Bust As For

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I'm amazed how often the story of Joseph comes to mind, in a week. Is there anyone going through a trial that cannot take comfort in those words?

We become so fixated on our circumstances that it often takes an outsider to remind us of what we, as Christians, are supposed to do when we face the difficulties life throws at us! It's hard to remember to "count it all joy" or "in everything give thanks" when the waves are crashing over your head! When the devil is whispering in your ear that "you will drown in your despair"; the flesh calls for self preservation, however we are admonished to surrender!

A popular song that is ministering to many is "Thy Will" by Hillary Scott. I knew it was an important piece the first time I listened. 

“He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” (Matthew‬ ‭26:42‬ ‭KJV‬‬)

Humbling ourself; surrendering to God's plan and trusting Him, when our world comes crashing down is not our first impulse - but shouldn't it be? So many Scriptures give us direction on how to survive the darkness we sometimes have to walk through. (Isaiah 26:3, 2Corinthians 4:18, Philippians 4:8,  2 Corinthians 10:5 as examples) 

And coming to the realization that our trials are for the perfecting of our faith, (in God's plan to transform us into the likeness of His Son), is major in our growth! 

A friend posted the following, last month, and I've thought about it often:

"We're often so anxious to get out of difficult, painful, or challenging situations that we fail to grow through them.  We're so fixated on getting out of them that we don't get anything out of them. " - Draw The Circle (Mark Batterson)

It's the hardest things we go through which transforms us into the likeness of Jesus! 

Jesus was serious:

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke‬ ‭9:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Your storm has a purpose, to make you turn to God or turn away from Him! The voice you listen to, while you go through the storm, will impact its outcome! The enemy will be proclaiming your immediate and ultimate demise, in an effort to make you fall into despair! However, that Still Small Voice will always say "Rest child, I've got this!"

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Surrender is our only choice.

Repent while there is still time!

Even so - MARANATHA! 

From 6/29/16