes me through fire in order to test me.
• GOD takes me through fire in order to burn away the impurities.

I can understand these words when the writer thanks GOD for various trials, because they make me stronger and stronger. GOD’s test never feels good. I squirm and ask “Can the test be over now?” BUT GOD has a much better plan. HE holds me in the fire a little longer until HE can see the gold of HIS fruit shining through.

When GOD’s plan doesn’t seem to be working

1 Samuel 19: ⁹ But an evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing the lyre, ¹⁰ Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape.

¹¹ Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.” ¹² So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped. 

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“Another ticket” I thought to myself furiously! The No Parking zone had gotten to me again by a couple of feet as my car edged over the line. I snatched it off the windshield, jumped in my car and desired to speed away only to the dismay of my car not starting. “Oh no, If I’m late for work, I will be fired!” “Why is this happening to me?” I exclaimed!

• In the middle of trial it’s hard for me to see GOD.
• In the middle of the problem it’s hard for me to sing praises.
• In the middle of the situation it’s hard for me to be excited.

David was chased and had very few places to run. With men on every corner he fled for his life. This doesn’t seem like a plan for someone who was destined to be the king.

• GOD has a plan for me that includes’ trials and peace.
• GOD has a plan for me that includes’ obstacles and blessings.
• GOD has a plan for me that includes’ poverty and wealth.

Like David, many times I wondered, “Where is GOD?” I mean can’t HE see I’m in trouble right now, would be my thought. Looking back I can see GOD strengthened me through these trials. Each obstacle I have faced has made me stronger than before. GOD has blessed me with faith to face the next trial. HE is my fortress.

• Are you facing a trial?
• Does the trial seem like it will never end?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you and has a great plan for you?
• Can you stop being angry at GOD and others and praise HIM at least once today?

Is the obstacle a test?

Judges 3 These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan² (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience):

³ the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. ⁴ They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.

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“Why am I not getting promoted?” ran through my mind on my second and a half job out of college.  It seemed like I would get hired, but not elevated.  “What’s the problem?” I asked someone.  They gave me some tips that I followed to the letter, still no promotion. In fact many people gave me tips here and there and nothing happened.

Finally I met a few mentors who taught me how to face obstacles with resiliency. I got promoted.

• When I want things to come to me easy I have a wrong expectation.
• When I give up too early because it is too hard I have a wrong expectation.
• When I want to sit back and let the plan work itself out I have a wrong expectation.

Obstacles seem to pop up at the worst time and I used to think the Devil was the cause of problems and GOD was in charge of solutions, but I left one person out of the equation, me.

• GOD sometimes wants me to grow so HE places obstacles in my way that I can handle.
• GOD allows me to face the consequences of my sin here on earth so I won’t have to face eternal consequences.
• GOD uses obstacles to get my attention when I have forgotten about HIM or when I think I can survive on my own.

There is a way that seems right to me, but the way of the LORD is far above my thinking. Instead of running away from the obstacle, I must face it no matter how large it may seem because GOD has a plan for it.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Do you think GOD has left you on your own?
• Can you stop sulking about the obstacle for a moment and look to GOD’s power?
• Won’t you recognize where your talent and abilities come from and thank GOD for the gifts HE has given you?

A promise is a promise

Deuteronomy 23: ²¹ If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. ²² But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. ²³ Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.

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“LORD if you get me out of ‘fill in the blank’ then I will ‘never’ do ‘fill in the blank’ again!” I have said on many occasions when my back was against the wall as if I could bargain with GOD. Looking back on those ludicrous statements makes me cringe with fear as to how many promises of “never doing that again” I have not kept.

• When I’m scared I make frivolous promises with GOD simply to get out of the trial.
• When I’m lost I begin to bargain with GOD simply to find my way then I return back to the old me.
• When I’m feeling low I beg GOD to get me out by making promises I may not be able to keep.

GOD made promises that HE holds HIMSELF to.  HE cannot and will not go back on HIS word. When HE declares something, it will happen the way HE said it and how HE said it even if HE has to die in the process. I’m speaking about JESUS just then. In other words HE takes promises seriously.

• GOD wants me to think before I make a promise otherwise I’m in deeper trouble.
• GOD wants me to make promises as an act of worship and plan to keep them.
• GOD wants me to stop bargaining with HIM in order to get my way and make vows to HIM as an act of worship.

Getting out of a trial should not be the goal when I make a promise to GOD.  I may say something I didn’t mean or could not keep when I am in the heat of the moment. GOD wants me to quiet my mind down and think about my promise so I can keep it and not grow weary.

• Have you made a frivolous promise to GOD?
• Are you trying to get out of a trial and have no intention of keeping that promise?
• Won’t you review your promises before you make them to see if you can keep them?
• Can you make a promise to GOD as an act of worship today?

Why is GOD doing “this?”

Deuteronomy 8: ³ He took your pride away. He let you go hungry. Then he gave you manna to eat. You and your parents had never even known anything about manna before. He tested you to teach you that man doesn’t live only on bread. He also lives on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. ⁴ Your clothes didn’t wear out during these 40 years. Your feet didn’t swell.

⁵ Here is what I want you to know in your hearts. The Lord your God trains you, just as parents train their children.

⁶ Obey the commands of the Lord your God. Live as he wants you to live. Have respect for him.

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“What’s wrong with my computer” I thought in an enraged and nervous fashion. I had to be on a very stressful call discussing whether I had a job or not. I worked from home that day which was highly unusual for me. As I waited for the call to begin I turned the TV on with the volume turned down low. I fiddled with my computer and finally it booted up and I was ready for the call.

Though the call had started, I heard someone on the news say “Oh my GOD, a plane has just run into one of the towers!” Why was all this happening?

• Stressful situations aren’t always what I think.
• Evil plots seem to win at times which makes me nervous.
• Trouble doesn’t come at convenient times when I’m ready for it.

Many people around the world will remember what happened on this tragic day. I know I will. I also remember an argument with a loved one that same day. This day changed the course I was on in many ways and I questioned GOD. “Why are YOU allowing this to happen?” was my question.

• Out of storms I learn many lessons from GOD that I cannot hear when things are going well.
• Out of trouble my soul cries to GOD in ways I never cry out to HIM when I have plenty.
• Out of trials I get stronger because GOD puts my heart to the test, not to see if I would fail, HE knows that, but to burn away impurities to follow HIM the way HE wants to be followed.

This same chapter discusses the problems with becoming wealthy and forgetting GOD in the process. I fully understand this because I have forgotten GOD many days. HE desires that I remember HIS power, HIS love and especially HIS grace for me to respect HIM.

• Are you in the middle of blaming GOD?
• Do you think GOD is out to get you?
• Can you accept HIS course correction and get excited about where HE is taking you?
• Won’t you respect HIS wishes for you and praise HIM for what HE has done in your life?

Believe Today!

Deuteronomy 2: ⁷ The Lord your God has blessed you in everything your hands have done. He watched over you when you traveled through that huge desert. For these 40 years the Lord your God has been with you. So you have had everything you need.

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“I think I can make it!” I said to myself as I sprinted through the busiest airport.  Fortunately my plane was at a close gate this time.  As I arrived at the gate, to my dismay the plane was pulling away and so went my dreams of having this wonderful conversation with the partner of the firm.

“GOD, why did YOU put all this traffic in my way?” I mean I left in plenty of time, or so I thought. Now I have to catch another plane, arrive late and instead of being on the partners’ good side, I would have to explain my shame away!

• In moments of stress I quickly fall into a panic.
• In moments of duress I easily fall blind to what’s wrong.
• In moments of pressure I hastily fall into short term planning without thinking.

My panic comes from an unsatisfied expectation of GOD.  I mean when I really want something I can’t have then panic sets in because I haven’t thought of another path.  I only thought about getting or achieving “that” thing. When I panic I lose trust in GOD.

• GOD says “stand still and watch the great thing the LORD is about to do right here in front of you!”
• GOD says “I decided to show you my power”
• GOD says “This day is your deliverance.”

During stressful times, GOD wants me to quiet down for a moment and communicate with HIM.  HE wants me to understand HIS might and power in the situation. When I allow GOD to take on the fight my trust increases.

Looking back on the many disappointments I’ve had in life, I have realized it was great that I didn’t get what I wanted because GOD gave me what I needed!

• Is your faith slipping?
• Did you want something so bad only to find it crumbling away from you?
• Are you willing to let GOD take things away from you?
• Can you let HIM guide you onto HIS path instead of trying to do things on your own?

Going through the fire!

Numbers 31 ²¹ Then the priest Eleazar spoke to the soldiers who had gone into battle. He said, “Here is what the law the Lord gave Moses requires. ²² All of your gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin and lead ²³ must be put through fire. So must everything else that doesn’t burn up. Then those things will be ‘clean.’ But they must also be made pure with the special water. In fact, everything that won’t burn up must be put through that water.

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Headed to the “plaza” to do some shopping, my sister and I had a conversation. I don’t know how fast I was going but by the time I noticed the stopped car it was too late.  I slammed on my brakes and the car went into a skid. We hit a pole instead of the stopped car. My sister’s head hit the windshield and fortunately she walked away with only a major headache! Why did this have to happen? I thought to myself!

• The troubles I face feel rotten at the time.
• The trials I face seem devastating at the moment.
• The tribulations I face seem difficult when I am going through them.

“Why me” is a question I’ve muttered to the LORD on many occasion. I mean, I’m trying to live right and do the right things but it seems like trouble is all around me is how I feel during the situation. BUT GOD knows more.

• GOD knows it takes the fire of trials to burn away parts of my character that won’t help HIS kingdom.
• GOD knows it takes the fire of trouble to burn away any thought of me not needing HIM.
• GOD knows it takes the fire of tribulation to burn away to get me out of my comfort zone and follow HIM rather than my own plans.

Fire purifies. Fire burns. Fire engulfs. GOD uses fire to grow me and I should not be afraid of it rather enjoy watching the change in my character.  GOD knows what is best for me and HE wants to grow me. Praising HIM for my trials makes me stronger!

• Are you going through difficult times?
• Do you feel GOD has left you alone?
• Can you look at what HE is taking you through as a growing period?
• Won’t you praise HIM in spite of your situation?

GOD has a blessing

Numbers:24: ⁵ “People of Jacob, your tents are very beautiful.
    Israel, the places where you live are very beautiful.

⁶ “They spread out like valleys.
    They are like gardens beside a river.
They are like aloes the Lord has planted.
    They are like cedar trees beside a stream.
⁷ Their water buckets will run over.
    Their seeds will have plenty of water.

“Their king will be greater than King Agag.
    Their kingdom will be honored.

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When circumstances seem most dismal, GOD comes through with HIS message of love. HE has never failed me before and HE certainly won’t start now. In fact, GOD sees all that I go through.  The trials, temptations, tribulations and troubles are all part of amazing growth I must endure to become stronger for HIS purpose.

·         GOD promises I will have plenty and HE knows there will be trials in my life.

·         GOD promises I will be rewarded in heaven and knows my needs here on Earth.

·         GOD promises I will have eternal life when I believe in JESUS’s murder and resurrection in place of my sins and knows I will continue to sin until I die.

When GOD blessed me, HE looked at my entire sinful life and immediately tried to restore me to my rightful place, the place HE created for me. That blessing is permanent! My belief in JESUS has eradicated all my sins. HIS grace is sufficient.

·         Do you feel GOD’s grace is sufficient for forgiveness of your sins?

·         Do you feel GOD’s grace is sufficient for forgiveness of “that” person’s sins?

·         Can you stop judging and ask for grace and let GOD take care of the situation?

·         Won’t you ask for a blessing instead of a curse for someone today?

Will it get any harder?

Exodus 5: ²² Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? ²³ Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”

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“I think I’ll start going to church” was my decision that I finally made. It had been a long time and a lot of sins that a church had seen me. The pastor spoke, I felt good, and life was good. Weeks later someone broke in my car and stole all my music.

Around the same time I was trying to sell an old car and the transmission went out on it. Then to top it off, I had unbearable pains in my chest. Isn’t life supposed to be better now that I am serving GOD? It seems to be worse! GOD where are you?

• When I start serving GOD I can expect opposition.
• When I give my life to GOD I can expect things to go wrong.
• When I pledge my allegiance to GOD I can expect retaliation from the enemy.

It seems like the moment I decide to serve GOD, things go downhill. Pressures of life, temptation to follow corruption and a desire to jump on the easy road all become obstacles to following GOD. It doesn’t get easier because few will say “It’s great that you are following GOD” rather they will exclaim “Why not do what we are doing?”

• GOD says to me “stay the course.”
• GOD says to me “don’t give up or give in.”
• GOD says to me “people may doubt but I AM with you always.”

GOD’s love for me is unfailing in spite of my sins. When I turn my face to HIS, my back is turned to those who do not follow HIM. Opposition will arise but GOD’s love and power is unmatched!

• Have you decided to follow GOD and more trouble has popped up?
• When you said “I give my life to YOU LORD” did things start getting worse?
• Can you still see that GOD loves you tremendously?
• Won’t you take a moment to release the situation and praise HIM?

I know how you feel

Revelation 2: ⁹ I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

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My parents had given me five dollars to go to the amusement park. Somewhere between here and there I lost my money. I cried and cried because my possibilities of having a fun day turned out to be disastrous.

Now as I look back on this incident I find it humorous. I mean I have traveled to other countries and have seen people who wonder where their next meal is going to come from. How in the world can the poor be rich?

• When I think I am poor I am usually blinded by my ambitions rather than GOD’s blessings.
• When I think I am afflicted I am focused on the ailment or the wound rather than GOD’s sovereignty.
• When I think I am finished I have given up too quickly because my faith in GOD has waned.

There are some situations that are more difficult than others but each time I look back on them I realize GOD was there watching over me. I can’t lie and say I felt this way during the trial, but after I have gone through it I felt stronger.

• GOD says “I know your afflictions” so HE knows when my body is sick or hurt.
• GOD says “I know your poverty” so HE knows when I worry about finances.
• GOD says “Yet you are rich!” so HIS view of being rich is thoroughly different than mine.

Being “rich” is having a large “bank account” of people. The more people I help, the larger my account grows. My account grows even larger when I can help others praise GOD even when I am going through a very tumultuous time. GOD says “I know” which means HE has understands the trial is difficult but HE has it in control and will not let it destroy my soul.

GOD’s plan is sovereign and full of love. Though trials appear my faith in GOD grows.

• Are you facing a trial?
• Are you feeling nervous about your finances?
• Do you believe GOD knows what you are going through?
• Can you stop listening to what “they” are saying about you and focus on how GOD made you perfect for HIS purpose?

Spiritual personal trainer

1 Peter 1: ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

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“Are you going to the general graduation” a friend asked me. “You better believe it” I exclaimed! I wanted to sit and savor every moment because I was finished! My college experience was now complete and I didn’t have to face sleepless nights studying again.

I could now look back and see how painful it was to go through many situations and failures. Whatever went wrong actually helped prepare me for “the real world.”

• When I am in pain I only want relief.
• When I am in a circumstance I can’t see anything else but that circumstance.
• When I am in a world of hurt I beg for liberation and want to give up!

Each trial I have faced seemed like it would never be over but looking back at them I can honestly say I needed them.  Struggles don’t feel good but, just like exercise, builds me up in ways I can’t express.

• GOD knows how much pain I can handle and motivates me to hang in a little longer.
• GOD knows how much suffering I can take and says to me keep going you’re almost there.
• GOD knows how much anguish I can face so and HE uses difficult circumstances to develop spiritual muscles.

Faith is like a muscle, the more it’s used the stronger it gets. Trials, while uncomfortable and unwelcome, build my character, perseverance, endurance and patience. GOD has placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me to comfort me and lead me “through” trials, refining my faith so it shines as bright as purified gold.

• Are you going through trials?
• Is it difficult for you to keep going?
• Can you stop looking at the trial for a moment and ask “what am I being prepared for?”
• Won’t you begin seeking the new ministry GOD is giving you no matter how young or old you are?

My hearing goes away during trouble

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁶ You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

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Crouched behind the couch I could hear my name being called. I was already on punishment and I had breached my sentence by going outside when I wasn’t supposed to. I snuck back into the house and hid behind the couch.

Hours later I could hear many people on the block calling my name. Now the mess was getting bigger. I thought to myself “I’m really in trouble now! I better stay in my hiding place.” When it got late I emerged from my hiding place and tried to go to my room without anyone seeing me. Maybe they will think I magically appeared. I actually was wrong about being in more hot water.

• When I’m in trouble I cannot hear well.
• When I panic I cannot hear well.
• When I am in despair I cannot hear well.

No matter how much a person talks, screams or yells I cannot hear them when I feel I’m suffering. I wallow in my situation and cannot move forward. It’s like being crouched behind a couch, hiding from the world. BUT GOD wants me to hear HIM in the middle of my trouble.

• In the middle of my trouble GOD wants me to be still and listen to HIS direction.
• In the middle of my trouble GOD wants me to have peace that only comes from HIM.
• In the middle of my trouble GOD wants me to remain calm so I can see HIS love, grace and mercy even during the trial.

It’s hard to see and hear GOD when I’m suffering, but GOD takes me through the trial to strengthen me, not beat me up like a bully. GOD’s love is incredible and that’s what I need to focus on during my difficult time.

• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Are you wondering when will GOD save you?
• Can you praise HIM in the middle of your suffering?
• Won’t you be an example to others by praising GOD even before HE delivers you?

HE is building me.

Ephesians 2: ²² And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

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My parents told me I couldn’t go outside that day. “I can’t wait to grow up” I said to myself. My professor said I need to study more in his class. “I can’t wait to be done with college” I said to myself. My boss chose some crazy direction to go in. “I can’t wait to become the boss” I said to myself. After achieving all those things I am still waiting. When will it ever stop?

• Life has difficult moments and sometimes I feel like giving up.
• Life has struggles and sometimes I just want it to be easy.
• Life has pain and problems and sometimes I just want peace.

Why do I have to go “through” problems? I mean can’t GOD just zap my problems away and make everything wonderful? So far, in my life it hasn’t worked that way.

• GOD uses every situation to build me and grow me.
• GOD uses every circumstance to guide me and lead me.
• GOD uses every incident to mold me and shape me.

GOD has a plan specifically for me that includes trials and tribulations, kind of like a personal trainer creates a fitness plan to make a person stronger.  Every bump I face in life makes me stronger and I can proclaim HIS name a little louder each time.

When someone looks at me like I have it all together I can share with them that I am a mess and HE isn’t finished building me yet.

• Are you tired of the struggle?
• Do you think you are being punished or polished?
• Can you accept GOD’s love and realize HE has a great and wonderful plan for you?
• Can you stop thinking you can “arrive” and focus on HIS love for you?

A way out of the fire

2 Corinthians 1: ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

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It seemed like the year of “death” was never going to end. We had attended more funerals than we could count on both hands and it just did not stop. Meanwhile bills mounted higher and the demands kept coming. Is there any relief?

• There are times when troubles get to me.
• There are times when life presses me on all sides.
• There are times when I just want some relief from the trial.

During these pressing times it seems like GOD doesn’t hear me or care about me. I mean why do I have to go through the trial anyway? Can’t GOD just zap the lesson I’m supposed to learn in me without the trial?

• When I go through trials it isn’t just to learn a lesson of discipline it is to learn empathy.
• When I go through trouble it isn’t just for punishment it is to strengthen some weak areas.
• When I go through tribulation it isn’t just for evil to “win” this time it is to show others what comfort GOD has shown me when I come out the other side.

GOD is the GOD of compassion.  HE knows what I’m going through at all times. HE definitely knows what trials I’m facing and what I’m worried about. HE knows I seek comfort and HE is ready to give it to me in abundance but it may be in a different way than I think.

HE may take me through a trial just to bring me through it to help someone else with that same trial. GOD has an abundance of comfort for me. HE tells me to hold on through this trial because HE is with me.

• Are you going through trials?
• Are you facing some trouble that seems like there is no way out?
• When the trial is over can you tell someone how GOD brought you comfort?

My prayer for you

Romans 15: ¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Since GOD owns “hope” I truly hope you put your trust in HIM today.

Since GOD owns “joy” I truly hope you focus on HIM instead of your circumstance today.

Since GOD owns “peace” I truly hope for an overabundance of peace so you can tell people about HIS SON.

When I focus on me I get quite worried. I have doubt and fears. When I focus on GOD who holds what I need, I receive hope, joy and peace.

Thank you for “always” being with me LORD. Amen

From bad to worse.

Acts 27: ³ Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. ⁴ When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” ⁵ But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.

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Darkness seemed a little darker this particular night as my car sputtered and died on the side of the road.  I had no idea how far I was from my town and cell phones, well let’s just say, they were few years away from being sold to the masses. “Come on GOD!” “I live in a town I don’t like and now this!?”

As I sat on my trunk in the middle of nowhere I wondered if anyone would ever stop. A couple stopped, asked me if I needed help and volunteered to take me to the nearest rest stop. On the way they told me about the Great News about JESUS. “Whew” I said to myself. GOD sent them!

• Sometimes when I think I am in a bad to worse situation, I can no longer see or hear GOD.
• Sometimes when I think I am in a bad to worse situation, I think there is no way out.
• Sometimes when I think I am in a bad to worse situation, I feel pitiful.

Paul went from bad to worse, from out of a shipwreck and into a snakebite. What more could happen to him? All he was trying to do was live for GOD. Everyone around him thought he deserved the things happening to him and they just didn’t understand he was being used as an example of GOD’s power.

• GOD can handle all situations especially when things get worse.
• GOD can handle all situations especially when I take my hands off of them.
• GOD can handle all situations especially when I believe HE will use this for HIS perfect plan.

In my mind, it’s actually great when things go from bad to worse because I believe I am on the right track. The enemy wants me to stop believing GOD will deliver me so he tries harder and harder to make me give up and conform to his ways. GOD says “stand still and watch MY deliverance.” Believing in GOD’s plan grows my faith more than I know.

• Have situations gone from bad to worse for you?
• Do you think there is no way out of your circumstance?
• Will you praise GOD for HIS deliverance even before it happens?
• Can you put your trust in HIM first and then watch HIS deliverance from your trial?

Is my plan better than GOD’s?

Acts 27: ²⁹ Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. ³⁰ In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. ³¹ Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” ³² So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

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Sleep has eluded me many times over the years. In college I wondered if I was going to pass that class. There were medical episodes that had me question what GOD was doing. Then when I tried living for GOD they eliminated the position I worked and suddenly some who were close questioned my every move. LORD can’t I just get in a lifeboat and win the lottery or something?

• When I am going through trials I want to get out as quickly as possible.
• When I am going through problems I jump in “my” plan without consulting GOD first.
• When I am going through tribulation I get up and start doing a lot of activity and exhaust myself.

Being the driven person that I am, it’s nearly impossible for me to “stand still” and watch GOD deliver me especially when the storm is prolonged. Paul told 276 people on that broken ship that GOD spoke to him and they would be rescued.

Two weeks later they still were in danger and had not eaten. I bet they thought “Did GOD really talk to you?” Those who did not believe in GOD may have had a very difficult time understanding the tactic of waiting on HIS deliverance so they developed their own plan.

• My plan is useless without GOD.
• My plan will not work without GOD’s power.
• My plan needs to be GOD’s plan in order to succeed.

“How do I know GOD’s plan?” you ask. It definitely takes a while to be able to discern between my selfish thoughts or the enemy’s tactics or GOD’s soft still voice. For me the only way to hear HIM is to slow down or even “stop,” stand still and listen to what HE says to me through HIS Bible or through other people HE has sent to me. When I listen HE gives me faith to watch HIM work.

• Are you trying to get out of your trial?
• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Can you hold on longer and watch GOD’s deliverance?
• Won’t you seek GOD’s plan instead of following your own?
• Will you stop focusing on your problems and help someone with theirs?