We get overwhelmed by nervousness, anxiety, or fear when storms come up. We are generally caught by surprise when it happens. However, one thing we can be sure of is that storms are inevitable. And Max Lucado has a word for you who are facing one.
In Philippians 3:13, the apostle Paul says one thing he really made an effort in doing was “forgetting what lies behind” – letting go of what already has passed. I believe Paul tried fixing earlier mistakes and discovered how complicated and impossible it was to try and do that. There is only one thing we can do with the past – give it to God! When we let Him take our messes and turn them into miracle, God has the ability to use our mistakes for our great good if we trust Him to do so.
For years, I wanted my ministry to grow. When it didn’t, I became frustrated and dissatisfied. I fasted, prayed, and tried everything I knew to get more people to come to my meetings. I remember complaining when God wouldn’t give me the increase I wanted. Then I would leave the meeting questioning, What am I doing wrong, God? Why aren’t You blessing me? I’m fasting. I’m praying. I’m giving and believing. I was so frustrated. I even asked, “God! Why are You doing this to me?” He said, “Joyce, I am teaching you that man does not live by bread alone.”
According to Ecclesiastes 3:1, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Didn’t Jesus know that taking longer where He was would prevent Him to see His friend Lazarus alive? Even though, He decided not to go there at the very moment He was asked to. Let’s consider Max Lucado’s reflection on this event.
See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.
More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.Proverbs 4.23 No matter how much effort you do, how much faith you
Give thanks in all circumstances;for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 No matter what we pray for, thanksgiving should
So, he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” (1 Samuel
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:6) Humility is often defined as genuine
For, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16) Those