Growing Through TroubleDevotionalThere is a special group of people who have chosen to homestead and make a like for themselves in the remote parts of Alaska, apart from the rest of society. These homesteaders preparing for the harsh winter to come in a variety of ways. They store up firewood or food provisions. Spiritually speaking, someone once said, “If your mouth will feed your heart faith when you don’t need it, then your heart will feed your mouth faith when you do need it.” In essence, we should always be fortifying our faith, even when we don’t see a need on the horizon. Paul did not deny the presence of trouble in our lives when he said, We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed - always carrying about in the body the dying of he Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (2 Cor. 4:8-10) In Ps. 91:15, the Lord speaks, He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.” Some naive people talk as if troubles don’t exist, when even our Heavenly Father promises His deliverance when we do find ourselves in trouble. Troubles will come and our faith will be tried and tested, but it is through preparation that we can successfully navigate the stormy times ahead. And in order to be ready for the storms of life such as sickness, accidents, financial disaster, and marital difficulties, we must be prepared by spending quality time in the Word of God. God spoke these words to Joshua, This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Josh 1:8) In the aviation world, there are pilots who study and spend extra hours getting their instrument-rated license. As a result, no matter the storm or challenge in flying, or lack of visibility, an instrument-rated pilot can still fly his jet with the use of the instruments only. On the other hand, a regular pilot avoids the storms and will perish because he hasn’t taken the extra time to get that type of training and license. Paul wrote, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor 5:7). We should be depending on the surety of God’s Word versus what our senses would lead us to believe. The more that a pilot has learned to depend on his aviation instruments, the more confidence he has in them. In the same way, the more opportunity you and I have to trust in God alone, the more confidence we will have in Him. Choose to place your confidence in God’s promises versus what the circumstances in your life are telling you. PrayerLord, help me to be prepared for any trouble that may come my way.
I will do this by hiding your Word in my heart. Thank you for being with me in trouble and delivering me. I will study your Word and speak it over my life. When I do, I know that my circumstances will change for the better. I choose to look at the surety of Your promises rather than temporary trouble. I place my total confidence in You, in Jesus’ Name.
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