God Has Not Forsaken You!

Psalm 94:14 ~ For the Lord will not forsake His people, He will not forsake His heritage.

What does it mean to forsake someone? It means to abandon, to leave behind, or to leave helpless.

Countless times in the bible God tells His people, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” In Deuteronomy 31:8, it says, “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” In Joshua 1:9 God says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

As Jesus was hanging on the cross He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” In this moment in history we get a glimpse of Jesus Christ crying out as if God had forsaken Him. Many times, in our walk with God it will feel like, look like, and seem like God has forsaken us. However, the Word of God cancels out this lie. God is with us, even when it seems He’s not. In every test, trial, hurt, and pain…God is there. In every victory, blessing, triumph, and new chapter…God is there.

One of the lessons I’ve had to learn in my Christian walk is that, I must be extremely confident in my faith that no matter what I face, I know that God is with me and He is for me. No matter the circumstance, we must become mature Christians who can honestly trust God enough to say, “Not my will, but yours be done.” That’s not easy to do when you’re hurting, when nothing is working out for you, or you’ve been waiting on God to fulfill a promise He’s made many years ago. However, our faith must be unshakeable, immovable, and able to withstand any test, especially in these last days. In Genesis 37, we see God give Joseph a promise (dream). After that, we begin to witness a series of heartbreaking and difficult tests that Joseph endured. However, throughout his trying times, the bible declares that the Lord was with Joseph. Just as He was with Joseph, He is with us…in every circumstance.

Your suffering doesn’t equate to the absence of God’s presence. The fact that you’re going through
many tests and trials doesn’t indicate that God has forsaken you. In fact, it reveals the opposite. In Matthew 13:20-21, you’ll find the parable of the sower. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Trouble and persecution will come, because of the Word of God that lives in you. Don’t allow your present circumstances to force you to give up on God and essentially forfeit God’s promises to you.

James 1:2-4 tells us to “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” Be assured that your afflictions and hardships that God is allowing to take place in your life is working out for your good according to Romans 8:28.

It may not seem like it, but God is doing a good work in you. Philippians 1:6, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” As we see Jesus up on the cross and it seemed that God had abandoned Him, God was there, doing a good work. And so, it is with us, when God seems to have forsaken us or when He seems silent, He is doing a good work in us.

Be encouraged as you endure every test and trial that the Lord allows to come your way. He’s there with you. He will help you to endure. He will see you to the other side. Keep praying, keep fasting, and keep believing. God is with you.

Be Encouraged.
A.M.

Thunderstorms

Is. 43:2 ~ When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

As I sit here writing in my dimly lit bedroom, outside is a raging thunderstorm. The wind is blowing so harshly that it seems angry. My blinds are knocking loudly against my windows. The endless raindrops are steadily pouring from the sky into my apartment. My window panes are flooded with so much water that rain is literally gushing down the walls onto the carpet. To make matters worse, the thunder is extremely deafening and forceful. Although, I know it’s coming (because of the lightning), the thunder jolts me and stirs a little bit of fear within. Even in this God speaks. In the middle of the storm, God speaks to my heart, “Yes, the storm is loud, boisterous, out of control, and seems to be never-ending, but you know in your heart that it will subside. It will not rain forever. It will pass. Just as with every storm in your life, they will pass. It will not remain this way forever. Just wait it out.”

Many times, the storms in our lives, both public and private are in fact loud, boisterous, out of control, and seem never-ending. However, the Holy Spirit reminded me that this too shall pass, just like every other storm I’ve faced in life. I want to lovingly remind you that the storm you’re in right now, that seems like it will never let up, will indeed pass. Trials, tests, and tribulations are scary, tumultuous, and unpredictable, much like thunderstorms. During these storms, God commands us just as He did Joshua in Josh. 1:9, “To be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” God is with you in the storm, in the battle, in the difficulty, in the unfair treatment, in the disappointment, and in the pain. He’s there and will get you through it.

Both thunderstorms and rain serve a purpose. Their purpose is far greater than our inconveniences and discomfort. God doesn’t check with us to see if a thunderstorm works with our agenda for the day. It just rains until He’s done. Likewise, the storms in our lives serve a purpose. It’s up to us to seek God’s face and ask Him. Word of advice: Never go through a storm and come out empty. God has a purpose for you in your storm (wisdom, understanding, greater anointing, increased faith, maturity, patience, knowing Him, etc.). Cancel the pity party and ask God, What are You saying to me? What are you trying to teach me? What is the lesson here? There is good in your storm. Romans 8:28 declares, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

The Holy Spirit also reminded me that God is in control. He controls the weather including the thunderstorms. So, it is with the storms in our lives, God is in control. He knows how long it will last and He knows how to get you through it. He is aware of your circumstances. We don’t have to walk around frustrated. According to 1 Peter 5:7, we can cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Therefore, cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22). The storm is not permanent, its only temporary. You are in the palm of His hands.

Be Encouraged.

A.M.

Preparation Before Promise: Part 2

So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Gen 41:14

In continuation of “Preparation Before Promise,” the Lord showed me something in Gen. 41:14. The Bible says, "Pharaoh sent for Joseph and he was quickly brought from the dungeon." Many times, we try to help God get us to the place of promise. We try to make things happen and only end up frustrating ourselves. Gen. 40:23 says, “The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” Joseph had to sit in that situation for another two years. However, when it was time for God’s word to come to pass, the bible says Pharaoh sent for him. Joseph didn’t have to con his way out. He didn’t have to manipulate or force his way into destiny. But the Lord, in His perfect timing, caused Joseph to be remembered.

Joseph learned many things in the time of preparation. I believe the following concepts are essential to waiting on God’s promises to manifest in our lives.

Faith in God’s Timing – If anyone knew what it meant to wait upon God, it was Joseph. He was

given a promise as a teen and didn’t walk in that promise until age thirty. He went through various delays and detours. I can only imagine what was going through his mind. Sold into slavery by his own flesh and blood, thrown into prison unjustly, and seemingly forgotten. Surely this wasn’t the way God wanted to fulfill His promise. I’m reminded of how God led the children of Israel through the wilderness, not the shorter, easier route. He knew they were not ready (Ex. 13:17-18). So God did the same with Joseph and He’s doing the same with many of us. Does it seem like you’re taking the longer route in life? The more rigorous journey to purpose? If so, be encouraged because God is in control.

Forgiveness – Throughout Joseph’s time of preparation, he was betrayed, lied on, and forgotten about by people with whom he had relationships. He had to learn to forgive and forget. Joseph had to learn to bless those who cursed him, and pray for those who spitefully used him (Luke 6:28). How many of us are still trying to get this right? In the place of purpose, there’s no room for unforgiveness and malice. As we see in Joseph’s life story, God used him greatly to help many people, even those who had betrayed him. How can God use you to genuinely help people if you are holding grudges and malicing them in your heart?

Learn the lessons that God is trying to teach you in your preparation time. You will get to the place of purpose. When you get there is up to you. Stop complaining, ask God what He wants you to learn, and trust that He will bring you out at the right time. Don’t waste your time. The bible says we should walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-16). Be encouraged as God continues to prepare you for your purpose.

Blessings,

A.M.

Preparation Before Promise: Part 1

But Joseph dreamed yet another dream and told it to his brothers [also]. He said, See here, I have dreamed again, and behold, [this time not only] eleven stars [but also] the sun and the moon bowed down and did reverence to me! Gen. 37:9

What an exciting and fulfilling experience it is for God Himself to reveal His purpose for you. It’s a beautiful thing to receive a Word from the Lord. The God of the universe has zeroed in on you to speak to you about His plans for your life. What a blessing! I believe that many of God’s people are in a place where they have received a promise from God, but are in a season of preparation. Or as we like to sometimes call it, “the process.” I believe within that process, there is preparation taking place. In the time of preparation God is building your character and developing your trust in Him. He’s not a God who would set you up to fail. That’s why before He brings you to the place of promise, He has to straighten out the kinks in your character that would cause you to blow it.

There are a few things that Joseph had to learn as a young man before he came into what God had prepared for Him.

1. Humility – As we see in Genesis 37:3, Joseph was loved more than his brothers and he knew it. Their father Jacob treated him as the favorite. In verse 2, the bible says while he was shepherding the flock with his brothers, he brought his father a bad report of them. He was a tattle-tale. Sometimes, we need to learn to cover other people in love and not point out their flaws as if we have none. In verses 13 & 14 we see his father send him to check on his brothers as they were shepherding the flock in Shechem. Why wasn’t Joseph with them already? He was an able-bodied young man; surely he could work. He was spoiled. God gave him 2 dreams about what He had planned for Joseph. In verses 6 & 7, we see Joseph telling his dream to his brothers who hated him. In verse 8, we see their reaction was less than favorable. So why in verse 9 would he brag about having another dream about God’s awesome plan for his life? This young man was the crème of the crop in that family and he knew it. However, he needed to learn humility before God could raise him up. We see this as he went from the favored, spoiled son to a slave and prisoner. What are the areas of your life where you see God is humbling you? Teaching you how to serve rather than be served…learning to submit to authority rather than others submitting to you. A good leader must first be a good follower.
    
2. 
   Reliance on God – As a young man, Joseph was accustomed to being favored by his father, Jacob. But now we see in Genesis 39, Joseph learning to rely on the favor of his Heavenly Father. Joseph prospered in all that he did because the Lord was with him. Joseph had to understand that it was God who kept and provided for him. It was God who blessed him and had a purpose for his life. It was the hand of God on his life that caused him to be favored by Potiphar and the keeper of the prison. Despite of his struggles, he had to learn that God was with him. He had to trust God to bring him to the place of promise despite of what he saw and endured, just as you should. The bible says that “God watches over his word to perform it” (Jer. 1:12). He’s watching over your situation to make sure His word comes to pass.

I believe Joseph went through the process that many of us are going through right now. Be encouraged as you allow the Holy Spirit to work in and around you. Remember, it’s God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Embrace this time and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you in your circumstances. Humble yourself under the Mighty Hand of God that He may exalt you in due season, casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Stay Encouraged,

A.M.

Don't Let Go

And Jacob was left alone, and a Man wrestled with him until daybreak. And when [the Man] saw that He did not prevail against [Jacob], He touched the hollow of his thigh; and Jacob’s thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with Him. Then He said, Let Me go, for day is breaking. But [Jacob] said, I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing upon me. (Gen. 32:24-26).

I just want to encourage all who will read this to be encouraged and continue in prayer. Even as I sit and meditate on these scriptures today, I am encouraged to prevail in prayer. All of our battles are won on our knees in prayer. No matter the situation we are to pray because it is our lifeline to God. We see in this scripture Jacob wrestled with the Angel of God all night. He refused to let the Angel go until He blessed Him. He refused to stop wrestling despite of the agony and pain. The bible says, “…men ought to always pray and not faint” (Luke 18:1). There is a tendency to faint in prayer when we don’t see the results right away. We think our prayers are not being heard but the bible declares, “The eyes of the Lord are toward the [uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

            I just want to share with you some notes from The Matthew Henry Commentary to inspire you. It says, “However tried or discouraged, we shall prevail; and prevailing with Him in prayer, we shall prevail against all enemies that strive with us. Nothing requires more vigor and unceasing exertion than wrestling. It is an emblem of the true spirit of faith and prayer. Jacob kept his ground; though the struggle continued long, this did not shake his faith, nor silence his prayer. He will have a blessing, and had rather have all his bones put out of joint than go away without one. Those who would have the blessing of Christ, must resolve to take no denial. The fervent prayer is the effectual prayer.”

          The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). If you have to lose some sleep to seek God’s Face in prayer all night, then so be it! Maybe you have to pray on your lunch break or in the car. Do what you must to pray. He will hear and answer. Don’t let go until you get an answer. Be relentless in prayer and like Jacob declare, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”

Blessings                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                           

Tested By Fire

1 PETER 1:6-7 “…even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

If you are reading this right now you may have at one time or another felt as if your faith was being tested. You may very well be in that season right now. In the above scripture, Peter is comparing the testing of our faith like that of gold. Gold as precious and valuable as it is, is tested and purified by fire. The word fire in this scripture refers to a purifying agent capable of testing the quality of one’s life and works. Our faith being of more value and even more precious than gold must be tested by fire as well to purify and perfect it. The bible says for without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). We need faith in order to obtain the promises of God and to please God. So, our faith must be perfected and the only way to perfect it is to test us. There may be moments where you feel as though God has forgotten about you. No matter how much you pray and fast, still no answer. You may be doing all that you know to do to be faithful but still no answer or even a sign from God…just silence. Temptation and hardship seem to be everywhere you turn. If you are there, my friend you are being tested.

Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12). God Himself calls us blessed as we endure the various trials that He allows in our lives. In times of trial we are to trust in Him with all our hearts, lean on Him, and not our own understanding. We are to go through asking, “Lord what would you have me to learn from this? How would you have me to respond to this test? What does the Word of God say?”

Yes, it’s hard and no it’s not pleasant. However, the testing of our faith and the trials that God allows in our lives help us to grow up spiritually. Will you give up and throw in the towel? Will you turn away and stop being faithful? We are to be instant in season and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2). Whether our circumstances are to our liking or not, whether God is silent or not, whether we feel like it or not, we are to remain steadfast. Go wants us to endure patiently under tests and trials. No, this is never easy as it feels unfair and unwarranted. As we often think to ourselves, “Why should I, a faithful servant of the Lord be going through trials and tribulations? Why does my life have to be inconvenienced, aren’t I doing my part God? Why do I have to endure such trying times?” Yet, the bible declares that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). The tests and trials that we go through are working on our behalf to make us wiser, stronger and more confident in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to count it all joy when we fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2). So instead of being bitter, angry, and fainting in our hearts we are to respond to each trial with joy. I know that sounds like a paradox but I’m reminded of Paul when he boasted of his sufferings for Christ (Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33).

As believers we choose to trust God in every situation.  We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:3-5). The amplified version says, “And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation].  Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Be encouraged as you endure whatever situations the Lord allows in your life. Pass the test. Please don’t continue going around the same mountain for years, never fully understanding what the Lord is teaching you. Allow the fire to perfect your faith and purify you. After you have done all, you stand and keep standing. Then, when it’s all over you can say like Job, “But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]” (Job 23:10).

Stay Encouraged & God Bless!