Experiencing Hardships

Well, what can I say? The unchanging truth is that Christians will experience hardships. Though a substantial part of ministry today emphasizes deliverance from troubles, you cannot experience deliverance except a situation that warrants it arises. After receiving the promise of descendants, God tells Abraham of the hardships that would come upon them.

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. Gen 15:13-14 (KJV

God said that it was going to happen and nothing would change it (signified by “of a surety”). Christians have to understand that trials, tests, hardships will come. The Christian life if full of problematic situations (as some may very well know); however, the promise of trials comes with the promise of God’s deliverance.

Abraham’s descendants were destined to go into bondage, but they were also destined to come out by God’s power. On today, though trials and tests are there, understand that they come with an expiration date. You can rejoice that though you may sow in tears presently, you will reap in joy by the power of God.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I thank you for the truth that my problems come with an expiration date. I thank you that I will see your goodness in the land of the living. Amen.”

Hope in God

Growing up, I remember times when my mother would tell me she was going to do something. Once the promise came, I held on to it. I knew that if she said it, I could trust it because she came through on other promises.

Though we may not always get what we want or things may not always go, as we would like for them, we can trust in God’s faithfulness and promises. Abraham receives a staggering promise that he would have a son. His response was not doubt, but faith.

And   he   brought  him  forth   abroad,  and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them:  and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Gen 15:5-6 (KJV)

Abraham believed in the Lord.  The challenge upon Christians is to believe in the Lord through walking by faith daily. On today, what problems face you? What things are you waiting on from the Lord? No matter what they are, continue to believe in God. Renew your faith knowing that whatever God has promised, He is able to perform.

Prayer of the Week:

“I trust you on this day Lord. I am grateful that I can trust you and have complete faith in you. Thank you for all things. Amen.”

Ask What You Will

Friends are an intricate part of one’s existence. And, those friends whom you can count on are treasures in one’s life. You know that if you ask them for anything that is proper, they will do their best to make it happen.

 If we can have that level of trust in someone that is subject to life, why is it difficult to come to God in faith, knowing He will be there in the time of need? Abraham experienced God’s power after his initial call, consequently, he understood that he could ask God for the impossible – an heir.

 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? Gen 15:2 (KJV)

Since God comforted Abraham by reaffirming His faithfulness to him, Abraham then petitions God concerning offspring. What are you standing in need of at this time in your life? Regardless of what it is, you can trust that God will hear the very cry of your soul.

Though we do not always know the will of  God, we are not to be afraid to trust that God will hear us. He instructed us to pray, expecting to receive. If Abraham could make such an incredible request given his circumstances, we can really ask what we will and He will do it to glorify Himself.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I know that I can trust you God, you told me to ask, seek, and knock. Therefore, I come to you today with all of my fears and concerns, knowing you will answer me in due time. Amen.”