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Contentsone:IWILLNOTQUIT
HISWAYISNOTTOOHARD
DETERMINATION
HANGTOUGH!
KEEPONKEEPINGON
SETYOURMINDANDKEEPITSET
RUNTHERACE
BEPATIENT
WAITONTHELORD
two:IWillHaveFaith
STOPTHEEMOTIONALYO-YO
GODISUNCHANGING
GODISALWAYSGOOD
THELORDISOURROCK
AROCK-SOLIDFOUNDATION
FROMFAITHTOFAITH
ATALLTIMES
KEEPONWALKING
three:IWillOvercome
WHYBETESTED?
IWILLTRUSTGOD
IWILLBESECUREINJESUS
IWILLLEANONGOD
IWILLSHAKEOFFREJECTION
IWILLNOTBEBITTER
IWILLFORGIVE
IWILLLOVE
four:IWillBeFaithful
FAITHFULINLONELINESS
FAITHFULINTHEWILDERNESS
FAITHFULTOOBEY
FAITHFULWHENFRUSTRATED
FAITHFULWHENDISCOURAGED
FAITHFULTOSERVE
FAITHFULWHENMISUNDERSTOOD
FAITHFULTOHISTIMING
five:IWillStayBalanced
RESTRICTYOURSELF
BALANCEINYOURWORK
BALANCEINYOURFINANCES
BALANCEINYOURDIET
BALANCEINEVERYTHING
YOUARENOTINVINCIBLE
GETSOMEREST
DETERMINETOPRUNE
six:IWillPressOn
CHOSENBYGOD
BEUSABLE
GODHASAPLAN
GOAGAINSTTHEFLOW
KNOWWHATYOU’REDOING
REFUSETOGIVEUP
DOITAGAIN!
STAYONTHENARROWPATH
JOYCEMEYER
IfyouwillobeyGodandnevergiveinorgiveup,thennothing—nopersononearth,nodevilinhell,noinabilityyouhave,nothingfromyourpast—willbeabletokeepyoufrom
beingsuccessful.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUForthiscommandmentwhichIcommandyouthisdayisnottoodifficultfor
you,norisitfaroff.
DEUTERONOMY30:11
one
IWILLNOTQUIT
Sooften,someonewillcometomeforadviceandprayer,andwhenItellthemwhattheWordofGodsays,orwhatIthinktheHolySpiritissaying,theirresponseis,“Iknowthat’sright;Godhasbeenshowingmethesamething.But,Joyce,it’sjusttoohard.”ItisoneofthemostcommonlyexpressedexcusesIhearfrompeople.
WhenIinitiallybegantoseefromtheWordofGodhowIwassupposedtoliveandbehave,andcomparedittowhereIwas,Ialsosaid,“IwanttodothingsYourway,God,butitissohard.”Godgraciouslyshowedmethisisalietheenemytriestoinjectintoourmindstogetustogiveup.God’scommandmentsarenottoodifficultortoofaraway.
WalkinginobediencetoGodisnottoodifficultbecauseHehasgivenHisSpirittoworkinuspowerfullyandtohelpusinallHehasaskedofus(John14:16).Heisinusandwithusallthetimetoenableustodowhatwecannotdo,andtodowitheasewhatwouldbehardwithoutHim!
ThingsgethardwhenwetrytodothemindependentlywithoutleaningonandrelyingonGod’sgrace.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUWhenPharaohletthepeoplego,Godledthemnotbywayofthelandofthe
Philistines,althoughthatwasnearer;forGodsaid,LestthepeoplechangetheirpurposewhentheyseewarandreturntoEgypt.
EXODUS13:17
Fornotemptation(notrialregardedasenticingtosin,nomatterhowitcomesorwhereitleads)hasovertakenyouandlaidholdonyouthatisnotcommontoman[thatis,notemptationortrialhascometoyouthatisbeyondhumanresistanceandthatisnotadjustedandadaptedandbelongingtohumanexperience,andsuchasmancanbear].ButGodisfaithful[toHisWordandtoHiscompassionatenature],andHe[canbetrusted]nottoletyoubetemptedandtriedandassayedbeyondyourabilityandstrengthofresistanceandpowertoendure,butwiththetemptationHewill[always]alsoprovidethewayout(themeansofescapetoalandingplace),thatyoumaybecapableandstrongandpowerfultobearupunderitpatiently.
1CORINTHIANS10:13
HISWAYISNOTTOOHARDGodledtheChildrenofIsraelonalonger,harderrouteinthewildernessbecauseHeknewtheywerenotreadyforthebattlestheywouldfaceinpossessingthePromisedLand.Heneededtodoaworkintheirlivesfirst,teachingthemWhoHewasandthattheycouldnotdependonthemselves.
YoucanbeassuredthatanywhereGodleadsyou,Heisabletokeepyou.Heneverallowsmoretocomeonusthanwecanbear.WedonothavetoliveinaconstantstruggleifwelearntoleanonHimcontinuallyforthestrengthweneed.
IfyouknowGodhasaskedyoutodosomething,don’tbackdownbecauseitgetshard.Whenthingsgethard,spendmoretimewithHim,leanmoreonHim,andreceivemoregracefromHim(Hebrews4:16).GraceisthepowerofGodcomingtoyouatnocost,todothroughyouwhatyoucannotdobyyourself.
Godknowsthattheeasywayisnotalwaysthebestwayforus.That’swhyitissoimportantthatwenotloseheart,growweary,andfaint.
Satanknowsthatifhecandefeatusinourmind,hecandefeatusinourexperience.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUButJesuslookedatthemandsaid,Withmenthisisimpossible,butallthings
arepossiblewithGod.
MATTHEW19:26
DETERMINATIONManypeopleImeetwanttostartatpointAintheirChristianlife,blinktheireyestwice,andbeatpointZ.ManyofthemarefrustratedaboutnotknowingwhattheirgiftsareorwhatGodhascalledthemtodowiththeirlife.Someofthemaresoafraidoffailingandmakingmistakesthatitkeepsthemfromsteppingout.
Weallhaveundevelopedpotential,butwewillneverseeitmanifesteduntilwebelievethatwecandowhateverGodsayswecandoinHisWord.Unlesswestepoutinfaith,believingthatwithGodnothingisimpossible,HecannotdotheworkinusthatHewantstodotodevelopourpotential.Ittakesourcooperationandwillingnessthroughdetermination,obedience,andhardworktodevelopwhatHehasputinus.
Nobodycanbedeterminedforus.Wemustbedetermined.Ifwearenotdetermined,thedevilwillstealfromuseverythingwehave.Sogiveyourpotentialsomeformbydoingsomethingwithit.Youwillneverfindwhatyouarecapableofdoingifyounevertryanything.Don’tstayinthesafetyzone.StepoutintowhatyoufeelGodisleadingyoutodo,andyouwillsoondiscoverwhatyoureallycando.
Mostofushavenoproblemwithwishbone;it’sbackbonethatwearelacking.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUAndletusnotloseheartandgrowwearyandfaintinactingnoblyanddoing
right,forinduetimeandattheappointedseasonweshallreap,ifwedonotloosenandrelaxourcourageandfaint.
GALATIANS6:9
HANGTOUGH!Losingheartandfaintingrefertogivingupinthemind.TheHolySpirittellsusnottogiveupinourmind,becauseifweholdon,wewilleventuallyreap.
ThinkaboutJesus.ImmediatelyafterbeingbaptizedandfilledwiththeHolySpirit,Hewasledintothewildernesstobetestedandtriedbythedevil.Hedidnotcomplainandbecomediscouragedanddepressed.Hedidnotthinkorspeaknegatively.Hedidnotbecomeconfusedtryingtofigureoutwhythishadtohappen!Hewentthrougheachtestvictoriously(Luke4:1-13).
CanyouimagineJesustravelingaroundthecountry,talkingwithHisdisciplesabouthowhardeverythingwas?CanyoupictureHimdiscussinghowdifficulttheCrosswasgoingtobe…orhowHedreadedthethingsahead…orhowfrustratingitwastohavenoroofoverHishead,nobedtosleepinatnight?
JesusdrewstrengthfromHisheavenlyFatherandcameoutinvictory.WehaveHisSpiritdwellinginsideusandthestrengthavailabletomakeitthroughwhateverwearefacing.
YouandIhavethemindofChrist,andwecanhandlelifesituationsthewayHedid—bybeingmentallypreparedthrough“victorythinking”ratherthan“giveupthinking.”
GOD’SWORDFORYOUSo,sinceChristsufferedinthefleshforus,foryou,armyourselveswiththe
samethoughtandpurpose[patientlytosufferratherthanfailtopleaseGod].Forwhoeverhassufferedintheflesh[havingthemindofChrist]isdonewith[intentional]sin[hasstoppedpleasinghimselfandtheworld,andpleasesGod],
Sothathecannolongerspendtherestofhisnaturallifelivingby[his]humanappetitesanddesires,but[helives]forwhatGodwills.
1PETER4:1-2
KEEPONKEEPINGONPeter’sbeautifulpassageteachesusasecretconcerninghowtomakeitthroughdifficulttimesandsituations.Hereismyrenditionoftheseverses:
“ThinkabouteverythingJesuswentthroughandhowHeenduredsufferinginHisflesh,anditwillhelpyoumakeitthroughyourdifficulties.Armyourselvesforbattle;prepareyourselvesforitbythinkingasJesusdid…‘IwillpatientlysufferratherthanfailtopleaseGod.’Forifyousuffer,havingthemindofChristtowardit,youwillnolongerbelivingjusttopleaseyourself,doingwhateveriseasyandrunningfromallthatishard.ButyouwillbeabletoliveforwhatGodwillsandnotbyyourfeelingsandcarnalthoughts.”
Thereissuffering“intheflesh”thatwewillhavetoendureinordertodoGod’swill.TrialsandtestswillcometodevelopthepotentialGodhasputinyou.Yourpartistodeterminethatyouarenotgoingtoquit,nomatterwhat,untilyouseemanifestedwhatGodhasplacedwithinyou.Thereisonekindofpersonthedevilcanneverdefeat—onewhoisnotaquitter!
Keeponkeepingon,andyou’llgetthere.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUAndsetyourmindsandkeepthemsetonwhatisabove(thehigherthings),not
onthethingsthatareontheearth.
COLOSSIANS3:2
SETYOURMINDANDKEEPITSETWecanhaverightandwrongmind-sets.Therightonesbenefitus,andthewrongoneshurtusandhinderourprogress.Weneedourmindssetintherightdirection.
Somepeopleseelifenegativelybecausetheyhaveexperiencedunhappycircumstancesalltheirlivesandcan’timagineanythinggettinganybetter.Thentherearesomepeoplewhoseeeverythingasnegativesimplybecausetheirpersonalityleansinthatdirection.Somepeopleliveinawildernessofnegativity,whileothersareawilderness.Whateveritscause,anegativeoutlookleavesapersonmiserableandunlikelytogrowspiritually.
WithGod’shelpandyourhardworkanddetermination,youcanbreaknegativemind-setsandoldhabitsthatarehurtingandhinderingyou.Thedevildoesn’twantyoutobreakthroughbecauseheknowsthatifyoudo,youwillbecomeaworldchanger.Yourlifewillchange,whichwillcausemanyotherlivestochange.Ifyoudevelopyourpotential,itisgoingtohaveapositiveeffectnotonlyonyourlife,butonsomeoneelse’slife.
Yourpotentialisapricelesstreasure,likegold.Allofushavegoldhiddenwithin,butwemustbedeterminedtodigtogetitout.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUWhereforeseeingwealsoarecompassedaboutwithsogreatacloudof
witnesses,letuslayasideeveryweight,andthesinwhichdothsoeasilybesetus,andletusrunwithpatiencetheracethatissetbeforeus…
HEBREWS12:1KJV
RUNTHERACEIfwearegoingtorunourrace,wemustlayasideeveryweightandsinandruntheracewithpatience.Inthedaysthisversewaswritten,runnersconditionedtheirbodiesforaracejustaswedotodayButatthetimeoftherace,theystrippedofftheirextraclothingsothatwhentheyrantherewouldbenothingtohinderthem.Theyalsooiledtheirbodieswithfineoils.
InourChristianlifeweneedtoremoveanythingthathindersusfromrunningtheracethatGodhassetbeforeus.WeneedtobewelloiledoranointedwiththeHolySpiritifwearegoingtowinourrace.
Thedevilhasathousandwaystoentangleusandpreventusfromdoingwhatwearesupposedtobedoing.Theworldweliveinisfilledwithconstantdistractions.Toomanycommitments,lettingotherpeoplecontrolourtime,notknowinghowtosayno,orgettingoverlyinvolvedinsomeoneelse’sproblemsinsteadofkeepingoureyesonourowngoalswillkeepusfromfulfillingourpotential.
WehavetobedeterminedthatnothingisgoingtohinderusfromfulfillingGod’splanandpurposeforourlife.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUConsideritwhollyjoyful,mybrethren,wheneveryouareenvelopedinor
encountertrialsofanysortorfallintovarioustemptations.
Beassuredandunderstandthatthetrialandprovingofyourfaithbringoutenduranceandsteadfastnessandpatience.
Butletenduranceandsteadfastnessandpatiencehavefullplayanddoathoroughwork,sothatyoumaybe[people]perfectlyandfullydeveloped[withnodefects],lackinginnothing.
JAMES1:2-4
BEPATIENTJamesteachesusthatweshouldrejoicewhenwefindourselvesinvolvedindifficultsituations,knowingthatGodistryingourfaithtobringoutpatience.Ihavefoundthattrialsdideventuallybringoutpatienceinme,butfirsttheybroughtalotofotherjunktothesurface—suchaspride,anger,rebellion,self-pity,complaining,andmanyotherthings.Itseemsthattheseungodlytraitsneedtobefacedanddealtwithbeforepatiencecancomeforth.
TheBibletalksaboutpurification,sanctification,sacrifice,andsuffering.Thesearenotpopularwords;nevertheless,ifIamtobecomeChristlikeinmycharacter,ImustgothroughsuchthingsandlearnHisways.God’sdesireistomakeusperfect,lackinginnothing.Thedevilcannotcontrolapatientperson.
Istruggledwiththeprocessofchangeforalongtime,butIfinallyrealizedthatGodwasnotgoingtodothingsmyway.TherewerepeopleandsituationsHeplacedinmylifethatmademewanttogiveupandquit.ButHedidnotwantanargumentfromme.Heonlywantedtohear,“Yes,Lord.Yourwillbedone.”
Goingthroughdifficultiesinsteadofattemptingtoavoidthemwillsaveyoualotofagony.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUForyouhaveneedofsteadfastpatienceandendurance,sothatyoumay
performandfullyaccomplishthewillofGod,andthusreceiveandcarryaway[andenjoytothefull]whatispromised.
HEBREWS10:36
Thereforehumbleyourselves[demote,loweryourselvesinyourownestimation]underthemightyhandofGod,thatinduetimeHemayexaltyou…
1PETER5:6
WAITONTHELORDTherearemultitudesofunhappy,unfulfilledChristiansintheworldsimplybecausetheyaresobusytryingtomakesomethinghappen,insteadofwaitingpatientlyforGodtobringthingstopassinHisowntimeandHisownwayWeareinahurry,butGodisn’t.
Humilitysays,“Godknowsbest,andHewillnotbelate!”Pridesays,“I’mreadynow.I’llmakethingshappenmyownway.”Ahumblemanwaitspatiently;heactuallyhasa“reverentialfear”ofmovinginthestrengthofhisownflesh.Patienceistheabilitytokeepagoodattitudewhilewaiting.Butaproudmantriesonethingafteranother,alltonoavail.Prideisattherootofimpatience.
PatienceisafruitoftheHolySpiritthatmanifestsitselfinacalm,positiveattitudedespiteourlifecircumstances.Don’tthinkyoucansolveallyourproblemsorovercomedifficultiesonyourown.AswehumbleourselvesunderGod’smightyhand,webegintodietoourownwayandourowntimingandtobecomealivetoGod’swillandwayforus.Characterdevelopmenttakestimeandpatience.
ItisonlythroughpatienceandenduranceinfaiththatwereceivethepromisesofGod.
YouandIneedtomakeadecisionthat,comewhatmay,wearegoingtokeeppressingon,lookingtoJesus,nomatterwhat.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUIamcallingupmemoriesofyoursincereandunqualifiedfaith(theleaningof
yourentirepersonalityonGodinChristinabsolutetrustandconfidenceinHispower,wisdom,andgoodness),[afaith]thatfirstlivedpermanentlyin[theheartof]yourgrandmotherLoisandyourmotherEuniceandnow,Iam[fully]persuaded,[dwells]inyoualso.
ThatiswhyIwouldremindyoutostirup(rekindletheembersof,fantheflameof,andkeepburning)the[gracious]giftofGod,[theinnerfire]thatisinyoubymeansofthelayingonofmyhands[withthoseoftheeldersatyourordination].
ForGoddidnotgiveusaspiritoftimidity(ofcowardice,ofcravenandcringingandfawningfear),but[Hehasgivenusaspirit]ofpowerandofloveandofcalmandwell-balancedmindanddisciplineandself-control.
2TIMOTHY1:5-7
two
IWillHaveFaith
IhaveafeelingthatintheselastdayswewillneedtoberemindedofPaul’swordsofencouragementtoTimothyofbeingwillingtosacrificeortosuffertofulfillthecallofGodonourlife.Everythingwehavetodoisnotgoingtofeelgoodallthetime.
Timothywasayoungministerwhosimplyfeltlikegivingup.Thefirethatonceburnedwithinhimwasbeginningtogrowcold.Thechurchinthosedayswasexperiencingagreatdealofpersecution,andTimothyhadsomefears.Perhapshefeltwornoutandthateverythingwascrashingdownuponhim.Weallfeelattimesthatwejustcan’tkeepgoing.
Paulwassaying,“Timothy,youmayfeellikequitting,butIwanttoseesomestabilityinyou.RememberthepoweroftheHolySpiritthatchangedyourlife.Hegivesyouaspiritofdisciplineandself-control.”
Ifwehavestability,wedowhatisrightwhenitfeelsgoodandwhenitdoesn’tfeelgood—whetherit’sprayingorgivingoranyotherobedienceGodisaskingofus.Ifweeverwanttoseeareleaseofourpotential,wemustdisplaystability.
Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIhavemadeupmymindthatIwillputmyfaithinGodandHisWord,comewhatmay.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUButthefruitofthe[Holy]Spirit[theworkwhichHispresencewithin
accomplishes]islove,joy(gladness),peace,patience(aneventemper,forbearance),kindness,goodness(benevolence),faithfulness,
Gentleness(meekness,humility),self-control(self-restraint,continence).Againstsuchthingsthereisnolaw[thatcanbringacharge].
GALATIANS5:22-23
STOPTHEEMOTIONALYO-YOIremembertheyearswhenIwaswhatIcalla“yo-yoChristian.”Iwascontinuallyupanddown.Ifmyhusband,Dave,didwhatIliked,Iwashappy.Ifhedidn’tdowhatIliked,Iwouldgetmad.IwasledbymyemotionsratherthantheHolySpiritwithin.
Morethananyothersinglething,believerstellmehowtheyfeel.“Ifeelnobodylovesme.”“Ifeelmyspousedoesn’ttreatmeright.”“IfeelthatI’llneverbehappy.”“Ifeel…Ifeel…Idon’tfeel…,”andonandonitgoes.
Godwantsustogrowupandrealizethatouremotionsarenevergoingtogoaway,sowemustlearntomanagethemratherthanlettingthemmanageus.Wehavetoexerciseself-controlandtellourfleshtogetinlinewithwhatisrightratherthanwhatitwants.Weneedtotellourselvesthatwearenotgoingtobeabletosayeverythingwewanttosay,eateverythingwewanttoeat,stayupaslateaswewant,orgetupwhenwefeellikeit.BythepoweroftheSpirit,Hewillhelpusstoplivingbyouremotions,andteachustobestable.
AsChristians,insteadofconcentratingonhowwefeel,weneedtofocusonwhatweknowtobetruthfromtheWordofGod.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUJesusChrist(theMessiah)is[always]thesame,yesterday,today,[yes]and
forever(totheages).
HEBREWS13:8
GODISUNCHANGINGWhatisthemainthingthatwelovesomuchaboutJesus?Therearemanyanswerstothatquestion,ofcourse,suchasthefactthatHediedforusonthecrosssowewouldn’thavetobepunishedforoursins;thenHeroseagainonthethirdday.ButinourdailyrelationshipwithHim,oneofthethingsweappreciatethemostaboutHimisthefactthatwecancountonHisunchangingnature.Hecanchangeanythingelsethatneedstobechanged,butHeHimselfalwaysremainsthesame.
ThatisthekindofpersonIwanttobe,andGodwantsmetobe,butitwillneverhappenifIcannotcontrolmyemotions.BeingemotionallymaturemeansmakingdecisionsbasedontheleadingoftheHolySpirit,notonourfeelings.Butitdoesn’tcomenaturally.
Justknowingthesethingsisnotgoingtomakeouremotionsgoaway.ButwehaveaGodWhoisabletobringusintobalance.Itdoesn’tmeanwebecomeemotionlessordull.Godgaveusemotionssowecouldenjoylife.ButitdoesmeanwetakecontrolinthestrengthandpoweroftheHolySpirit.
Goddoesnotwantustochangeeverytimeourcircumstanceschange.Hewantsustoalwaysbethesame,justasHeis.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUEverygoodgiftandeveryperfect(free,large,full)giftisfromabove;itcomes
downfromtheFatherofall[thatgives]light,in[theshiningof]Whomtherecanbenovariation[risingorsetting]orshadowcastbyHisturning[asinaneclipse].
JAMES1:17
GODISALWAYSGOODJamestellsusthatGodisgood,period.Heisnotgoodsometimes;Heisalwaysgood.
Isn’titwonderfultohaveaGodWhoisunvarying?WithGodthereisnoturning,novariation.WehaveseenthatHisSon,Jesus,neverchanges.InJohn10:30,wearetoldthatJesusandGodareoneandthesame.IfJesusneverchanges,Godneverchanges.WhetherintheformoftheFather,HisSon,Jesus,ortheHolySpirit,Godisalwaysthesame.
Ifwearehavingahardtime,ifwefeellikegivingup,Godisstillgood.Ifsomethingbadhappenstous,Godisstillgood.GodisagoodGod,andHewantstodogoodthingsforus.Hedoesn’tdogoodthingsforusbecausewearegoodandwedeservethem;HedoesgoodthingsforusbecauseHeisgoodandHelovesus.
Theworldstillneedstolearnthattruth.Sodosomeinthechurch.It’sarevelationthatcanblowawaydoubtandfearanddiscouragement.Itcanturndarknesstolight!
Thekeytohappinessandfulfillmentisnotinchangingoursituationorcircumstances,butintrustingGodtobeGodinourlife.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUHeistheRock,Hisworkisperfect,forallHiswaysarelawandjustice.AGod
offaithfulnesswithoutbreachordeviation,justandrightisHe.
DEUTERONOMY32:4
Fortheyareanationvoidofcounsel,andthereisnounderstandinginthem.
Othattheywerewiseandwouldseethroughthis[presenttriumph]totheirultimatefate!
Howcouldonehavechasedathousand,andtwoputtenthousandtoflight,excepttheirRockhadsoldthem,andtheLordhaddeliveredthemup?
FortheirrockisnotlikeourRock,evenourenemiesthemselvesjudgethis.
DEUTERONOMY32:28–31
THELORDISOURROCKGodalwayslovesusunconditionally.Hedoesn’tloveusifwearegoodandthenstop
lovingusifwearebad.Healwayslovesus.Heisalwayskind,alwaysslowtoanger,alwaysfullofgraceandmercy,alwaysreadytoforgive.
GodisaRock,unchangingandundeviating.Heisgreatandunfailing,faithfulandjust,perfectandrightinallHisdoing.Hewillneverleaveusorforsakeus.
WhatwouldhappeninourlivesandinthelivesofthosearoundusifwewerelikeGod?Whatwouldhappenifwewerealwaysloving,alwaysslowtoanger,alwaysfilledwithgraceandmercy,alwaysreadytoforgive?Whatwouldhappenifwe,likeourGod,werealwayspositive,peaceful,andgenerous?HeisourRock,butHeisalsoourExample.WearetostrivetobethewayHeis.
IknowthatanyonecanchangeifIcanbecauseIhadabadcaseofinstability.Goddoesnotexpectustobecomeperfectovernight,butHewantstohelpustobecomemoreandmorelikeHimdaybyday.
Godwantsyoutocomeintoaplaceofstability.Youwillneverbeabletoenjoylifeasyouweremeanttountilyoubecomestable.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUNowwhenJesuswentintotheregionofCaesareaPhilippi,HeaskedHis
disciples,WhodopeoplesaythattheSonofManis?
Andtheyanswered,SomesayJohntheBaptist;otherssayElijah;andothersJeremiahoroneoftheprophets.
Hesaidtothem,Butwhodoyou[yourselves]saythatIam?
SimonPeterreplied,YouaretheChrist,theSonofthelivingGod.
ThenJesusansweredhim,Blessed(happy,fortunate,andtobeenvied)areyou,SimonBar-Jonah.Forfleshandblood[men]havenotrevealedthistoyou,butMyFatherWhoisinheaven.
AndItellyou,youarePeter[Greek,Petros—alargepieceofrock],andonthisrock[Greek,petra—ahugerocklikeGibraltar]IwillbuildMychurch,andthegatesofHades(thepowersoftheinfernalregion)shallnotoverpowerit[orbestrongtoitsdetrimentorholdoutagainstit].
MATTHEW16:13–18
AROCK-SOLIDFOUNDATIONWhenPetersaidthatJesuswastheChrist,theSonofthelivingGod,thatwasastatementoffaith.Inmakingthisstatement,Peterwasdisplayingfaith.
Idon’tthinkPeterjustcasuallyornonchalantlymadethatstatement.IthinkhediditwithasuretyandacertaintythatimpressedJesusbecauseHeimmediatelyturnedtoPeterandtoldhimthathewasblessed.ThenHewentontosaythatitwasuponthisrock-solidfoundationoffaiththatHewouldbuildHischurch.
JesuswassayingtoPeter,“Ifyoumaintainthisfaith,itwillbearocklikesubstanceinyourlifeuponwhichIwillbeabletobuildMykingdominyou.Yourpotentialwillbedevelopedtotheplacethateventhegatesofhellwillnotbeabletoprevailagainstyou.”
TherehavebeenmanytimesinmylifewhenIhavebeendiscouragedandnotknownwhattodo,orfeltthatnothingwasworkingandthateverybodywasagainstme.ThewordIhaveheardoverandoveragainis,“Onlybelieve.”
ThispromisewasnotjustforPeteralone.Jesusissayingthesamethingtoyouandme.Onlybelieve!
GOD’SWORDFORYOUForthereinistherighteousnessofGodrevealedfromfaithtofaith:asitis
written,Thejustshalllivebyfaith.
ROMANS1:17KJV
FROMFAITHTOFAITHIthaslongbeenagoalofminetolearnhowtolivefromfaithtofaith.AnumberofyearsagotheLordrevealedtome,“Joyce,yougofromfaithtofaithtodoubttounbelief,andthenbacktofaithtodoubttounbelief.”
Thetroublewiththechurchtodayisthatwehavetoomuchmixtureandnotenoughstability.Thatmixtureisevidentinourspeech,asweseeinJames3:10:“Outofthesamemouthcomeforthblessingandcursing.Thesethings,brethren,oughtnottobeso.”
PerhapsyoufeelasIdid—likeaflattire.Wegetallpumpedupandrollalongfineforawhile,butthenthenextthingyouknowweareflatagain.Toooftenweoperateatzeropowerlevel.Wekeepmixingpositivesandnegatives.Ourpositivesaredeletedbyournegatives,andweenduprightbackatzero.Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIdon’twanttooperateatzeropower.
It’stimetodeterminetostopthenegatives—inourthoughts,ourwords,andouractions.
DoubtcomesintheformofthoughtsthatopposetheWordofGod.WemustdeterminetoknowtheWord,thenwecanrecognizewhenthedevilislyingtous.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUTrustin,leanon,relyon,andhaveconfidenceinHimatalltimes,youpeople;
pouroutyourheartsbeforeHim.Godisarefugeforus(afortressandahightower).Selah[pause,andcalmlythinkofthat]!
PSALM62:8
IwillblesstheLordatalltimes;Hispraiseshallcontinuallybeinmymouth.
PSALM34:1
ATALLTIMESWearenottohavefaithandtrustinGodonceinawhileorfromtimetotime,butatalltimes.Wemustlearntolivefromfaithtofaith,trustingtheLordwhenthingsaregood,andwhenthingsarebad.ItiseasytotrustGodwhenthingsaregood,butwhenthingsaregoingbadandwedecidetotrustGod,thatiswhenwedevelopcharacter.
ThepsalmistalsotellsusweshouldblesstheLordatalltimes.ThereareseveralotherScripturesthattellusthingstodoatalltimes—resistthedevilatalltimes,believeGodatalltimes,loveothersatalltimes—notjustwhenit’sconvenientoritfeelsgood.
Therewillnevercomeatimewhenwewillnotfindtemptationlurkingaroundus.Aslongasweliveintheflesh,wewillhavedesiresthatbringhurtanddamage.Itisonlybydiscipliningouremotions,ourmoods,andourmouthsthatwebecomestableenoughtoremainpeaceful,whateveroursituationorcircumstances,sothatweareabletowalkinthefruitoftheSpirit—whetherwefeellikeitornot.
Sinceyoucanchooseyourownthoughts,whendoubtcomesyoushouldlearntorecognizeitforwhatitis,say,“No,thankyou,”andkeeponbelieving!
GOD’SWORDFORYOUButtheboatwasbythistimeoutonthesea,manyfurlongs…,beatenand
tossedbythewaves,forthewindwasagainstthem.
Andinthefourthwatch[between3:00—6:00a.m.]ofthenight,Jesuscametothem,walkingonthesea.
AndwhenthedisciplessawHimwalkingonthesea,theywereterrifiedandsaid,Itisaghost!…
ButinstantlyHespoketothem,saying,Takecourage!IAM!Stopbeingafraid!
AndPeteransweredHim,Lord,ifitisYou,commandmetocometoYouonthewater.
Hesaid,Come!SoPetergotoutoftheboatandwalkedonthewater,andhecametowardJesus.
Butwhenheperceivedandfeltthestrongwind,hewasfrightened,andashebegantosink,hecriedout,Lord,saveme[fromdeath]!
InstantlyJesusreachedoutHishandandcaughtandheldhim,sayingtohim,Oyouoflittlefaith,whydidyoudoubt?
Andwhentheygotintotheboat,thewindceased.
MATTHEW14:24–32
KEEPONWALKINGPetersteppedoutatthecommandofJesustodosomethinghehadneverdonebefore.Asamatteroffact,noonehadeverdoneitexceptJesus.
Itrequiredfaith!
ThenPetermadethemistakeofspendingtoomuchtimelookingatthestorm.Hebecamefrightened.Doubtandunbeliefpressedinonhim,andhebegantosink.HecriedouttoJesustosavehim,andHedid.
InRomans4:18-21,Abrahamdidnotwaverinhisfaithwhenheconsideredhisimpossiblesituation.Hewasawareofit,buthedidn’tgetpreoccupiedwithit.YouandIcanbeawareofourcircumstancesandyet,purposely,keepourmindonsomethingthatwillbuildusupandedifyourfaith.
Thedevilbringsstormsintoyourlifetointimidateyou.WeglorifyGodwhenwecontinuetodowhatweknowisrighteveninadversecircumstances.
Whenthestormscomeinyourlife,diginbothheels,setyourfacelikeflint,andbedeterminedintheHolySpirittostayoutoftheboat!Veryoftenthestormceasesassoon
asyouquitandcrawlbackintoaplaceofsafetyandsecurity.
JustbecauseIdon’tunderstandwhatisgoingoninmylifedoesnotmeanGoddoesnothaveapurposeforit,orjustbecauseIdon’tfeelgoodaboutsomethingdoesnotmeanitis
notgoingtoworkoutforthebest.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUOh,letthewickednessofthewickedcometoanend,butestablishthe
[uncompromisingly]righteous[thoseuprightandinharmonywithYou];forYou,Whotrytheheartsandemotionsandthinkingpowers,arearighteousGod.
PSALM7:9
But,OLordofhosts,Whojudgesrightlyandjustly,Whoteststheheartandthemind,letmeseeYourvengeanceonthem,fortoYouIhaverevealedandcommittedmycause[rollingituponYou].
JEREMIAH11:20
three
IWillOvercome
Allofourlifeisfilledwithconstantchallengesanddifficultiesthattestourresolveanddeterminationandthequalityofourcharacter.ItwouldbeagreatmistaketooverlookthefactthatitisGodWhotestsourhearts,ouremotions,andourminds.
Howdowetestanything?Weputpressureonittoseeifitwilldowhatitsaysitwilldo.Willitholdupunderstress?Canitperformatthelevelitsmakersaysitcan?Isitgenuinewhenmeasuredagainstatruestandardofquality?Goddoesthesamewithus.
Itisverysadtomehowmanypeoplenevermakeitpastthetryingpoint.Theylackthepowerofdeterminationtopassthetestandspendtheirwholelifegoingaroundandaroundthesameproverbialmountains.ButinGod’sschoolwedon’tflunk.Wejustkeeptakingthetestoverandoveruntilwepassit.
James1:2-4saysthattestsbringoutwhatisinus.Itisintimesoftrialthatwebecomebestacquaintedwithourselvesandwhatwearecapableofdoing.Peterdidn’tthinkhewouldeverdenyJesus,buthecavedinwhentested.Asdifficultasitwas,thattestwasthestepthatshapedPeterintothemanofGodheeventuallybecame.
Godisnotimpressedwithwhatwesaywewilldo;Heisimpressedwithwhatweprovewewilldounderpressure.
GOD’SWORDFORYOU[Youshould]beexceedinglygladonthisaccount,thoughnowforalittlewhile
youmaybedistressedbytrialsandsuffertemptations,
Sothat[thegenuineness]ofyourfaithmaybetested,[yourfaith]whichisinfinitelymorepreciousthantheperishablegoldwhichistestedandpurifiedbyfire.[Thisprovingofyourfaithisintended]toredoundto[your]praiseandgloryandhonorwhenJesusChrist(theMessiah,theAnointedOne)isrevealed.
1PETER1:6-7
WHYBETESTED?Therearemanyteststhatcomeourwayeveryday.Forexample,ourbosstellsustodosomethingwedon’twanttodo.Orwe’regoingtopullintoaparkingspaceandsomeonezoomsinandtakesit.Orsomeonespeaksrudelytouswhenwe’vedonethemafavor.
In1Peter4:12,PetertellsusnottobesurprisedordismayedbytheteststhatwehavetoendurebecausebythemGodistestingour“quality,”orourcharacter.Peterknewthevalueofbeingtestedinhisownlife.Weallgothroughthem,andweshouldn’tbeconfusedaboutwhytheycomeourway.Godistestingourhearttoseewhatmannerofpersonweare.
EverytimeGodgivesusatest,wecantellhowfarwe’vecomeandhowfarwestillhavetogobyhowwereactinthattest.Attitudesoftheheartthatwedidn’tevenknowwehadcancomeoutwhenweareintestsandtrials.So,Peterconcludesinverse13thatweshouldrejoicewithtriumphinoursufferingsothatChrist’sglorymayberevealedthroughus.
TestingtimesthatGodpermitsinourlifeareactuallyforourbenefit,despitehowwefeelwhilewe’regoingthroughthem.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUButHeknowsthewaythatItake[Hehasconcernforit,appreciates,andpays
attentiontoit].WhenHehastriedme,Ishallcomeforthasrefinedgold[pureandluminous].
JOB23:10
IWILLTRUSTGODOneofthetestswecanexpecttoencounterinourjourneywithGodisthetrusttest.HowmanytimesdowesaytoGod,“Whatisgoingoninmylife?WhatareYoudoing?Whatishappening?Idon’tunderstand.”SometimesthethingshappeninginusseemtobetakingusintheexactoppositedirectionofwhatwefeelGodhasrevealedtous.
Thisiswheremanypeoplegiveupandfailandgobacktosomethingthatwillbequickerandeasierforthem.Ifyouareinaplacerightnowwherenothinginyourlifemakesanysense,trustGodanyway.OnelessonI’velearnedthroughtheyearsisthis:ThereisnosuchthingastrustingGodwithoutunansweredquestions.AslongasGodistrainingustotrust,therearealwaysgoingtobethingsinourlifewejustdon’tunderstand.
Whenheavenissilent,IhavelearnedthatIneedtostaybusydoingthelastthingGodtoldmetodoandjustkeeptrustingHim.GodwillmakeallthepiecesofourlifeworktogetherforHispurpose,evenwhenwedon’tseetomorrow’sprovision.Tomorrow’sanswersusuallydon’tcomeuntiltomorrow.
WemustdeterminetotrustGodwhenwedon’tunderstandwhatisgoingoninourlife.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUForwe[Christians]arethetruecircumcision,whoworshipGodinspiritand
bytheSpiritofGodandexultandgloryandprideourselvesinJesusChrist,andputnoconfidenceordependence[onwhatweare]inthefleshandonoutwardprivilegesandphysicaladvantagesandexternalappearances…
PHILIPPIANS3:3
IamtheVine;youarethebranches.WhoeverlivesinMeandIinhimbearsmuch(abundant)fruit.However,apartfromMe[cutofffromvitalunionwithMe]youcandonothing.
JOHN15:5
IWILLBESECUREINJESUSGoddespisesindependence.HewantsustobeastotallydependentandreliantuponHimasabranchisonavine.Wearenottoputconfidenceintheflesh,notoursoranybodyelse’s.
Howmanytimeshaveyoutrustedinyourownstrengthandfailedmiserably?Howmanytimeshaveotherpeopleletyoudownafteryouputyourtrustinthem?Howmanytimeshaveyoubeendisappointedwhenothersrejectedyouorfailedtodowhatyouexpected?GodwillkeeptakingusthroughthesetestsuntilweputourconfidenceinHimalone.Thetestsdon’tchange,butwechange.
Somepeoplespendtheirwholelivestryingtomakeeverybodyandeverythingelsechange—tryingtocontrolotherpeople,tryingtocontroltheircircumstances—withoutrealizingtherealsourceoftheirmiseryandunhappiness.Weareinforconstantfailureanddisappointmentaslongasoursecurityisinourselvesorotherpeople.Wewillbeheldhostagetocertainthingstomakeushappyandnevergetaroundtochangingbecauseweexpecteveryoneandeverythingelsetochange.
Wemustdeterminetoallowthetestsinourlivestocausetheimpuritiesinustorisetothetopwheretheycanbedealtwith.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUCeasetotrustin[weak,frail,anddying]man,whosebreathisinhisnostrils
[forsoshortatime];inwhatsensecanhebecountedashavingintrinsicworth?
Forbehold,theLord,theLordofhosts,istakingawayfromJerusalemandfromJudahthestayandthestaff[everykindofprop],thewholestayofbreadandthewholestayofwater…
ISAIAH2:22—3:1
IWILLLEANONGODGodasksusthroughtheprophetIsaiah,“Whyareyouputtingyourtrustinweak,frail,andmortalpeople?Inwhatsensecantheybecountedonashavingintrinsicworth?Instead,putyourtrustinMe.”Inlightofthat,HeaddsthatHeistakingawayfromHispeoplealltheirprops.
Whathappenstouswhenourpropsarepulledoutfromunderus?Wediscoverwhatwearereallyleaningon,whatwearereallyrootedandgroundedin.
AsnewbelieversinChrist,whenwebeginourwalkwithGodweneedapropsystem,somethingtohelpusonourway.WeneedagroupofpeoplearoundustokeepusstudyingtheBible,praying,andseekingtheLord.Withoutthatsupportsystem,whenthestormsoflifecomeagainstus,theywillblowusover.
Thatsupportsystemmaytakemanyforms,butsoonerorlaterGodisgoingtostartremovingthepropsfromunderus.Atfirst,thisisprettyscarybecausewedon’tunderstanditorlikeit.Itisthenwediscoverhowmuchofoursenseofvalueandworthdependsonthethingswearedoing.OurplaceistocooperatewiththeLordwhileHedoesHisworkinourlives.
WemustputourrootsdowndeepinChristsothatwecanstandtallandsteadyandbeatreeofrighteousness.
GOD’SWORDFORYOURememberthatItoldyou,Aservantisnotgreaterthanhismaster[isnot
superiortohim].IftheypersecutedMe,theywillalsopersecuteyou;iftheykeptMywordandobeyedMyteachings,theywillalsokeepandobeyyours.
JOHN15:20
Hewhohearsandheedsyou[disciples]hearsandheedsMe;andhewhoslightsandrejectsyouslightsandrejectsMe;andhewhoslightsandrejectsMeslightsandrejectsHimwhosentMe.
LUKE10:16
IWILLSHAKEOFFREJECTIONPeoplewillrejectusjustastheyrejectedJesus,Paul,andtheotherapostlesanddisciples.WeareservantsofarejectedMaster,andHeleadsustodothingsthataredifferentfromwhatothersaroundusaredoing.Butitisespeciallyhardwhenwearerejectedbypeoplewhoarewrongandwhoaresayinganddoingwrongthings.
WhenIfirststartedpreaching,Iwasterriblyinsecureandtookmyshareofcriticismandrejection.Finally,afterstrugglingthroughembarrassmentsandfeelingbad,theLordsimplysaidtome,“IamtheOneWhocalledyou.Don’tworrywhatpeoplethink.Ifyoudo,youaregoingtobeworryingallyourlifebecausethedevilwillneverstopfindingpeoplewhowillthinksomethingunkindaboutyou.”
InActs28:1-5,whenPaulwasbittenbyasnake,thenativesoftheislandofMaltathoughthemustbeamurdererandtheiravenginggoddessofjusticewouldnotallowhimtolive.Paulsimplyshookoffthesnakeandsufferednoevileffects.Thatiswhatwemustdowithfear,rejection,discouragement,disappointment,betrayal,orloneliness—shakeitoffandgoon.
Evenwhenourrejectionisfrompeoplewhoareclosetous,wemustdeterminetokeeppressingontowardfulfillingwhatGodhascalledustodo.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUButJesussaidtohim,Judas!WouldyoubetrayanddeliveruptheSonofMan
withakiss?
LUKE22:48
IWILLNOTBEBITTERJesusboreoursinssowedonothavetobearthem.ButthereareotherthingsHewentthroughthatHeenduredasanexampleforus,thingsthatwewillhavetofollowinHisfootstepsandgothrough.JesusfacedthebetrayalofJudasattheworstmomentofHislifebutdidnotletithinderHim.Anditcameintheformofakiss.
Satanlovesbetrayalbecauseoftenwhenwearehurtbysomeonewelove,respect,andtrust,wefeelwecan’ttrustanyone.ThinkofwhatDavidfeltwithAbsolam,orJosephwithhisbrothers.Wewanttogiveupand“doourownthing”soweneverhavetoexperiencethathurtagain.Betrayalissomethingwemustlearntoshakeoffandnotlethinderus,nomatterhowwefeel.
InMatthew24:10-13,Jesuswarnsusthatinthelastdaysbetrayalswillincrease.Healsotellsusthatthosewhoenduretotheendwillbesaved.Asbelievers,itisnotwhathappenstousthatruinsus.Itisourwrongresponsetowhathappensthatruinsus.Wecanchoosetomakearightresponse.
WemustdeterminethatwithGod’shelpwewillallowourpaintomakeusbetter,notbitter.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUAndtheLordturnedthecaptivityofJobandrestoredhisfortunes,whenhe
prayedforhisfriends;alsotheLordgaveJobtwiceasmuchashehadbefore.
JOB42:10
IWILLFORGIVEOneneednotreadfarintheBibletoseetheneedofforgivingothers.ManyoftheheroesoftheBible—Moses,Paul,Joseph,Stephen,Jesus,andothers—hadtoforgiveothersforunthinkablehurtsandwrongs.
ButIwillpointoutthecaseofJob,whomGodtoldtoprayforhisfriendswhodidnotstandwithhiminhispainandsufferingwhenhelosteverything,butwhojudgedhimseverely.Notonlywastheircounselunfairandcruel,butitwascouchedandtwistedinspiritualwordsthatmusthavepiercedintoJob’sdespair.Asaresultofhisprayerandhisforgivenessofthem,JobreceivedadoubleblessingfromGod.
Thetestofforgivenesscomesinallsizes—frompettyissuestocrueltyandpersecution.Atwhateverlevel,Satanknowsthatifwedonotforgive,ourfaithwillnotwork.EverythingthatcomesfromGodcomesbyfaith.Andifourfaithdoesn’twork,weareinserioustrouble.
TheheartofJesuswasnevertoreturnevilforevil,buttobecharitable,unselfish,speakingkindwordstothosewhoharmedHim.ThatisHiswayforus.
WemustdeterminetowalkinthepowerofGod’sloveandforgiveness,nomatterwhathatred,bitterness,ormalicewemayface.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUForifyoulovethosewholoveyou,whatrewardcanyouhave?Donoteventhe
taxcollectorsdothat?
MATTHEW5:46
IWILLLOVEWeallhaveafewpeopleinourlifewhoarelikesandpapertous.Somearelikeanentirepackageofsandpaper.Itseemsthatwhentheyarearound,wearesurroundedbysandpaperonallsides,grindingawayonourroughedges.
WhenGodfirstcalledmetopreach,Godputthreepeopleinmylifewhoirritatedthedaylightsoutofme.Onewasmyhusband,Dave,whoneverseemedtodothingsthewayIwantedthemdone.Anotherwasafriendwhowasaperfectionist,whosawlifeinawaythatdrovemycholericpersonalitycrazy.Theotherwasagirlwholivednextdoorwhowasreallyvagueabouteverythingshewantedtodo,whileIfeltIexcelledinsettinggoalsandbeingdefiniteineverythingIwantedtodo.Thesandpaperwasgrindingonme.
Ithoughteverybodyelsehadaproblem.IresistedallthethingsInowknowGodhadplacedinmylife.ThenIdiscoveredthatGodputsirritatingpeopleinourlivessowecan’tgetawayfromthem.Ifwetrytorunfromone,twomorewillappeararoundthecorner.Wemustlearntoloveandtogetalongwitheachother.Noteveryoneisgoingtobeordowhatwewant.
WemustdeterminetowalkintheloveofChristandletHimshapeusthroughothersHebringsintoourlives.
Wemustdeterminethatwewillbefaithful,evenwhennobodyknowsusorseemstocarewhatwearedoingorgoingthrough.NeverleaveanythingGodhasassignedyoutodo
unlessHeHimselfreleasesyoufromit.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUAndletthemalsobetriedandinvestigatedandprovedfirst;then,iftheyturn
outtobeabovereproach,letthemserve[asdeacons].
1TIMOTHY3:10
four
IWillBeFaithful
Weareallgoingtobetested.Countonit.Therearenoexceptions—everybodygoesthroughdifferenttestsattimesintheirlives.Buttheyareallopen-booktests;theanswersarefoundintheBook.Nomatterwhatwearegoingthrough,theBiblehastherevelationthatGodhasplacedthereforus.
Wemustbefaithfultokeepondoingwhatisright,evenwhentherightthinghasnothappenedtousyet.IfwewantGodtoworkthroughourlives,Heisgoingtodoaworkinusfirst.Satanattacksusinourminds,tellingusliessuchas,“Thisisnotworking.Thisisnotdoingyouanygoodnow,andit’snevergoingtodoyouanygood.Youmightaswellgiveitupandgodosomethingelse.”SomanypeoplequitonGodrightbeforetheirbreakthrough.
Today’sinstantsocietyisruiningpeoplebecausewethinkeverythingshouldbeeasy.Butgodlystrength,wisdomandknowledge,spiritualmaturityandcharacteraredevelopedinusaswegothroughtests.
IfwewanttogrowupinGodanddowhatHehascalledustodo,wehavetojustsettledownandbefaithful.Thereisno“microwavematurity.”
GOD’SWORDFORYOUBecausehehassethisloveuponMe,thereforewillIdeliverhim;Iwillsethim
onhigh,becauseheknowsandunderstandsMyname[hasapersonalknowledgeofMymercy,love,andkindness—trustsandreliesonMe,knowingIwillneverforsakehim,no,never].
HeshallcalluponMe,andIwillanswerhim;Iwillbewithhimintrouble,Iwilldeliverhimandhonorhim.
WithlonglifewillIsatisfyhimandshowhimMysalvation.
PSALM91:14–16
FAITHFULINLONELINESSGodwantsyoutoknowthatyouareneveralone.Satanwantsyoutobelieveyouareallalone,butyouarenot.Hewantsyoutobelievethatnooneunderstandshowyoufeel,butthatisnottrue.InadditiontoGodbeingwithyou,manybelieversknowhowyoufeelandunderstandwhatyouareexperiencing.
Whenyouaremakingspiritualprogress,Satanoftenbringsafflictiontodiscourageyouandwilltrytomakeyoufeelalone.SeveralyearsagoIwentthroughaverydifficulttimewhenIwasseparatedfrommanypeopleandthingsverydeartome.Godwantedmetomoveonwithmylife,butIwasnotobeyingHim.WhenIwouldnotmove,Godmovedmeandsomeofthepeopleinmylife.Irealizenowthatitwasoneofthebestthingsthateverhappenedtome,butatthetimeIthoughtmywholeworldwasfallingapart.
Death,divorce,losingacareer,orexperiencingapersonalinjuryaresomeofthedevastatinglossesthatpeopleface.Ifyouarebattlinglonelinessandpain,drawstrengthfromGodandknowthatyouaremovingforward.Hehasthepowertoturnyourmourningintojoyandtocomfortyouinyoursorrow.
IwillhopeinGod’sloveandbelievethatGodisalwaysatmyside.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUOGod,YouaremyGod,earnestlywillIseekYou;myinnerselfthirstsforYou,
myfleshlongsandisfaintforYou,inadryandwearylandwherenowateris.
PSALM63:1
FAITHFULINTHEWILDERNESSOneofthewaysGodtestsusisbyallowingustogothroughdrytimes,timeswhennothingseemstoministertousorwateroursoul.Wegotochurch,andwefeelnodifferentwhenweleavethanwedidwhenwecame.Timeswhenourprayersseemdryandtheheavensarebrass,timeswhenwecan’thearorfeelanythingfromGod.
Ihavegonethroughmountaintoptimes,andIhavebeenthroughvalleytimes.Ihavehaddrytimesinmyprayerlifeandinmypraiseandworship.TherehavebeentimeswhenIcouldhearfromGodsoclearly,andtherehavebeenothertimeswhenIhavenotheardanythingatall.
Iwillbehonestwithyou.IcametoapointwhereIdon’tlethowIfeeldeterminewhetherIbelieveGodiswithmeornot.IjustchoosetobelieveHeis.IjustloveGod,andthat’sit.IworshipHim,andthat’sit.Ipray,IbelieveHehearsme,andthat’sit.IrefusetohavetheupsanddownsIusedtogothrough.
IwillsimplytrustthatGodknowswhatHeisdoing.IfIdoordon’tfeelanything,that’sfine.Iwillbefaithfulinthewildernessaswellasonthemountaintop.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUHowhaveyoufallenfromheaven,Olight-bringeranddaystar,sonofthe
morning!Howyouhavebeencutdowntotheground,youwhoweakenedandlaidlowthenations[Oblasphemous,satanickingofBabylon!]
Andyousaidinyourheart,Iwillascendtoheaven;IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod;Iwillsituponthemountofassemblyintheuttermostnorth.
Iwillascendabovetheheightsoftheclouds;IwillmakemyselfliketheMostHigh.
ISAIAH14:12-14
FAITHFULTOOBEYItwasself-willthatdestroyedLucifer.Inexaltinghimself,hesaid,“Iwill,”fivetimes.Godhadananswerforhim:“…youshallbebroughtdowntoSheol(Hades),totheinnermostrecessesofthepit.”Inotherwords,“Youwillbecastdowntohell.”
WhenGodasksustodosomethingcontrarytoourwill,wemustrememberthewordsofJesus:“…notwhatIwill[notwhatIdesire],butasYouwillanddesire.”Thisisperhapsthehardesttesttopassandpassquickly.Whenwewantsomething,wedon’tgiveupeasily.IttakesalotofbrokennesstobringustotheplacewherewearepliableandmoldableinthehandofGod.
ThebottomlineisthatwemustbewillingtodowhateverGodsays,andnotwhatwefeelorwant.Hemayaskustogiveawaythingswedon’twanttopartwith.Hemayaskustogoplaces,dothings,anddealwithpeoplewedon’twantanythingtodowith.Hemaytellustokeepourmouthsshutwhenwewanttoblastsomeone.
IwillbefaithfultoalwaysputGod’swillaheadofmyown.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUIdonotfrustratethegraceofGod:forifrighteousnesscomebythelaw,then
Christisdeadinvain.
GALATIANS2:21KJV
FAITHFULWHENFRUSTRATEDIknowwhatfrustrationislikebecauseIspentmanyyearsinfrustration.IknewnothingofthegraceofGod.IhavesincelearnedthatwhenIgetfrustrated,itisalmostalwaysbecauseIamtryingtomakesomethinghappeninsteadofwaitingontheLordtomakeithappen.IfIamfrustrated,itisasignthatIamactingindependently.
Areyoufrustratedwithyourspiritualgrowth?DoesitseemthemoreyouprayandseekGod,theworseyouget?Areyouwrestlingwithanareaofyourpersonalitythatiscausingyouproblems,oristhereaspecificbondageinyourlifethatyoucan’tbreak?
Frustrationcomesfromtryingtodosomethingyoucannotdo.GodistheonlyOneWhocanmakethingshappenforyouinyourlife.Itwilldonogoodtotrytokickthedoorsdown.Buttheminuteyousay,“Lord,Ican’tdothis,soIletitgo,”youcanalmostfeelthefrustrationliftoffyoubythegraceofGod.
IwillletgoandtrustGodtodowhatonlyHecando.IwillletGodbeGod.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUAndSaulsaidtoDavid,YouarenotabletogotofightagainstthisPhilistine.
Youareonlyanadolescent,andhehasbeenawarriorfromhisyouth.
AndDavidsaidtoSaul,Yourservantkepthisfather’ssheep.Andwhentherecamealionoragainabearandtookalamboutoftheflock,
Iwentoutafteritandsmoteitanddeliveredthelamboutofitsmouth;andwhenitaroseagainstme,Icaughtitbyitsbeardandsmoteitandkilledit.
Yourservantkilledboththelionandthebear;andthisuncircumcisedPhilistineshallbelikeoneofthem,forhehasdefiedthearmiesofthelivingGod!
Davidsaid,TheLordWhodeliveredmeoutofthepawofthelionandoutofthepawofthebear,HewilldelivermeoutofthehandofthisPhilistine.AndSaulsaidtoDavid,Go,andtheLordbewithyou!
1SAMUEL17:33–37
FAITHFULWHENDISCOURAGEDWhenDavidvolunteeredtogoandfightGoliath,nooneencouragedhim.Everyone,includingtheking,toldhimhewastooyoung,tooinexperienced,toosmall,andhedidn’thavetherightarmor.ButDavidencouragedhimselfbyrecountingthevictoriesGodhadgivenhiminthepast.
Understandthis:Therewillbehundreds,maybethousands,oftimeswhenSatanwillcomeagainstyoutodiscourageyou.HeknowsyoumusthavecouragetoovercometheattackshelaunchesagainstyoutokeepyoufrombeingfaithfultofulfillGod’sgoodplanforyourlife.Ifyouarediscouraged,youbecomeweakandlosethecouragetomoveforward.
Whenyouhavetowaitalongtimeforsomething,orwhenitseemsthateverythingandeverybodyisagainstyou,youenduptiredandwornout.Sometimesyouarenotreadytofacethediscouragementthataccompaniesit.SaytoGod,“Lord,IwillbefaithfultoYou.Helpmenow,orIwillsurelysink.”Thengetupandgoon.
Iwillfacemydiscouragementandrefusetohaveapityparty.IchoosetobepowerfulinChristratherthanpitifulinmyself.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUSowhenHehadfinishedwashingtheirfeetandhadputonHisgarmentsand
hadsatdownagain,Hesaidtothem,DoyouunderstandwhatIhavedonetoyou?
YoucallMetheTeacher(Master)andtheLord,andyouarerightindoingso,forthatiswhatIam.
IfIthen,yourLordandTeacher(Master),havewashedyourfeet,youought[itisyourduty,youareunderobligation,youoweit]towashoneanother’sfeet.
ForIhavegivenyouthisasanexample,sothatyoushoulddo[inyourturn]whatIhavedonetoyou.
JOHN13:12-15
FAITHFULTOSERVEGodwillgiveusopportunitytobeaservant,andthenHewillcheckourattitudetoseehowwe’redoing.Jesusgaveusanexampleofservanthoodbywashingthefeetofthedisciplesandthentellingthem,“YoushoulddotoothersasIhavedonetoyou.”
Somepeoplefailtobeservantsbecausetheydon’tknowwhotheyareinChrist.Theyfeeltheymustbedoingsomethingimportant,ortheydon’tfeeltheyareworthanything.Theyfailtoseethevalueofdoingwhatevertheyarecalledupontodo,regardlessofhowordinaryormundaneitmayseem.
WeneedtobewillingtodowhateverGodwantsustodo,tobeusedinwhateverwayHewantstouseus.Theattitudeofaservantshouldbedisplayedineveryareaofourlife.TheservanttestissimplyhowwerespondtotheopportunitiesGodgivesustobeablessingtoothers.ItrevealswhetherwereallyandtrulywanttobelikeJesus.WhenGodanointsaperson,Heisanointingthatpersontobeaservant,nottobeafamousperson.
Iwillbefaithfultowashsomefeettoday,startingwiththoseinmyownhome.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUNooneunderstands[nooneintelligentlydiscernsorcomprehends];noone
seeksoutGod.
ROMANS3:11
FAITHFULWHENMISUNDERSTOODTherearetimeswhenourfaithfulnesstoGodwillbemisunderstoodbypeopleweexpecttounderstandandcomfortus.Ibelievetherewillalwaysbethosewhowon’tunderstandus.PeopledidnotunderstandJesuseither.NobodyreallyunderstoodHimorthecallonHislife,notevenHisownfamily.
Irememberwhenpeoplewouldsaytome,“Whydoyouactthewayyoudo?”Ihavealwaysbeenalittleunique.WhatImeanbythatis,Ididn’talwayslikewhatotherpeopleliked,orIdidn’tsayordothingsotherpeoplethoughtIshould.Ihavealwaysbeenreallyserious,andsomepeopledidn’tunderstandmeormypersonalitytype.
YourobediencetoGodmaymeanthatyouwon’tfitintotheregularregimenofwhatisgoingonaroundyou.Youmayfeeloutofplace,andinthosemomentsitisreallyconfusinganddisturbingtobeaskedbyotherpeople,“What’swrongwithyou?Whydoyouactthatway?”Rememberthatthisissimplyatestofyourfaithfulness.
IwillstandwithGodanddowhatHesays,evenifnobodyunderstands,agreeswith,orsupportsme.Jesusunderstandsme,andHeisenough.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUButItrustedin,reliedon,andwasconfidentinYou,OLord;Isaid,Youaremy
God.
MytimesareinYourhands;delivermefromthehandsofmyfoesandthosewhopursuemeandpersecuteme.
PSALM31:14–15
AndlestIshouldbeexaltedabovemeasurethroughtheabundanceoftherevelations,therewasgiventomeathornintheflesh,themessengerofSatantobuffetme,lestIshouldbeexaltedabovemeasure.
ForthisthingIbesoughttheLordthrice,thatitmightdepartfromme.
Andhesaiduntome,Mygraceissufficientforthee:formystrengthismadeperfectinweakness.MostgladlythereforewillIrathergloryinmyinfirmities,thatthepowerofChristmayrestuponme.
2CORINTHIANS12:7–9KJV
FAITHFULTOHISTIMINGGoddoesnotmoveinourtiming.Heisneverlate,butHeisusuallynotearlyeither.HeisoftentheGodofthemidnighthour.Itisasthoughweareadrowningmangoingdownforthelasttime,andGodcomesthroughtorescueusatthelastmoment.
WemustlearntotrustGod’stiming.Butbeforewecandothat,wemustcometotheplacewherewearebrokenbeforeHim.Ourself-willandindependencemustbebrokenbeforeGodisfreetoworkHiswillinourlifeandcircumstances.
WeseehowthisworkedinPaul’ssituation.WhileGoddidnotgivePaulthebreakthroughhewanted,HegavePaulthegrace,strength,andabilitytoendurewhathewasgoingthroughandstillwalkinthefruitoftheSpirit.Oneleveloffaithgetsusdeliveredfromtrials,butanotherleveloffaithtakesusthroughtrials.Personally,Idon’tthinkittakesnearlyasmuchfaithtoprayandgetdeliveredfromsomethingasitdoestocontinuetobelieveinGod’spowerwhendeliveranceisnotbeingmanifested.Itisinthosetestingtimesthatwegrowinfaith.
IwillremainfaithfulandtrustGodtoworkinmysituation—inHisperfecttiming.Iwillnottakemattersintomyownhands.
Thesourceofmanyofourproblemsisoftennotabigspiritualissue,butasimple,practicalareathatdemandsourfullattention.Weneedtobebalancedinallofourlife.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUBewellbalanced(temperate,soberofmind),bevigilantandcautiousatall
times;forthatenemyofyours,thedevil,roamsaroundlikealionroaring[infiercehunger],seekingsomeonetoseizeuponanddevour.
1PETER5:8
five
IWillStayBalanced
Ibelieveweliveinaworldthatisoutofbalance.Ialsobelievethatmostofthepeopleinitareoutofbalance.Yetoneofthethingsthatwehearverylittleteachingaboutistheimportanceofbeinginbalance.
TheapostlePeterhadseveralthingstosayonthesubject.Hetellsustobewell-balancedandsoberofmind,whichmeanstobedisciplinedandserious.Healsotellsustobevigilantandcautiousbecausewehaveanenemy,Satan,whoisouttoseizeuponanddevourus.
InEphesians4:27,Paulemphasizesthissamepointwhenhetellsustocontrolouranger,warningus,“Leaveno[such]roomorfootholdforthedevil[givenoopportunitytohim].”
Ifwearegoingtokeepthedoorclosedtothedevil,wehavetobedeterminedtodoso.Heislookingforsomeoneoutofbalance,someonewhoispayingtoomuchattentiontooneareaofhislifeandlettingtheotherareasofhislifegotopot,sotospeak.WehavetobedeterminedtokeepourprioritiesinlinewithGod’spriorities.Manytimesitcomesdowntosimple,practicalareasofourlifethatcanmeanthedifferencebetweenkeepingthedoorclosedornot.
Thedevilisalwaysgoingtogiveustrouble,butwemustdoourparttokeepthedoorclosedtohim.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUNoweveryathletewhogoesintotrainingconductshimselftemperatelyand
restrictshimselfinallthings.Theydoittowinawreaththatwillsoonwither,butwe[doittoreceiveacrownofeternalblessedness]thatcannotwither.
1CORINTHIANS9:25
RESTRICTYOURSELFFirstCorinthians9:25saysthateveryonewhostrivesformasteryinanythingmustrestricthimselfinallthings.Thisisallaboutthepowerofdeterminationtokeepourlivesinbalance.
Balanceisnotsomethingwegetintoonetimeandstaythereforever.WecanbeinbalanceonMondayandoutofbalancebyWednesday.Itmustbekeptandmaintained.
Norisbalanceachievedovereverythingatonce.Therearethousandsofareasofourlife,andeachoneofthemhastobebroughtintobalanceandthenkeptthatwaythroughregularmaintenanceandcare.
Wehaveapractical,naturalsideofourlifethatwemusttakecareof.Ifwedon’t,itwillenduphurtingourspiritualside.Forexample,ifwedon’ttakecareofourphysicalbody,wewillgetsick.Whenwegetsick,wedon’tfeellikepraying,releasingourfaith,orbelievingtheLord.SatanlooksforwaystogetusoutofbalancesohecanstopusfromdoingwhatGodhascalledustodo.
Whenwehaveaproblem,itisnotalwaysaspiritualareathatisoutofline.Manytimesitisanaturalareathatwearenotpayingattentionto.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUBymuchslothfulnessthebuildingdecayeth;andthroughidlenessofthehands
thehousedroppeththrough.
ECCLESIASTES10:18KJV
BALANCEINYOURWORKWehaveallbeengivenpowersandabilities.Butwehavetoregulatethedifferentareasofourlifetokeeptheminproperperspective.Ifwehavetoomuchworkandnotenoughrest,wegetoutofbalance.Webecomeworkaholicsandendupburnedout.
Igetalotofsatisfactionoutofaccomplishmentsandwork.Idon’tlikealotofwhatIconsidersillinessandwastedtimeinmylife.Butbecauseofmynature,Itendtogetoutofbalanceinthisarea.IhavetodeterminethatIwillnotonlyworkbutalsorest.Thatisapriorityforme.
Butitispossibletogototheextremeandhavetoomuchrestandnotenoughwork.Solomonsaysthat“throughindolencetherafters[ofstateaffairs]decayandtheroofsinksin,andthroughidlenessofthehandsthehouseleaks.”Inotherwords,peoplewhodon’tworkenoughendupintrouble.Theirhouses,cars,bodies,andeverythingelsebecomeamessbecausetheydon’tdotheworknecessarytokeepthingsinorder.Theyfailtoregulatethepowersattheirdisposal.Theyareoutofbalance.
Bringorderandbalancetoyourlifeonestepatatime.GodischangingyoudaybydayasyoutrustHim.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUOfwhatuseismoneyinthehandofa[self-confident]fooltobuyskillfuland
godlyWisdom—whenhehasnounderstandingorheartforit?
PROVERBS17:16
BALANCEINYOURFINANCESWehavethepowertospendmoneyortosavemoney.SomepeopletrytosavealltheirmoneyEithertheyaregreedyortheyarefearfulaboutthefuture,thinkingthatmoneymightsavethemfromsomeunforeseencalamitySotheygetoutofbalance.
Othersgetoutofbalancewithmoneybyoverspendingallthetime.Whenthathappens,theystartusingcreditcardsandrunningthemuptothemaximumallowed.Someofthemtrytogetoutofdebtbyrebuking“thedevilsofdebt.”Theywantamiracletocorrecttheirlackofdiscipline.
Toooftenthatisourproblem.Wegetourselvesintoamessandthentrytogetourselvesoutbysomemiraculousmethod.Wegofromonemesstoanother,neverwantingtotakeresponsibilityforourownmistakes.Itiswalkinginstupiditytospendourlivesignoringtheconsequencesofbadchoices.
Ifyouareinfinancialtrouble,youmustdeterminetopayoffyourdebts.Itwillrequiregreatdisciplineandperhapssomepain,butthisisnotatimetofeelsorryforyourself.Takingresponsibilitytosolvetheproblemisforyoutodo.
Ittakestimetogetintodebt,andittakestimetogetoutofdebt.CooperatewithGodindealingwithit.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUDoyounotknowthatyourbodyisthetemple(theverysanctuary)oftheHoly
SpiritWholiveswithinyou,Whomyouhavereceived[asaGift]fromGod?Youarenotyourown…
1CORINTHIANS6:19
BALANCEINYOURDIETIfIdon’tdeterminetosticktoasensiblediet,IwillfindsomethingIlikeandeatitallthetime.Ofcourse,thatisnotwisebecausethehumanbodywasnevermeanttoliveoffofsweetsandsnacks.Wecannoteatonlyicecream,candybars,andpotatochipsandexpecttostayhealthy.
Thereisnothingworsethangoingthroughlifefeelingbadallthetime.Asapersonwhostruggledforyearswitheatingandweightproblems,Iknowthefeelingalltoowell.Whenweeatthewrongfoodsandputonextrapounds,wejustdon’tfeelright.
Godcallseachofustodosomethingspecialinthislife.Buttodoit,wemustdeterminetotakecareofourbody—thehousewelivein.Wehavetofindbalanceinwhatweeatanddrink,getenoughrestandexercise,andkeepourweightdowntowhatisrightforourframe.
Idon’tthinkthatanyonewillbehealthywithoutfollowingabalanceddiet.Eachofusneedstoknowourbody,whatitneeds,andwhatisreallybestforit.Determinetodaythatyouwillbegintoeatbetterandlivefree.
YouarefreetofollowtheleadingoftheHolySpiritandfreefromdoingeverythingyourfleshdemands.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUForGoddidnotgiveusaspiritoftimidity(ofcowardice,ofcravenand
cringingandfawningfear),but[Hehasgivenusaspirit]ofpowerandofloveandofcalmandwell-balancedmindanddisciplineandself-control.
2TIMOTHY1:7
BALANCEINEVERYTHINGIt’spossibletogooverboardinanyareaofourlife.Awomancanruinhermarriagebygettingexcessivelyinvolvedinspiritualactivities,suchasprayingandBiblestudies.Ifshefailstopayattentiontoherhusband’sneeds,noamountofspiritualreasonswillcompensateforthedamagetoherrelationship.
Menhaveagreatneedforrecreationandwanttohavefun.Forsomemen,thatneedisturnedintoanobsessionthatconsumesthem.
Somepeopledon’tthinkenough,whileothersthinktoomuch.Somedon’ttalkenough,andsometalktoomuch.Somepeopleplantoomuch,andsomedon’tplanenough.Sometimeswethinktoohighlyofourselves,andsometimeswethinktoolowlyofourselves.Wecanspendtoomuchtimeonourselves,becomingselfishandself-centered.Butwecanalsoignoreourselvesandourownneedssomuchthatitcausesdeepemotionalproblems.Sometimesweallneedtodojustalittlesomethingforourselves.
Godismercifulandworkswithustobringordertoourlives.TakewhateverstepsandmakewhateveradjustmentsHeisshowingyou.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUMoses’father-in-lawsaidtohim,Thethingthatyouaredoingisnotgood.
Youwillsurelywearoutbothyourselfandthispeoplewithyou,forthethingistooheavyforyou;youarenotabletoperformitallbyyourself.
EXODUS18:17–18
YOUARENOTINVINCIBLEItwouldnotsurprisemetolearnthatGodissayingthesamethingtoyouthatHesaidtoMoses.ItisawordfortodaySometimesweliketothinkweareinvincible.Wedon’tlikeanybodytotellusthatsomethingistoomuchforustohandle,andwepushonandondespitewhatwefeel.
IwasalwaysthekindofpersonwhothoughtIcoulddoanythingIsetmymindto.IwasthoroughlyconvincedIcoulddoallthingsthroughChristWhostrengthensme.Ifsomeonetoldmedifferently,itjustmadememoredetermined.Ifoundoutthatifwehaveanattitudethatwecandoanything,nomatterwhatitis,weareoutofbalance.Ittooksomehealthproblemstoproveittome.
Here’sthetruth:GoddoesnotgiveuspowerforanythingHedoesnottellustodo.Goddoesnotgiveusmorethanwecanstandorendure.IfHegivesusajobtodo,thenHegivesustheabilitytoperformit.AndIdon’tmeanjustdraggingourselvesaroundhalfdeadallthetime.Godmeansforyoutohavelifeandtohaveitabundantly.
Arethereanyadjustmentsyouneedtomakeinordertokeepyourselfinbalance?Ifyouwilladjust,asMosesdid,youwillslamthedoorinthedevil’sface.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUButhehimselfwentaday’sjourneyintothewildernessandcameandsatdown
underalonebroomorjunipertreeandaskedthathemightdie.Hesaid,Itisenough;now,OLord,takeawaymylife;forIamnobetterthanmyfathers.
Ashelayasleepunderthebroomorjunipertree,behold,anangeltouchedhimandsaidtohim,Ariseandeat.
Helooked,andbehold,therewasacakebakedonthecoals,andabottleofwaterathishead.Andheateanddrankandlaydownagain.
TheangeloftheLordcamethesecondtimeandtouchedhimandsaid,Ariseandeat,forthejourneyistoogreatforyou.
Sohearoseandateanddrank,andwentinthestrengthofthatfoodfortydaysandnightstoHoreb,themountofGod.
1KINGS19:4–8
GETSOMERESTWhyintheworldwouldamansuchasElijah,whoonthepreviousdayhadtriumphedover450prophetsofBaal,suddenlyallowhimselftobecomesointimidatedbythethreatsofasolitarywomannamedJezebelthatheranawayinfear?
Ifyoustudythestoryclosely,it’sclearthathewastotallywornoutandexhaustedfrompushinghimselfsohardforsolong.EvenanextraordinaryanointingoftheSpiritdoesnotmeanyouwon’tgettired.Elijah’sbodywascompletelybrokendown,andhisemotionshadtotallyfallenapart.Hewasnothandlinghimselfthewayhenormallywould.Hewasafraid,depressed,discouraged,andsuicidal.
Nothinginlifelooksgoodtouswhenweareexhausted.Itseemstousthatnobodylovesus,nobodyhelpsus,nobodyisconcernedaboutus.Wefeelabused,misused,misunderstood,andmistreated.Manytimeswhenwefeelwehavedeepproblems,allthatiswrongwithusisthatweareexhausted.
TheLordsaidtoElijah,“You’rewornout.Youneedacoupleofhotmealsandagoodnight’srest.”Weneedtolistentothatword.
Manyoftheproblemspeoplehaveinrelationshipstodayaretheresultofimbalance—justbeingwornout.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUIamtheTrueVine,andMyFatheristheVinedresser.
AnybranchinMethatdoesnotbearfruit[thatstopsbearing]Hecutsaway(trimsoff,takesaway);andHecleansesandrepeatedlypruneseverybranchthatcontinuestobearfruit,tomakeitbearmoreandricherandmoreexcellentfruit….
Whenyoubear(produce)muchfruit,MyFatherishonoredandglorified,andyoushowandproveyourselvestobetruefollowersofMine.
JOHN15:1-2,8
DETERMINETOPRUNELackofbalancehindersfruitfulliving.AndifthereisanythingthatGodwantsustodo,itistobearfruit.ThefirstthingGodsaidtoAdamandEvewas,“Befruitful.”JesusmadeitclearinJohn15thatHedesiresustobefruit-bearingdisciples.
Jesussaysthatifwedonotbearfruit,Godwillpruneustomakeusproductive.Andifwedobearfruit,Godwillpruneussowebearmore,richer,andmoreexcellentfruit.Tousthewordpruneisanasty,uglywordbecauseitmeansto“cutaway,”“trimoff,”or“takeaway.”Nobodylikesthosecuttingwords.Butit’sclearthatwearegoingtobepruned.
Godmayhavetoclipoffsomethingsinourlivesthatwewouldliketobabyandnursealong.Itmaymeanlettinggoofthingswe’redoingthatwe’reverycomfortablewith.Itmaymeansignificantchangetoadjustto.ButGodknowswhatHehasinmindforusoverall.WhenHestartsdealingwithustoletgoofsomething,thebestthingwecandoisjustletitgobecauseHeknowsHisbusiness.
WhenwearedeterminedtogiveupourwayofdoingthingsandacceptGod’swayofdoingthings,weareontheroadtobecomingallthatGodwantsustobe.
Godisonyourside,andifHeisforyou,itreallydoesnotmatterwhoisagainstyou.Thegiantsmaybebig,butGodisbigger.Youmayhaveweaknesses,butGodhasstrength.Youmayhavesininyourlife,butGodhasgrace.Youmayfail,butGodremainsfaithful!
GOD’SWORDFORYOUNowtoHimWho,by(inconsequenceof)the[actionofHis]powerthatisat
workwithinus,isableto[carryoutHispurposeand]dosuperabundantly,faroverandaboveallthatwe[dare]askorthink[infinitelybeyondourhighestprayers,desires,thoughts,hopes,ordreams]…
EPHESIANS3:20
six
IWillPressOn
Godlovestousecommon,ordinary,everydaypeoplewhohaveuncommongoalsandvisions.
ThatiswhatIam—justacommon,ordinarypersonwithagoalandvisionthatfuelmydetermination.ButjustbecauseIamcommonandordinarydoesnotmeanthatIamcontenttobeaverage.Idon’tlikethatword.Idon’twanttobeaverage.Idon’tintendtobeaverage.Idon’tserveanaverageGod;therefore,Idon’tbelieveIhavetobeaverage—andneitherdoyou.
IbelievethatanyonecanbemightilyusedbyGod.Ibelievethatwecandogreatandmightythings,thingsthatamazeevenus,ifwebelievethatGodcanuseusandifwewillbedaringanddeterminedenoughtohaveanuncommongoalandvision.ByuncommonImeansomethingthatwetrulyhavetobelieveGodfor—beyondallthatwecoulddaretohope,ask,orthink,accordingtoHisgreatpowerthatisatworkinus.Weneedtobedaringinourfaithandinourprayers.
Wemustdeterminetostretchourfaithintonewrealms.Weneedtobecommonpeoplewithuncommongoals.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUFor[simply]consideryourowncall,brethren;notmany[ofyouwere
consideredtobe]wiseaccordingtohumanestimatesandstandards,notmanyinfluentialandpowerful,notmanyofhighandnoblebirth.
[No]forGodselected(deliberatelychose)whatintheworldisfoolishtoputthewisetoshame,andwhattheworldcallsweaktoputthestrongtoshame.
AndGodalsoselected(deliberatelychose)whatintheworldislowbornandinsignificantandbrandedandtreatedwithcontempt,eventhethingsthatarenothing,thatHemightdeposeandbringtonothingthethingsthatare,
Sothatnomortalmanshould[havepretenseforgloryingand]boastinthepresenceofGod.
1CORINTHIANS1:26–29
CHOSENBYGODPaultellsusplainlywhatGodchoosesandwhy.HesaysthatHechooseswhattotheworldisfoolishtoputthewisetoshame,andwhattheworldcallsweaktoputthestrongtoshame.
IamsogladittellsmethatGoddeliberatelychoseme.Hedidn’tgetmebyaccident.Iwasn’tjustpushedoffonHimsothatHehadnochoicebuttocarryonthisministrythroughmebecauseHecouldn’tgetanyoneelsetodoit.
WhenGodgottheideaforLifeInTheWordMinistries,HelookedaroundforthebiggestmessHecouldfind,someonewholovedHimandhadarighthearttowardHim,someonewhowouldworkhard,someonewhowasdetermined,diligent,anddisciplined.ButIhadnospecialtalent.TheonlythingIdoreallywellistalk,butevenmyvoiceisabitunusual.
Peoplelookattheexterior,butGodlooksattheheart.Hischoiceisnotbasedonappearance,education,ourpossessions,orevenourtalents.Itisbasedonourheartattitude,whetherwearewillingtofulfillahandfulofqualificationstobeusedbyGod.
IfwecontinuebeingfaithfultoGod,wewilleventuallygetwhereGodwantsustobe.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUIappealtoyoutherefore,brethren,andbegofyouinviewof[all]themercies
ofGod,tomakeadecisivededicationofyourbodies[presentingallyourmembersandfaculties]asalivingsacrifice,holy(devoted,consecrated)andwellpleasingtoGod,whichisyourreasonable(rational,intelligent)serviceandspiritualworship.
ROMANS12:1
BEUSABLEIfyouareabeliever,yourlifehasbeenconsecratedtoGod,setapartforHisuseonly.Youdon’tbelongtoyourself,becauseyouhavebeenboughtwithaprice(1Corinthians6:20).YouhavethebrandoftheHolySpirituponyou(Ephesians4:30),justasarancherbrandshiscattletoshowthattheybelongtohim.
WeshouldnothavetheattitudethatGodbelongstousandtrytotellHimwhatwewantandhowHeshouldgoaboutgettingitforus.WeshouldnotstarteverymorningbygivingGodourtwelve-partwantlistofwhatitisgoingtotaketomakeushappy.ButIspentyearsdoingthat.Iusedtopray,“Oh,God,ifIdon’thavemoremoney,Ijustcan’tstandit.”Thosewerethewildernessyearsformylife.
Ourproblemisthattoooftenwethinkaboutwhatwecannotdoratherthanwhatwecando.WhateverGodrequiresofus,wecando.WhatHerequiresofusissimplytobeusable,andallofuscandothat.Wecanworkhard,walkinwisdom,andtrytomakesurethatourwordsandthoughtsarepleasingtoGodwhilewetrustHimtoworkoutHisgoodplanforourlife.
Wemaynotbeabletodoeverything,butwecanfinishwhatGodgivesustostart.Wecanstayonthenarrowpath.Wecanbecommittedanddisciplined.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUForIknowthethoughtsandplansthatIhaveforyou,saystheLord,thoughts
andplansforwelfareandpeaceandnotforevil,togiveyouhopeinyourfinaloutcome.
JEREMIAH29:11
GODHASAPLANThemostimportantthingisnothowwestartbuthowwefinish.Somepeoplegetstartedwithabang,buttheyneverfinish.Othersareslowstarters,buttheyfinishstrong.
Godhasaplanforeachofus.Itisourdestiny.Butitisapossibility,nota“positively.”EvenifsomeoneprophesiesoveruswonderfulthingsinthenameoftheLord,justasaprophetdidwithme,whatisbeingprophesiedistheheart,thewill,andthedesireofGodforus.Itdoesn’tmeanitispositivelygoingtohappen,becauseifwedon’tcooperatewithGod,itisnotgoingtocometopass.Wehaveaparttoplayinseeingthatplancometrue.Godcannotdoanythinginourliveswithoutourcooperation.
IchallengeyoutocooperatewithGodeverysingledayofyourlifetodevelopyourpotential.Everydayyoushouldlearnsomethingnew.Everydayyoushouldgrow.Everydayyoushouldbeabitfurtheralongthanyouwerethedaybefore.
WemusteachdiscoverourownGod-givengiftsandtalents,whatwearetrulycapableof,andthenputourselvestothetaskofdevelopingthosegifts,talents,andcapabilitiesto
theirfullestextent.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUDonotbeconformedtothisworld,(thisage),[fashionedafterandadaptedto
itsexternal,superficialcustoms],butbetransformed(changed)bythe[entire]renewalofyourmind[byitsnewidealsanditsnewattitude],sothatyoumayprove[foryourselves]whatisthegoodandacceptableandperfectwillofGod,eventhethingwhichisgoodandacceptableandperfect[inHissightforyou].
ROMANS12:2
GOAGAINSTTHEFLOWJohnMasonwrotetwoverygoodbooksthatIrecommendyouread.OneisentitledAnEnemyCalledAverage,andtheotheristitledConqueringanEnemyCalledAverage.OneexpressionofhisthatIreallylikeisthis:“Knowyourlimits,thenignorethem.”That’swhatIdo.IknowwhatIcan’tdoandwhatIcando.IhavedecidedtoconcentrateonwhatIcando,notwhatIcan’tdo.
Toomanypeopleconcentrateoneverythingtheydowrongandneveronwhattheydoright.TheygetsocaughtupintheirmistakesthattheylosesightofthefactthatweserveagreatGod.SometimesourowninabilitiesdistractusfromlookingtoJesus.
Masonalsosays,“Themostunprofitableitemevermanufacturedisanexcuse.”Peoplemakeupexcusesforwhytheydon’tdoanything.“Ican’t.It’stoohard.”MotherTeresawenttoIndiawiththreepenniesandGod,andshedidn’tdobadly.
Takeaninventory.Whatareyoudoingwithyourtime,energy,talents,abilities,andlife?Areyoujustfollowingeverybodyelse?Goagainsttheflow!
Ifyoucanonlydoonething,makeupyourmindthatyouaregoingtodothatonethingwell.Bethebestatthatonethingyoucando.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUThereforeHesays,Awake,Osleeper,andarisefromthedead,andChristshall
shine(makedaydawn)uponyouandgiveyoulight.
Lookcarefullythenhowyouwalk!Livepurposefullyandworthilyandaccurately,notastheunwiseandwitless,butaswise(sensible,intelligentpeople),
Makingtheverymostofthetime[buyingupeachopportunity],becausethedaysareevil.
Thereforedonotbevagueandthoughtlessandfoolish,butunderstandingandfirmlygraspingwhatthewilloftheLordis.
EPHESIANS5:14-17
KNOWWHATYOU’REDOINGDoyouknowwhatthewillofGodisforyou?Doyouhaveavisionthatfuelsthepowerofyourdetermination?Doyouknowwhatyouaregoingtodowithyourlife?Youshould.
Nowobviously,ifyou’rejuststartingoutontheChristianwalk,youmaynotknowyourfuture.ButGodwillgiveyousomethingtostartdoing,anditwillbecomeclearerasyouobeyeachstep.Butifyouarefortyorfiftyyearsold,youshouldknowGod’swillforyourlife.
IgotaholdofthispassageinEphesiansmanyyearsagowhenGodfirstcalledmeintotheministry.InthosedaysIwassuchamessthatIwouldsitonmycouchafterIhadputthekidsdownforanapandcryfortwohours.ThatisallIknewtodobackthen.IwasmadatDave,hadachiponmyshoulder,andhadmanyotherproblemsaswell.YetIwasteachingahomeBiblestudyandIlovedGod,anditwasthewillofGod.Itwasmystartingspot.
PaultellsusthatweshouldnotbevagueaboutGod’swill,butweshouldunderstandandfirmlygraspit.
Weneedtobepeopleofpurpose.Weneedtoknowwhywearedoingwhatwearedoingandnotlosesightofourgoal.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUAlso[Jesus]toldthemaparabletotheeffectthattheyoughtalwaystopray
andnottoturncoward(faint,loseheart,andgiveup).
LUKE18:1
REFUSETOGIVEUPItiseasytodriftbackward,butwemustpressforward.Effortlesslivingisnevereffective.Everyonethinksthatthemorewecangetaholdofwithnoeffort,thebetterlifeis,butthatisalie.
OnethingthatiswrongwithusAmericanstoday,evenwithourhealth,isthefactthatwedon’thavemuchofanythingtodobutgothroughlifepushingbuttons—theelevator,thedishwasher,thewashingmachine.Justpushabuttonandawaywego.Stillwegripeandgrumblebecausewehavetoloadandunloadthemachines!
Wewerenotcreatedtohaveaneffortlesslife.Wewerecreatedforwork,involvement,participation,andstruggle.Wearenotsupposedtostrugglewitheverything,butwearealsonotsupposedtobethekindofpeoplewhoquitandgiveupeasily.
TherearenumerousexamplesofpeopleintheBiblewhosimplyrefusedtogiveup.ZacchaeuscouldnotbekeptfromJesus,despitehisshortcomings.Thewomanwiththeissueofbloodpressedthroughthecrowdandwasrewardedforherdetermination.Thisishowwereachourobjectives.
TheapostlePaulsaidthatthemostimportantthinghedidwastoforgetwhatliesbehindandpresson.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUInthefourthyearofJehoiakimsonofJosiahkingofJudah,thiswordcameto
JeremiahfromtheLord:
Takeascroll[ofparchment]forabookandwriteonitallthewordsIhavespokentoyouagainstIsraelandJudahandallthenationsfromthedayIspoketoyouinthedaysof[King]Josiahuntilthisday.
JEREMIAH36:1–2
DOITAGAIN!WhenJeremiahwrotethisscroll,hewasactuallyunderhousearrest.Certainpeoplecouldvisithim,buthecouldn’tgoout.HewasstillreceivingpropheciesfromtheLordandwritingthemdown.Thenoneofhisservantswouldcomeandcarrythemessagethroughouttheland.Godisnotputoffbyinconveniences;HealwaysfindsanotherwaytogetHisworkdone.
GodgaveJeremiahaprophecyaboutIsraelandJudahandorderedhimtorecordit.Writinginthedaysofquillandinkonascrollwasatediousjob,andifcopieswereneeded,itwaslongandpainstaking.Whenthekingheardaboutthescrollandhaditbroughttotheroyalpalaceandreadtohim,hedidn’tlikewhatitsaid.Thekingenjoyedhisunrighteouslifestyle,andhedidn’twanttochange.Sohecutupandburnedthescrollpageafterpageuntilitwasallgone.
Afterallthat,whatwasGod’sresponse?“Jeremiah,gogetyourselfanotherscrollandwritethethingover”(seeJeremiah36:27-28).Inotherwords,doitagain.
UntilwegetabreakthroughandfinishwhatGodhascalledustodo,weneedtobewillingtodoitagainandagainandagain.
GOD’SWORDFORYOUEnterthroughthenarrowgate;forwideisthegateandspaciousandbroadis
thewaythatleadsawaytodestruction,andmanyarethosewhoareenteringthroughit.
Butthegateisnarrow(contractedbypressure)andthewayisstraitenedandcompressedthatleadsawaytolife,andfewarethosewhofindit.
MATTHEW7:13-14
STAYONTHENARROWPATHJesusmadeitclearthatitiseasytosuccumbtotemptation,tofallintosin,andbedestroyed.Itiseasytogetintotheflowoftheworldandjustfloatalongintheworldlyboatwitheverybodyelse.Theworldisfullofcompromiserstoday,peoplewhoarewillingtomakeanyconcessionandlivethestatusquo,beaverage,andjustgetbyinlife.
Youwhohavegonethroughthenarrowgatearegoingtohavetostandagainstpressure.Ifyouaredeterminedtotalkright,actright,thinkright,putyourmoneyintherightplace,andtostoplivingaselfishlife,Satanisnotgoingtomakeiteasyforyou.HehatesitwhenwedecidetoberadicalforGod.
WeresistthedevilbysubmittingtoGodandstayingonthenarrowpath.Satanmaytellyouthatyouaretheonlyonewhoisgoingthroughtrialsandtribulationsandit’sallworthless.Thetruthis,Idon’tknowtoomanypeoplewhoarenotgoingthroughsomething.
Keepinmindwherethenarrowpathleads,andyou’llnevergivein.
SometimestheonlypeopleyouaregoingtofindonthenarrowpathareyouandtheLord.Ifthat’sso,justkeepgoing!
JOYCEMEYER
JoyceMeyerhasbeenteachingtheWordofGodsince1976andinfull-timeministrysince1980.Sheisthebestsellingauthorofover54inspirationalbooks,includingSecretstoExceptionalLiving,TheJoyofBelievingPrayer,andBattlefieldoftheMind,aswellas
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Missouri.
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