Purpose in the Struggle | Another Look at the Hardships Faced in Our Christian Journey

May 2, 2023Leave a comment

Why, we may wonder, why God does not just remove every obstacle and resistance to our faith? Why in this journey must we fight? Why must we strive against adversity in reaching where we are aiming to be?

Can a faith that is not exercised truly be called faith? For if the road traveled is always smooth and the pathways are always leveled plains, how then will we ever learn to climb? How will we learn to exert our muscles and pull our weight to mount upon the top?

More strength only comes by using more strength. More faith only comes by being forced to use more faith. We can only learn to climb by experience. We can only learn to push ahead by continuing to push ahead. We can only learn to fight by being made to fight.

There are things that God knows His people will only learn by going through them. That’s why Judges 3:2 says, “Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;”.

When choosing multiple services in life we tend to want to choose those with experience. Take getting a simple hair cut for example. We want those who have had plenty of practice perfecting their skill before attempting to put scissors near our heads which could alter the way we look for good or for bad.

God has many plans and purposes for His people but what we fail to see or have the patience for is the seasoning of the saint, the molding and perfecting that goes on behind the scenes.

I guarantee no one whom you have read about or seen doing great exploits for the Lord, just fell into that role ready to go. There was some teaching. There was some humbling. There was some learning along the way. It may have been behind closed doors and away from the eyes of the public, but God takes the time to make sure His vessels are properly prepared to go forth and hold all the potential and purposes He has for them.

The children of Israel might have been concerned as to why certain enemies were left in the neighboring surroundings. By them, God was testing His people. By them, God was teaching those to war who had never known war before. God was causing faith muscles to be exercised. He was training hearts to not focus on what they see in the enemy but on what they know about their God.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” (1 Peter 4:12). There is no struggle or contention that does not come without a purpose. Though it may not be pleasant it is plentifully seasoning your walk with the Lord. Like the children of Israel, it is teaching your hands to war.

One can never be a good soldier without ever facing contentions. One can never learn to fight unless they have been made to fight. One can never learn to pray in earnest if they never had that petition that would draw them to the knee with fervency. And one could never learn to seek and lean on Him if their heart were never stirred to do so through the challenges faced.

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:6-7). It may not always feel like it, and it may not always feel good, but there is purpose in the hardships we face, especially when it comes to our faith which is found more praiseworthy in the eyes of Christ than gold that will perish.

Sometimes we may not understand everything and we may ask, “Why?” But as we journey, may our eyes never leave Him who promised and is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). Take heart, dear friend. Through it all, at the end of our Christian race, we may look back and see the fruit those hard times produced, and we may see the purpose in the struggles.

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10).

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

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“Don’t Change Your Glory!”

March 15, 2023March 13, 2023Leave a comment

“Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit,” Jeremiah 2:11, KJV

Changing your glory?! What does that even mean? It means anything that takes precedence over your worship of the one true God. It’s exchanging the life that was once rendered to service and obedience to God, to fulfill one’s own will and desires.

In God, we have love and security. In Him, we find peace, refuge, and salvation. Yet, every day the battle ensues for us to give it all up to follow after that which “does not profit.” It reminds me of the story of the prodigal son. He had a hard time seeing what he really had going for him at home where he was. He thought the grass was greener on the other side and his perception of the other side drew him away from the blessedness he already had. He gave up everything his father secured for him to go off in the wild blue yonder to pursue his own desires.

Such was the calamity that befell the Israelites also. They had exchanged the worship of the one true God to follow after idols. This same God, whom throughout history, has sought to love them, protect them and pour out His promises on them. He has stomped down enemies for them. He has overthrown kingdoms for them. He has multiplied them, blessed them, led them, covered them, fed them and saved them. Yet, they had reached a point when they decided in themselves that they needed more.

I once heard someone teach that grass is still grass, no matter what “side” it’s on. Here, the prodigal son and the Israelites have been deceived into believing more in the imagination of the “other side” than in the reality of the powerful love they already had. It’s a truth thing! We have to be sure that truth is not misinterpreted because it can hinder one’s growth or cause one to step all the way out of the faith to the point of changing their glory.

From the beginning of time truth has been under attack and glory has been fought against. But, Hebrews 10:35 tells us, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward,” (KJV). In the garden, Adam and Eve cast away their confidence and believed deception. The Israelites cast away their confidence and went after that which does not profit. The prodigal son cast his confidence away and broke the relationship between him and his father. The book of Hebrews was written to the saints – to the church – to them already in a relationship with God through Christ, and the yellow tape of “CAUTION” has been spread out! It is warning those who are thinking about following the footsteps of those I mentioned. Hebrews is encouraging them not to give up on their faith! Don’t break your relationship with God! Don’t exchange your glory!

There are a lot of things and imaginations that seek to draw you away. Hebrews teaches that if we will just hold on to the truth, to the confidence, the reward is coming! 1 Corinthians 15:58 supports this by admonishing us to “. . . be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord, (KJV). If you stay rooted in the Lord, it will all pay off in a little while. It’s not in vain! Don’t change your glory!

Hold on! “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise,” (Hebrews 10:36, KJV). Wait for it! Do His will! Receive His promises! But, don’t change your glory! “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back into perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul,” (Hebrews 10:38-39, KJV).

There are many things that appear to profit but end in ruin. Ask Adam and Eve, or the prodigal son, or even the ancient Israelites. They suffered from the choices they made. Today, we can look at their examples and decide to do it differently. We don’t mock them, but we learn from them what we don’t want to do. And, we don’t want to change our glory!

“There is no place . . .”

October 13, 2022October 13, 2022Leave a comment

Image by Jan Alexander from Pixabay

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” (Psalm 139:7-12)

There is no place, O God, that can keep me from Your sight. Your eyes see me. Your heart knows me. Your love shelters me. Your mercy follows me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6).

Help me to walk through my days in this holy confidence: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” (Hebrews 13:5).

Your Word has assured me, for it cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). Your Spirit comforts me (John 14:16; 16:7). With Your hand holding us, You tell us not to fear (Isaiah 41:10).

Although some days seem dismal, You are the Light that shines in my life (Psalm 18:28).

Where can I go . . .? You have the words to eternal life (John 6:68), therefore, I will most gladly plant myself in Your presence, at Your feet alongside Mary (Luke 10:39).

Thank You, for Your knowledge of me, O God. Thank You, for Your precious thoughts toward me (Psalm 139:17). Thank You, for anchoring me and not leaving me on the waters of this life to drift about aimlessly (Hebrews 6:19). And thank You, for leading me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:24).

“There’s More Than One Way”

August 31, 2022August 31, 2022Leave a comment

There’s more than one way to be a champion.

There’s more than one way to use your gift.

There’s more than one way to make a difference.

There’s more than one way to create change.

His original design for your life may not look like everyone else’s. For some to stand with their own earthly measuring rods to compare may have not taken into account the uniqueness that makes you, you. It may look quirky to some, but to God, it looks like you are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” (Psalm 139:14).

You are not a cookie-cutter fabrication of the rest. Nor are you a tired remodel of the “best.” Just the best you is who you are with your offerings to the world. So go ahead and step out in the way He has planned for you. Show them what you have to bring to the table matters. Show them (despite the sometimes judgmental stares) your voice, your calling, and the workmanship He has sown in you with great care.

There’s more than one way to do a lot of things, but there’s only one way to be – that’s you! Show them you.

“In the weary land . . .”

August 8, 2022July 28, 20222 Comments

In the weary land, we don’t have to be wearied. In the parched places, we don’t have to feel the dryness of our surroundings. We were made to flourish. We were made to grow and thrive. We were made to still produce good fruits through the difficulties of dismal days.

Our shelter and our hope is in that Rock (Psalm 18:2) upon which we sing and stand. It is He, that the whole of our lives bases their confidence upon. He is our Light that brings salvation even in the darkest days (Psalm 27). This we know, for the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).

Faith that knows the Father is near. Faith that believes healing is on the horizon. Faith that sees beyond what the eyes behold, knowing God has much more than this in store for His people.

The weary land may try you at times, but we have this solace and peace upon which we can rest our minds, for His Word declares, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).

Help us to stay in that peace, Lord. Even through the weariness of days, help us to continually fix our hearts upon You, and in that promise that says:

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” Psalm 63:1-8

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38

Photo by Alex Azabache on Pexels.com

“Rejoice in It!”

August 1, 2022July 26, 2022Leave a comment

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Yes, right now. Even this early, as the day is beginning, rejoice in it. Even as the sun has just begun to peek over the horizon and the birds are beginning their morning melody, rejoice. Even if you stand at the start of this day, not knowing what will happen, or how it will end, rejoice!

The Father has seen fit to bless us with the gift of today, and although we may not know the how’s and what’s that will come our way, or the answer to everything we will face, our Heavenly Father does, and the call to rejoice in this new day is a call to trust Him with everything that follows.

The circumstances of the varied days we face may change, but our God is immutable in character and promise (Psalm 33:11; Hebrews 6:17-18) and it is His Holy Word that declares, “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me . . .” (Psalm 138:8). Therefore, my hope rests in the Lord and what He is doing in me and through me this day. My rejoicing is based on God, and not on the usual markers of a good or bad day.

So, rejoice, my friend. Let yourself experience the release, the peace, and the welcoming newness of this day. It may not be perfect in our eyes, but then again, we don’t see things as the Father does, so we walk forward into today, holding on to His hand and with His promises in our hearts, we are choosing to trust Him with the outcome.

Oh, Lord, I really don’t know what’s going to happen with this day or what it will altogether look like, but I bless Your name, and I am thankful for the gift and the grace of this new day. Even if it hasn’t started the way I had envisioned or hoped for, I am claiming the start of this new day to be the seat of all that You have in store for me. Not what the circumstances say, or what people may say, but what You have said and declared over this day. Therefore, I am rejoicing in it!

Helpful Articles:

“Not a Good Day, Good Day!”

“What to do With Days When Things Just Aren’t Going Right?”

“There are Some Mornings . . .”

“When You Feel There Aren’t Enough Hours in a Day!”

“Study Him!”

July 25, 2022July 23, 2022Leave a comment

“The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them,” Psalm 111:2, NKJV

Why such doubt? Why such confusion? Have you studied Him? Have you studied the works of our God?

Open your understanding to the truth of who He is. Open, and expand your knowledge of our Heavenly Father. Seek Him, and search Him out. As the greatest treasure that is to be found, don’t stop digging till you have unearthed His glorious truths.

“His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever,” (Psalm 111:3, NKJV). So, dig deep, my friends, and find Him for yourself.

Look through His holy pages and see Him. See what He has done. See the testimonies of the lives that have walked in those written lines. See the things He performed in them and through them. See what He continues to do even in this day. See, and believe.

For where the truth of this treasure is, it leaves no room for doubt and confusion. Truth eats up the empty spaces that make room for lies.

Therefore, study Him. Let not your appetite be quenched by the false junk and ideologies of this age. Take your fill of God, our Father. Learn of Him. Explore Him, and you will not only be satisfied with that which nourishes for all eternity, but you will enter an abundant adventure of a lifetime today (John 10:10).

It’s there, in those pages of the Bible. Seek Him. He’s not hiding from you. Study Him, and enrich your own life further and deeper than you could have ever imagined.

“He has made His wonderful works to be remembered . . .” Psalm 111:4, NKJV

We Need the Lines!

July 20, 2022July 19, 2022Leave a comment

Image above by Joshua Choate from Pixabay

There is a road I have traveled for over 20 years. I have a love/hate relationship with this road.

This road is beautiful because it gives you the chance to get off the busy highway and take the least congested route to certain locations.

This road travels you through a beautiful neighborhood with equally beautiful houses.

This road is wide, allowing traffic to flow freely through the area. The width of the road could possibly accommodate two lanes of traffic on each side of the yellow middle line going down its center. Even though the road may be big enough for these extra lanes of traffic on either side, signs are posted all along the road saying, “Drive In Single Lane.”

On this free-flowing, 30 mph road, it is hard for some drivers to adhere to that sign. Sometimes the drive can be a bit contentious when a driver decides to ride your tail to encourage you to move faster (even if you’re already over the limit). And when that urging fails or the impatience of the other driver runs thin, they scootch around the other driver because the single-lane life is not for them.

Recently, I had an opportunity to travel this road that I don’t get the chance to frequent that often anymore and I noticed a big change. Now, there are new lines painted along the road. And in case you’re wondering, they were not lines that turned each side into two lanes. Rather, there were more yellow lines that narrowed the way of travel, letting you know in no uncertain terms: “Drive In Single Lane.” To further encourage adherence, middle partitions were put in the center of the road to block extra access.

Seeing these lines, I immediately thought to myself, “We need the lines.” On this road, those lines give clear direction and actually bring peace to what could have once been a contentious drive.

Sometimes I think we are trained to think open and free-flowing is always a good thing. It can be good with proper restraint and discipline. Alas, free-flowing for many gives the assumption that I can do what I want, when I want, and how I want.

But think on this, God’s Word is filled with instructions, commandments, statutes – lines, if you will, not to confine us, but to give us a life far greater. Jesus taught, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

You see, my friends, we need the lines. We need the instructions. We need the statutes and commandments. We need the road to be narrowed for our benefit so that we might gain a greater life.

“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” Isaiah 35:8

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:23-24

“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” 1 Corinthians 9:25

Before Your Throne, I Come!

July 7, 2022July 5, 2022Leave a comment

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Before Your throne, O God, I come. With praise in my heart and supplications on my lips, I come.

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” – Ephesians 6:18

I come and lay at Your feet every burden that is held in this heart.

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” – Psalm 55:22
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

I come and pray for my family (Click here for 8 Ways to Speak God’s Blessings Over Your Children)

“. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15
“That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style,” – Psalm 144:12, NKJV.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” – 3 John 1:4

I come and pray for my nation.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
“He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.” – Job 12:23

I come and pray for the souls of this world.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” – 1 Timothy 2:1
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” – Acts 26:18

Father God, You hear the cries of our hearts. Our prayers are not far from Your ears. They are open and attentive to the needs and the pleas of Your children.

So, before the throne, I come, with a heart resting in the full assurance of who You are in my life and all of Your glory.

“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.” – Psalm 8:1
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” – Revelation 4:11

I come, knowing the tears I shed and the words uttered are taken into account by You.

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” – Psalm 18:6
“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” – Psalm 56:8
“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” – Psalm 139:17

I come, committing everything into Your faithful hands knowing that You are “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20.

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.” – Psalm 89:13
“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” – Isaiah 41:13
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

I come, thanking You, Father God, that You always hear me and I am believing in Your just grace and mercy to see me through another day.

Thank You, for working in my life. Thank You, for holding my hand every step of the way. Thank You, for hearing me when I call.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, AMEN!

Who Shall Disannul it?

July 6, 2022July 5, 2022Leave a comment

Isaiah 14:27 asks the question, “For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” Furthermore, Psalms 33:11 states, “The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” When God has a set course marked out for your life, or for anything for that matter, it shall come to pass. It would be futile for any to try to work or speak against His plans.

Our world is inundated with all kinds of ways to get rid of what we don’t like or agree with. Hence, the infamous delete button.

Don’t like what you see? Delete it. Don’t like what you hear? Delete it. Don’t like whatever is before you? Somewhere, somehow there is a way to delete or ignore what it is.

That’s the world we live in. Sadly, the convenience of the delete button has skewered many people’s views about the world, God, and the way things truly are or work.

But let me let you in on a little secret – God’s Word is bond. It cannot be broken. It cannot be altered. And it cannot be annulled.

In the midst of “cancel culture,” this is a good thing. This should be a great encouragement to us because it literally means that not only will every standard of God stand, but it also means every promise of God will also stand. No matter what, it cannot and will not be erased, wiped out, abolished, or made void. God, and His Word, will never be canceled!

While the thoughts of man are vain and futile (Psalm 94:11), God’s Word is a sure foundation to build your life on, to hope and believe for every good and perfect thing He says to you. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.” – Numbers 11:23

“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.” – Psalm 119:89-90

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

“Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.” – Jeremiah 1:12

“For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.” – Ezekiel 12:25

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” – Hebrews 10:23

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Tag: Devotions

Purpose in the Struggle | Another Look at the Hardships Faced in Our Christian Journey

“Don’t Change Your Glory!”

“There is no place . . .”

“There’s More Than One Way”

“In the weary land . . .”

“Rejoice in It!”

“Study Him!”

We Need the Lines!

Before Your Throne, I Come!

Who Shall Disannul it?

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