Tag Archives: hope

Do you recognize Him?

Sometimes we may not recognize Jesus when we are experiencing grief,  going through difficult challenges, and when we experience tragedy…because our eyes are expecting something physical to “see”.  However, listen for the voice of The Lord during these times.  You will recognize that which you cannot see, but “hear”.

His voice will comfort, encourage, strengthen, and direct you.  How do you know it is The Lord speaking?–because we know our sinful nature, oh too well.  God’s way will direct us to trust in Him.  His way will challenge us to give our burdens to Him. His way will plead for us to cast our cares on Him, and offer us peace and quietness.

God’s way turns our attention from us and our sorrow, crisis, and emptiness–to focusing on God and doing right by Him.  In John 20:11-18, Mary Magdalene did not recognize Jesus after he rose from the dead; even upon looking at him. However, when He called her name, she knew the voice of her Savior.  Christ is calling your name today; you may not see him in your circumstances, but you can hear Him–listen.  Ask The Lord, “What is it Father, what are you saying to me?”

Don’t let your circumstances keep you from learning what God is doing.  Sometimes we get paralyzed by our circumstances, consumed by them, rather–meditate on the impact of our circumstances to us from God’s perspective. Is God teaching me patience, forgiveness, or how to lean and depend on him only!  Because some of our problems may seem like there is no way to fix or correct them…God has a plan.  Seek His plan in our circumstances… “Lord, I have no idea what you want me to learn from this; teach me.”

Betrayal…

Being let down by a friend is painful.  Jesus understands because He experienced a deep and fatal betrayal by a close confidant, Judas. Even in betrayal, Jesus was in control.  Despite the shock and disappointment of Judas betrayal, Jesus made no attempt to prevent it.  As a matter of fact, he made no attempt to hide or escape.  Jesus even asked the arresting soldiers whom they were seeking–their reply, “Jesus of Nazareth.”  Our Lords reply, “I Am He.”

Trying to protect Jesus, Peter struck one of the soldiers with his sword but Jesus told him to put away the sword and he healed the wounded soldier.  At times, it is tempting to take matters into our hands.  Most often, such moves lead to sin.  Instead, we must trust Gods plan.  If Peter had his way, Jesus would not have gone to the cross, and God’s plan of redemption would not have taken place…and we would never be forgiven of our sin…doomed!  However, thank God for Jesus who is our Savior!

God has a plan for us, a plan to prosper us and not to harm us, a plan to give us hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11  Trust God’s plan for your life today…even in the midst of betrayal.

Don’t Stop Praying…

  • Prayer releases the power of God into our lives, situations, and circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We should be thankful for God’s presence and for the good that He will accomplish through our distress.
  • Prayer is powerful even when it seems like God does not hear our prayers. Psalm 66:19 “God listens and has heard our prayers.”
  • Jesus is our Intercessor. He will make our imperfect prayers as perfect prayers to God. Romans 8:26 “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. Even when we do not know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with and for you, and God answers.”
  • God can do anything and is control of everything thing. All things are possible with Him, don’t stop praying. Matthew 19:26 “With people, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”