Has God asked you to step out in faith to go where He has asked you to go? Do you look at the task before you seeing so many mountains that it appears to be impossible to cross them? Do you feel injured, betrayed because the ones you trusted, respected and served accused you with a vengeance that cut through your heart like a knife blade piercing your very heart and soul? Yes, you know that God veiled their eyes to the truth; because, He has a better plan for your life and needs you to be willing to step out in faith to embrace the future He has planned. Much like Joseph who was betrayed for jealousy by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned–God’s plan had led him every step and ultimately he was able to say. I wrote about Joseph’s story at length in my September 15th blog (Glory to Glory- Part 4- God’s Transforming Grace in the Life of Joseph – See more at: http://myglorytoglory.com ) Yet, in reminder, let me add this. Joseph did ultimately understand that it had been God who allowed and even orchestrated it all so as to place Joseph where God needed him to be. Joseph showed his understanding of this when he told his brothers, (Genesis 45:) "therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 50) "20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good,". Still, as you read the story of Joseph; in his humanity he still felt pain, sorrow and tears at moments. I recognize that perfect faith and understanding should cause me to march forward with no moments of sorrow, no moments of doubt and no moments of fear; yet, those feelings enter at times mingled with a bitter-sweetness blended with hope. It is a hope that comes out of knowing who my Father is and knowing that His name is the Great I am-the Creator of the Universe, the King of Kings, the owner of all the Universe. It is a hope born out of remembering all the moments of my past and the wonderful way God had woven my life together. Remember? In July, I told you God had fulfilled a promise made thirty three years ago and like Abraham when Isaac was laid into his arms; how could I ever doubt the wondrous grace and love of my Father. I do not know how I am going to cross all these mountains; but, I trust my Father has it. Then, I remember–
Isaiah 41: 9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
So, if you are facing things that would appear to be trials or obstacles; remember these principles.
1. Remember who your Father is–He name is "Yahweh–I am" Psalm 91: 14 I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
2. Remember God’s promise that His plan is for your good–(Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11)
3. Remember God cradles you in His Arms as He sings over you with joy, firmly held by His love. (Zephaniah 3:17)
4. Remember His love proven by Christ’s death on the Cross. (John 15:13, John 17)
5. Remember who you are IN Christ–Because of the blood of Christ by faith and not by my own works, I have been saved. Thereby, in Christ I am redeemed (risen), blessed, beloved, chosen, child of the King-heir of royalty, imprisoned by abounding love, servant because of overwhelming gratitude, enlightened by His light, New Creation, filled with His gifted faith, and declared Saint. (1 Corinthians)
6. Remember that God chose you and He will equip you.
Write these down and tuck them away in your pocket to read and be reminded each moment that doubt or fear tries to enter. Yet, remember; God knows our frailty and understands those moments as well. He will graciously hold you, comfort you, and guide each step. Remember those trials you have already walked through and how He sustained you. All of this is true, if you know Him as Your Father because you accepted His gift of Salvation. If you don’t know that God is Your Father, then read yesterday’s blog.
I was blessed by this song sung by Dennis Jernigan that I found this morning. I felt like God was singing this over me as I listened, so if you feel wounded today; I hope you listen to this song.