There’s Beauty in Work

As we are coming down to the end of the week, most are ready to divorce themselves from the idea of and the word work. Looking forward to the weekend ahead, attaching oneself to the daily grind is the last thing on the mind.

But today I want to encourage you just in case the daily grind has been grinding too hard, and you may feel a little discouraged – there is beauty in the work that you do. Your labor, assignments, business, and service you do for others matters and is to be respected.

Now, before you take a weary second glance at the words beauty and work coming together as one in the title, I want you to consider a few things that make work beautiful. But before we get to that, I want to reassure you that work is something many struggle with daily. Even the most stout-hearted and dedicated individuals will have times when they must muster up their willpower and grudgingly, get on with their day.

Work is honorable. In the very beginning, when God created Adam, one of the first things He did was give Adam jobs to do such as grounds to till and animals to name (Genesis 2:15, 19, 20).

Our Heavenly Father is a worker, and He has never promoted laziness or idleness amongst His children (see Proverbs 6:6, 9-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10, and many more).

He is a very on-purpose God, and I believe being made in His image that we are people of purpose. We each have tasks that we can do and, in their doing, we can bring glory to our Heavenly Father (Colossians 3:23, 24).

Work produces. One of my favorite things to watch on streaming devices is videos about modern homesteading. And if I have learned anything from them it is this, if you are going to venture into this lifestyle, to have any sort of farm or productive garden and the like, it is going to take work, and lots of it.

But at the end of it all, my friends, there is a harvest. And it is only through the effort one puts into what they do that will allow them to see a reward in the end.

Your work doesn’t have to involve farmwork to reap a harvest of produce. Production comes from the efforts of any work be it at home with the kids, behind a desk in the office, in the operating room, walking the police beat, or any of the multitudes of services of employment offered through and to people.

Whatever and wherever your place of employment finds you, you will produce a result from what you put into a job well done.

And when that job is well done, it brings not only productivity and harvests, but it brings its own measure of satisfaction.

Two of my favorite times of the day are in the morning when the day is still new and there’s nothing but possibilities ahead. And then there is the tucking in at night when the jobs of the day are done. It is with great satisfaction that I put the day to rest knowing that I did my best, knowing that none of my work is in vain.

Work is not an ugly word. It is very beautiful and what comes at the end of it, no matter what form it takes, is very beautiful as well.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Text Free Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Head on over to “You Have to Work It!” for another encouraging read and be blessed.

1 Corinthians 13:12 inspirational scripture picture - when we see the full revelation of God

Snapshots | God is So Much More!

“… This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord…” Ezekiel 1:28

Whatever you may think you know about our Heavenly Father, no matter how deeply you have studied and pondered, my friend, even if you have spent years uncovering the riches of His Word (we don’t take away, but celebrate your devotion to the Word), all you or I can know only amounts to a small snapshot.

All the knowledge that has been acquired is only a drop in the ocean of the vastness of who He is. All that one could think or envision of our great God still can only be qualified as indescribable.

Ezekiel, a man privileged to see the things of heaven that we could only possibly dream about, still could not properly articulate the true glory of God. His description was basic compared to what his eyes really saw because God’s glory cannot be defined, described, or fully understood with our human scope of perception.

All one can do is live this life with a holy expectation. Live so that you may see beyond the human descriptions. Live in a way that your own eyes can behold His infinitely royal beauty, take in His true wonder, and view the fullness of His majesty for yourself.

One day, all the layers of living in this world that blur our clear vision of God will be pulled back. One day, we will no longer wonder. We will see God face-to-face for ourselves. Oh, what a day that will be when we experience the full revelation of our God!

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

“And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” Revelation 22:4

Inspirational and encouraging picture about trusting God even when we can't see it based on Joseph's story of being sold into Egyptian slavery

“Your Behind-the-Scenes Success!”

Genesis 37-41

Details. You either love them or hate them. When it comes to daily tasks, details can be a bit overwhelming when you are trying to figure out the minutest specifics of all that needs to be done.

Yet, when it comes to our future, especially regarding its outcome, details can be beneficial in planning and preparing. Our hopes are to receive a favorable ending to our story. And while details help us along toward specific goals in the natural world, when it comes to our spiritual walk, specific details of every move we make or every journey we walk through aren’t often given to us.

Take the story of Joseph, for instance. He was next to the next-to-youngest of twelve exceptional boys born to Jacob. Exceptional because they would become known later as the twelve tribes of Israel.

Being the firstborn of Rachel (the woman whom Jacob loved and willingly worked for to marry), Joseph received favors and preferential treatment from his father. If the evidence of his being treated favorably wasn’t there before, surely the multi-colored coat given to him signaled it loud and clear.

Joseph was not only unique in being Rachel’s firstborn and Daddy’s favorite. He was also blessed with a special gift revolving around dreams. Unfortunately for him, this gifting led to acquiring ire from his older brothers, who were more than likely already miffed at his exalted treatment.

This, in turn, provoked a plan of deception that would rid them of their problem with this bothersome brother. Deviating from killing him because their hatred so stirred them, they sold him into slavery.

There, his story pans out over several years of slavery, work, favor, and imprisonment. It seemed that when Joseph tried to do right, he was rewarded with lies, accusations, and being forgotten by those he helped. But while he was doing right and being a help to others, God was working behind the scenes to bring his story to a successful conclusion.

God was marching Joseph forward, unknown to himself, to the place of his maximum usefulness for that era. Whether it is readily apparent or not, God was with him even in a place where he may have felt alone, forgotten, and abandoned.

The details we see before us are obvious. They are obvious because they are visible. But like Joseph, our stories have more layers to them than just what the eye can see or human reasoning can understand.

In Genesis 39:2, we read, And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.”

In Genesis 39:21, it tells us, But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

And in the New Testament we are told, “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him (Acts 7:9).

Joseph lived his life in an honorable manner. He did not have the benefit of Scripture that would let him know that everything was going to work out in his favor; that the LORD was with him in the unseen details.

But He was. And God is with us also. Numerous times Scripture reminds us of this beautiful fact:

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee…” Isaiah 43:2

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God…” Isaiah 41:10

“… I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20

“… the upright shall dwell in thy presence.” Psalm 140:13

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16, and so many more.

In the extraordinary moves of life, we may readily point out, “God is with me!” But what His word assures us of is that in those moments where we cannot easily feel Him or understand the hardness of the situation we are dealing with, He is there.

Joseph’s story shares this truth with us, as well as Job’s, and many others who endured hardship, suffered trials, fought battles, and more.

But even when you can’t see how God is working things out behind the scenes, know that He is. What may not be apparent in details to others or even to you is clear before God, who knows the beginning from the end.

He has a plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Just keep living honorably and in faith. Grab hold of the truth of Scripture laden with the promise of His presence, and believe, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

In the end, Joseph, who was sold, accused, and forgotten, was elevated to the second-highest position in the land. I can’t promise your story will end with such exaltation. But what I can tell you is that no matter how your story unfolds, keep your faith in God, not in the details you can see, and know that in the end, God can make it work for good (Romans 8:28).

Your behind-the-scenes success is in God. Trust Him even when the details aren’t apparent.

“Make Your Requests Known!”

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6

I have opened many beautiful invitations throughout the years. But none so beautiful as the call from heaven that says, “Come.” – “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Our Savior has always been a welcoming Savior. Never a standoffish Lord. People clamored to be near, knowing that where He is, there is help and healing. People drew near to hear His words and wisdom. But people also desired to be near because His very presence welcomed them.

What is stopping you from coming? Do you feel unworthy? Come, for none are worthy. Do you not know how? Come, for it is not the articulation of your words the Lord is seeking. It’s you. For the LORD says, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

God, the Father, welcomes you to come and lay it all down: “Let your requests be made known unto God.”

Our gracious and kind God is not to be treated like a fictitious genie in a bottle. But as our Heavenly Father, He wants you to know that He is concerned about every part of your life. There is no prayer or problem, too big or too small.

What is the container of your heart holding today? At the throne of grace, there is power to release and free it.

What troubling thought is anxiously weighing you down? The Word confidently invites us to “Be careful for nothing.”

But that can only happen when we allow the faith we have in God override our natural human propensity to take on the world and try to solve it all on our own.

Faith is the key, my friend, that unlocks this door. For even when we can’t see it, we believe that as our prayers leave our hearts and our lips, God hears every one. And as He hears, we believe in our Heavenly Father to do what He sees best for His children.

There are days of general prayers. However, there are times when it is necessary to be very specific: “Let your requests be made known unto God.”

For this, we do not need a prayer plan or formula. We just need a heart of faith, no matter how small (Matthew 17:20; Mark 9:24), to come. A heart that will seek to speak with our Heavenly Father and ask for His help.

It’s not complicated. Nor was it ever meant to be. A good and loving father will always keep a door open for his children to come and talk, if need be.

Dear one, you are God’s child. Go to the prayer door of “Abba, Father,” and make your requests known.

It is true, He knows all things of whatsoever you could think to bring. But will you allow your faith, no matter how humble, to propel you forward, and come and make known those requests? The Word reminds us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Despite what our eyes see and the words others may say, Father God knows it all; He knows what’s best, and He is awaiting your coming.

Lord, I bring it to You…

Every concern about my family. Every concern about my ministry. Every unknown that is before me. My life is in Your hands. You, who are the Creator of the ends of the earth and beyond, hold my very days, life, and times in the palms of Your strength and power. You know the beginning from the end of it all. And, You know the future you have in store for me.

So, I pray today, casting all my cares upon You, in trust and belief that all things will work together for good.

I bring You my heart. Even though I sometimes have words and thoughts that I can’t properly articulate, I come. I lay them all at the foot of Your throne of grace, where You welcome me to draw near to obtain help.

Oh, God, I need You in everything. You are my Praise, my Comfort, and my Rock. You are the reason we sing and dare to have hope. You are the Light that shows us the way, and I pray today for Your holy direction.

I need You as I lie down and as I rise in the morning. I need You in every breath I take and every move I make. I need You all day long, without exception to time, space, and subject.

There is none like You. Not in all the heavens or in all the earth. Thank You for making room for us to come and lay it all down. Thank You for Your daily, loving compassion and tender mercies; for being our very present help in the time of trouble.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Text Free Image by Arnie Bragg from Pixabay

More Inspiration:

“Welcomed”

“Come to the Garden, and Pray!”

“Upon My Knees!”

“There is Power in Prayer!”

Romans 1:20 inspirational picture, Psalm 19:1 inspirational picture about God and creation,

“Look Around, and See!”

Oh, dear ones, creation has a story to tell.  It tells the story of God (of what He wants disclosed), and it gives one ample grounds to believe.

From the beginning of time, people have tried, and are still trying to explain away the creation story.  With everything from unproven theories to speculative claims, they lead many on a lost road of unbelief, erasing God from the picture altogether.

Yet, when we raise our windows and experience that fresh air He produces, there is no man-made scent in the world that can mimic it and give you the same sense of peace and well-being as what He created.  All of creation is put together by His intelligent design, and there is not one area that lacks the touch of His wisdom.

Everything from the intricacies of the human body, with all of its systems and how it works right down to the food chain of the world and how every species created is covered. Taking into account that if one link of that chain is missing, the system around it begins to suffer and crumble.

Looking out into our vast universe and even in the realm of our own planet, we see everything aligned perfectly in place to give us what we need to be nurtured and not harmed. 

Take into account the Earth’s positioning. It is close enough to the sun that we are cared for in warmth and food and all those other good benefits, but not too close to damage us.

That’s all because God perfectly called these things forth and placed everything in its optimal place of functionality by His divine power and wisdom.

It was Martin Luther who said, “God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees, and flowers, and clouds, and stars.” Can you see it?

My friend, everywhere we turn, there is evidence of God moving throughout creation: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:20).

Some may try to attribute what they feel or experience to “being one with the universe” or “mother nature,” or some other misguided belief, but all evidence of creation points to God and God alone. 

The world we live in tries to contradict not only the beauty He originally designed in the creation, but it also comes against the idea of God as the author of it all.

The interruption of evil in this world and in the hearts of man may have caused a separation from the divine truth, but because of the evidence that Paul states is “clearly seen,” it leaves all mankind “without excuse.”  

God has always been “before all things, and by him all things consist” (Col. 1:17), and it is up to each human heart to accept that truth or not.  No exceptions.  No excuses.

The very skies, trees, flowers, wind, and weather – and even our own beings- tell creation’s beautiful story. Take a deep breath in. Open your heart and consider. Open your eyes and discern. Look around, and see! The Creator of all of this is awaiting your believing response.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Psalm 19:1

Photo by Andre Moura on Pexels.com

Scripture graphic with 1 Peter 4:8 about love covering a multitude of sins, Christian encouragement, and healing grace.

The Healing Power of Love

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Love, in earnest, can be a balm to a heart broken by the bruises this life sometimes leaves. Earnest love simply gives; it does not demand perfection or dwell on faults but looks to the heart within each person. It is concerned with the person on the inside, without basing rash actions and feelings on outward stumbles from grace.

Do you know one who can use this covering love in their life? Has a life been touched by error and negativity? Could they use the heart of another speaking to them, “I’m still here for you.”

God’s steadfast love rescues, restores, and covers us. As such, we, who were once recipients, are now dispensers and have the power, through love, to lift another from their struggles.

Real love works through patience and is very kind toward others (1 Corinthians 13:4). It does not keep records of every wrong committed (1 Corinthians 13:5). Instead, it releases offences over and over again (Matthew 18:22) and just continues to love.

Have you ever been denied this kind of love from the Father? The answer is no. Time and again, we have sought His perfect love to forgive our many wrongs, and by His grace and mercy, He did (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 10:17).

Now, we are to be glad vessels ready to pour out to others the same love we have received, for “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends” (Proverbs 17:9).

Is there a heart waiting to be on the receiving end of this type of love today? Let go of everything else and love like Jesus loves. You may help heal the brokenness of another.

You Are Special and Wonderfully Made

Yes, you, dear one, are special. You are made completely wonderful in the eyes of our God (Psalm 139:14). You are a unique creation. You are designer original. There is no one quite like you because you are specially made to be, well…, you.

So, to what others may think. When the Lord fashioned you, He knew your characteristics and the way you would think. Don’t hide them but celebrate those tidbits of you that make up you.

Perfection, according to others, you may not be, but God sees more in you than you could ever believe. Grab hold of that beautiful truth, my friend. Let it rest deep in your heart. Let it permeate the crevices of your mind. You are His. He created you. Before you were even a concept in the womb of your mother, before the new beginnings of life were imagined, God beautifully knew you (Jeremiah 1:5).

Whether you believe it or not, you are so indescribably special to the Father above. When He sat molding you, one can only imagine the time He took to make you perfectly the beautiful you that you are.

At the potter’s wheel, He framed your purpose. He built inside wonderful gifts. With much care and attention, He fashioned you.

Run with the thought of all you are to Him today. Let the truth of His perfect design for you prompt you to continue to move forth in faith to where He is calling you, because you are specially made for this.

Nothing about you was left to chance. You are here on purpose and with a purpose, especially designed for you. Can you see it? Can you awaken your heart to believe it?

The battering of this world can speak so harshly against God’s design. But designed you are, and as long as you have it in your heart to believe in the wonderful you He created you to be, you can take on this day and His will for your life in confidence without missing a beat.

Whatever comes your way, be reminded of the unique love the Father has for you, and lay to rest everything else that speaks contrary to His truth.

Embracing Peace and Refusing Strife

“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife…” (Proverbs 20:3). There are some things we do not have to welcome into our lives. There are contentions we can choose to ignore. Some arguments don’t need our rebuttal.

Peace is so often forfeited because of the need for one to interject their opinions or to get involved in the things that matter much for nothing except to stir up the pot of strife.

Stop. Do not allow yourself to be pulled into what is fruitless. It is easy to offer your voice in a matter, but some things do not require your voice or participation.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). If it is not promoting peace and seeking a resolution of love, walk away. Where there is one who consistently seeks to disturb the fruit of the Spirit bearing peace (Galatians 5:22), pluck not from their branches, no matter how savory or sweet the delicacy may seem.

As a child of God, stopping and viewing this situation through the eyes and heart of God will help us to make loving decisions. Prayerfully take inventory of the situation before you, and ask, “Where is this leading?” “What end is this trying to bring about?” “What motives are seeking manifestation through personal involvement in this?”

If there is a negative response to these questions, then there will be negative fruit and actions as a result. Stop now, my friend. Refuse to attend the argument. Refuse to waste the precious resource and gift of today by not sowing into things that end in bitterness and strife.

There are 86,400 seconds given to us on this day. Each one is precious. Each one is to be cared for like the treasure it is. Each one is so important that it should not be wasted on things that tear down, on things that promote the opposite of God’s will for your life. Instead, Colossians encourages us to, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (3:15).

Your moments. Your seconds, minutes, and days can be used for better things, more worthy of your precious time, other than discord. There is a special beauty in choosing to stop getting involved in what is fruitless and start promoting things that edify.

Instead of involvement in contentions, let us focus more on the giving of love. Giving of those things that beautifully promote grace and life. And the giving of those things that seek for peace.

God is our very present help!

Dear Friends, are you in a present time crisis?  Has trouble found you when you least expected it and at the very wrong time possible?  The wonderful thing about being connected to the wonderful, heavenly Father is that no time is an inconvenient time for Him to come and help – even right now, presently.

God is never bound by the limits we experience or others we may run to for a source of hope and strength.  God is also the only One who not only knows us completely through and through, but He knows more about the details of our struggles, hurts, and pains than any other.  In His omniscience, there is no part of us – no part of anything we endure or go through that He is not aware of.  As such, there is no other place, person, or thing where we can truly find the satisfaction of help where we need it the most.

Please, do not misunderstand me.  God is not to be beckoned and treated as if He is an imaginary genie to grant our every wish on a whim.  No, but He is a promise keeper and so much more, who invites us to come to Him and seek His face – seek what He has to offer and trust His will and His timing – trust Him alone and above all during the times of conflict and uncertainty.

He, in His perfect love, is concerned about you and the things that are presently before you.  And, He knows that you are concerned about them too, and thus, He has allowed these assurances of His love and willingness to be available for help to be declared over and over in His holy Word, such as what the psalmist wrote when he said, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1).

There are times when I need Him in all those areas.  I need to find that in my weakest moments, in Him I can obtain strength.  When the storms are angry and blowing tempestuously in my life, He is my refuge and safety.  And yes, when troubles in any shape and form rear its ugly head, that God is our very present help – our right now source through it all.

Oh, if only every day were sunshine and rainbows, but alas, we know that there will be times when things and situations stir that makes us uncomfortable, shake us a bit, or cause some unsure feelings to arise.  But, the truth of what the psalmist wrote still stands just as sure today as it did when it was originally written, and the summation of that verse states that God cares deeply and lovingly for you.  Why else would He concern Himself with your present circumstances?  It is His love for you that compels Him.  It is His concern for you that causes His eye and heart to see what you are dealing with and moves Him to come to your aid.

Come, and take comfort in these blessed words that speak of His help and care for His people, and for you:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” (Psalm 46:1-7)

Reposted from September 23, 2020

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

“Before there was Egypt, there was a promise!”

Many times when we discuss the land of Egypt within the confines of the Bible, our minds automatically track back to the time when the children of Israel were in bondage there.  We see them under the weight of the taskmasters, dealing with oppressive circumstances that are beyond their control.  They stand by and watch as some are beaten, others are killed; lack and degrading situations run rampant throughout their time there.  Fear, hatred, and jealousy by others drove them to the place where they are residing; a place where tough days seem like they will never come to an end.

Oftentimes, when people find themselves in a hard spot of life, or when they find themselves coming up short and just not happy with the way things are turning out at this particular time, they refer to that circumstance as their place of “Egypt.”  This is where heartbreak and troubling times lie.  This is the place where it seems everything is fighting against them, and no matter what one does, it just doesn’t appear that they will ever come out on top.  People may not have taskmasters’ whips to deal with, but other things just lash and lash out at them, making it hard to get back up again.

As hard as this may be to believe, I assure you your Egypt will not last forever.  I’m sure the children of Israel had doubts about this.  After all, their time there lasted about four hundred years.  Yet, even before this family of seventy ventured into the land and grew to the astronomical numbers we see in Exodus, God knew all about their time there before they were even there.

In Genesis 15:13 God told Abram, “Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years.”  Outside of that prophecy God also said, “And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance,” (Genesis 15:14).  In this we see, there was a promise before they even set one foot in Egypt; before they even encountered a problem, God already had a blessing lined up for when they came out.

Today, we fight against so many unknowns.  We deal with all the this’s and that’s of life that simply weigh one down.  One might not find themselves in a literal state of captivity, but something just sits on them heavy, becoming an almost unbearable burden, and they just don’t know what to do.  With a feeling of exasperation, some just give up, content to go through the motions of life, without grabbing hold of the feeling of hope because of the fear of being let down again, just to drift back into that state of uncertainty once more.

But, I am here to tell you today, continue hoping and never give up.  Your “Egypt” is not lost on God.  God knows what you are facing.  He knows every disappointment you are dealing with.  He knows every struggle you are battling.  He knows everything that you are fighting through, and that’s fighting against you.

It may be hard to see the proverbial silver lining in a dark cloud at times or the light at the end of the tunnel, but we have something better.  We have a promise!  God told Abram that when his people came out, they would be coming out better than when they went in.  God was going to judge those who did them wrong, and God was going to bless them greatly.

Another promise Abram received was in a few verses before those noted above.  God told him, “Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be,” (Genesis 15:5).  Not only were they going to be blessed, but they were going to come out increased in the people they were.  To go from one individual to the millions they would come out to be, they were going to grow not only in number but in experience through their troubling times.  They would have to learn to endure some stuff to be the people who would eventually be fit to take on the Promised Land.

While it may at times seem like the hard times are breaking you, they may actually be making you.  So remember, before there was Egypt, there was a promise.  And, I don’t know about you, but I will take a promise of God over a so-called silver lining any day.  The promises of God are sure.  Through our relationship with Jesus Christ, we are told, “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us,” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

In other words, no matter what you are facing today, Jesus has you covered.  No matter the obstacles or hard places that make you feel like you are in Egypt and you just want to give up, God has an unfailing promise of His love, grace, mercy, peace, and deliverance through even the most difficult circumstances.

Reposted from April 19, 2020

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.