God’s Promises are “Yes” and “Amen”!
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God – 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
Are you facing some difficult battle today? Don’t run! Stand still and refuse to retreat. Look at it as God sees it and draw upon His power to hold you up.
As good soldiers of Christ, God expects us to endure hardships – 2 Timothy 2:1. God never promised us a fantasy life of leisure and pleasure. In fact, the blessings are embedded in the belly of crisis. Matthew 5:11 (NIV) states, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…”.
The aforementioned Scripture makes it clear that the blessings of God are tied to our ability to thrive in the midst of adversities. Thus, enduring hardships, builds Godly character, and activates and sets afire the spiritual and ministerial giftings (treasures) God placed in our earthen vessels to be used for the advancement of His Kingdom.
Friends, do not be possessed by the spirit of the Ephraimites, Psalm 78:9-10 (NIV) “The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of battle; they did not keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law”. If you are a covenant breaker, a back slider, a quitter, or a person who runs from responsibilities, you cannot be a recipient of the promises of God. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah was given a friend, Elisha, to assist him when he was downcast and demoralised from all the challenges. God will do the same for you, don’t dwell in self-pity; it pollutes and obscures the light of God.
Charles Swindoll also wrote in his book, “Second Wind For those Who are Struggling to Get Up Again”, that whenever self-pity is nursed, in a brief period of time it grows into an uncontrollable beast that will spread the poison of bitterness and paranoia throughout one’s system. This for sure will make us miss the blessings God has in store.
Brethren, refuse to retreat and God will reward you accordingly. Psalm 145:13 (b) reminds that, “The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does”.
Read: Psalm 23:1-6; 2 Peter 3:9
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 1:20-33; Matthew 10:1-31; Genesis 25; Genesis 26
