by David Brenneman
"Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." 2 Kings 6:17.
Life Principle 9: Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.
At some point, each of us will face what seem to be mammoth trials and difficulties. This is why we must know how to respond to every threat by laying hold of the kind of victorious faith that looks beyond what we can see to what God sees.
In times of extreme pressure, God stretches our faith and deepens our dependence on Him. Without a strong, abiding faith, we can quickly yield to temptation and fear, especially when the trial or difficulty is intense or prolonged.
Whatever Goliath you face, you need to bury one truth deep within your heart: God loves you, and when you place your trust in Him, He will help you triumph. You may go through times of failure. Life may not always turn out the way you planned. But ultimately, God will be glorified, and you will be blessed.
Every challenge presents an opportunity for the Lord to display His faithfulness and love. Instead of yielding to thoughts of fear and failure, make a commitment to trust God, even when you don’t know what the next day will bring. Train yourself to look beyond what you can see to what He sees.
How can you gain that kind of faith?
Recall past victories.
Reject discouraging words.
Recognize the true nature of the battle.
Respond to the challenge with a positive confession.
Rely on the power of God.
Reckon the victory.
You can face any circumstance with confidence and hope because it’s not your strength, wisdom, energy, or power that brings victory. Triumph comes because of Christ’s ability. And when you place your trust in Him, you tap into an irresistible force that no one and nothing can successfully oppose.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." Romans 8:28-30.
In these days, not just the days in which I find myself, there are threats to our way of life to take away peace.
My thoughts are indeed going towards what Dr. Charles Stanley says in this devotional. Remembering the other victories that came about only because of Him.
My human side tries to stir up my mind to worry. We often do this when waiting. Patiently waiting isn't something most people are ok with. We live in a microwave society. Even 60 seconds in a microwave is taking too long.
In my life God has always shown Himself faithful. The fact and truth that I am still alive and breathing bears testimony to the work of God in me.
During these recent days even my blood pressure has been kept normal by His direction in my physical well-being.
My mind wants to step in and do something...yet...as the title eluded to...the battle isn't mine.
To attack a child of God is to attack God. We cry out to Him and He always responds. Many times in ways we never thought possible. Some of the stories I am reminded of would be worthy of a television show or maybe even a movie.
My trust is in God my Savior. I called to Him and He promises to act. I am in His hands. Always have been always will be.
I don't need to know what tomorrow's troubles are while living in today.
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:6-8.
What ought we to do? What have I been doing? Praying.
While disappointments are inevitable in the world my choice isn't to be discouraged.
There are always possibilities where God is concerned. With God all things are possible.
The enemy of God wants me to be discouraged and not to be writing these posts. Wants me to not attend church. Wants me to stop going to the Grace Groups we go to. He wants me to shut up. Disguising it however he tries, that's the aim of Satan towards all who believe.
He tries to throw our past in our face. Remind him of his future. He was defeated at the cross of Jesus Christ.
He tries to bury us under the stress of the unknown. Jesus knows all.
He tries to get us to excessively self examine rather than remembering what Jesus's roll in all this is.
We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.
We are not the principal elements of this battle. The Battle belongs to the Lord.
The sheep are to rely on their Shepherd.
I trust in God my Savior The one who will never fail.
The Battle belongs to God.
His promises never fail.
All New American Standard Bible Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. A corporation not for profit.
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