Greetings to you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! Okay…it is time for ‘choir practice’ and we will start with this little chorus – “This is the day that the Lord has made-We will rejoice and be glad in it” — please sing it like you mean it…or sing like it is true! We have so much to be grateful for this morning and I think we need to look in the mirror and tell ourselves that. I trust that you had a good weekend and a good start to this week. I believe that God has something good for you – TODAY! I will be praying for you, asking Father to release to you an awareness of His presence through a healing touch or a restored relationship or a ‘visit’ from a friend or a personal message from Him to you through reading His Word.
Yesterday I heard from a young man who has been through some very difficult days. He is trying to build…rebuild in many ways, his life as he responds to the whispers and nuances of God. As I read his words, both what was written and what wasn’t written the Father reminded me of my journey through very similar circumstances. I have known this young man for some time but did not know all that he was going through. I was not able to give the love and support that was needed, nor was I able to give some words of insight and understanding.
Maybe you or someone you know is in the midst of a ‘hard season’ in life…and usually it has to do with people and organisations and things that seem beyond your control. Let me share with you three insights that have helped me get through. First, in the midst of the situation when you think others are being treated differently and even better than you…there was a moment when Jesus said to his disciple, Peter…don’t worry or be concerned about him or her — you follow me! (John 12:21). I have learned that what God wants to do in my life is personal and intimate and powerful…and completely at odds with what someone else is going through with Him.
Second, when someone is fighting against you and it seems so unfair and all you want to do is get even and fight back…and I know that is sounds very simple. However, keep in mind…God is just: He will trouble those who trouble you! (2 Thessalonians 1:16) … which carries the implied warning…I will trouble you if you trouble them! So – you follow me and let me handle him or her.
Third, there is a powerful word of testimony when a older, wiser man looks at his ‘problems’ and says – you thought (intentionally or unintentionally) that you were going to harm me, set me back, detour me …but God used you for my development into a man of faith and integrity…because of you I know the goodness of God! and I am a better man. (Genesis 50:20).
Now the choir needs to sing once more: “He has shown thee, O man, what is good-And what the Lord requires of you-To do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Something to ponder — be blessed!