That happens with verses like the one in the image. We like the “…My God will supply all your needs…” part, but the “according to His riches…” part may mean it’s not according to our plan.

This could mean it includes loss that will drive us closer to Him and give us a platform that allows us to encourage thousands of others.

Grief and loss is an odd thing. It is so painful but when shared to encourage others, it can bring hope and healing.

When we remove the limitation of buffet-style reading of God’s word, we find a whole new depth to our relationship with Him.

He draws us to a place where we experience all emotions WITH Him. We not only read about Him, but truly begin to KNOW Him as He walks with us.

Our entire life and all of our experiences become a toolkit for the sake of advancing the Gospel.

God’s intent is not for you to be comfortable, but instead that you would have comfort in His presence while doing the work He has prepared for you.

#MPWarrior

#ReadItAll

#KnowHimMore

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Where was my comfort?  Where was my strength when my bones ached with sorrow?  The deception and darkness was so great that I couldn’t see the light and refused to seek counsel. Who would rescue my from my despair?

We know the Holy Spirit has many roles including being a helper, comforter and teacher reminding us of God’s instruction:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”  ~ ‭‭John‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭NASB‬‬

But what do we do when even He seems far off?There are times where the only thing we have to cling to is God’s word and His promises so we must preach to, and comfort ourselves with His word. 

Reflection

Brothers and sisters, we must be ready for these times!   We know not when these times of drought will happen.  His word must be implanted in our memory so as to be ready for preaching to ourselves in any occasion. 

Get a reading plan today and begin storing up the treasures of His word.  For it is this powerful truth that will comfort us in the time of trial. 

Prayer

Gracious Father, You have given us everything we need to walk according to Your way.  Fill us with Your word that we may be revived according to Your lovingkindness.  In those times of deception, May we preach Your word to ourselves that our countenance and vision would be restored.  We love You LORD, in Jesus, Amen

Say hello to jack. He’s the tamest wild rabbit I have ever seen.  I’m guessing that his mom, brothers, and sisters were taken out during the storms and that he was hurt as well.  That stands to reason since ever other attempt to try to catch a baby wild rabbit on our acreage has been fruitless.  They tend to be sharp and fast. Not this guy.  He was desperate and worn.  

We can find ourselves like Jack. Worn, slow and grieving the loss of a life that once was filled with family, fun, and comfort.  Feeling like all that’s important has been ripped from us.  The storms of this life can be great enough to do some serious damage, but there is one who is greater than every storm. One who can still the most raging waves and heal every wound.   He is the One true living God; Our hope and our salvation.  He is a Father to the fatherless and is able to meet us in that storm and remind us of His marvelous power that has overcome all the troubles of this world. 

What’s the key to surviving any storm?  Keep your eyes fixed on Christ.  If we can do that; we do not sink, but instead walk on the water with Him.  When our eyes are off ourselves and on Him, we don’t lose sight of the mission we are on.  We also don’t forget the loving Father we have in our corner and we are not swayed by the lies of the enemy that try to convince us that we are alone, unwanted and invaluable. 
Reflection

Think about the roughest time of your life.  Maybe it’s been years or maybe it’s right now.  

Where do you see God in it?  Is He strengthening you through His word?  Is He, comforting you through His Spirit and His people? 

In what ways can you meet others in their storms and encourage them?  Take action and encourage someone today!

Prayer

Gracious God, You are Lord over the greatest storm.  For we know that even the wind and waves must obey You.  Enable our eyes to remain firmly fixed on You, unwavering, even in the hurricanes of this life. Ready our hands to reach out to all who are hurting.  Open our hearts to comfort those who have lost hope.   Let us see Your goodness, love and grace and our mouths shout Your praise!  Glory to You forever and ever, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

#Hehasovercome #ragingstorms #powerfulSavior

The fact of the matter is, we often need a comforter; One that can help us through the tough times and make us feel better.  All three of the signs above promise comfort but instead delivery slavery.  I don’t speak this as a judgemental outsider, but as one who has been under control of a slave master.  

Slaves are not free, not just physically, but also spiritually, mentally, emotionally and financially.  A slave master will stop at nothing to make sure you remain in bondage and will pull out all the dirty tricks to keep you there.  He will deceive you into thinking these thoughts:

     “You are worthless”

     “You’re alone”

     “You have no purpose”

     “You’re unloved and unlovable”

These are all lies.  The word of God tells us:

That if God cares for the sparrow, how much more valuable are we?  

He sent us one and only Son to die for us.  Does that not communicate immense value.   

When Jesus gives the Great Commission, he is giving us purpose and promises that we will never be alone.  

Again God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ dies for us(Romans 5:8).  His love for us has never been dependent on our performance. 

So as you choose your comforter and master choose wisely.  For not all masters care like our Heavenly Father.  Choose Him and you choose life. Choose other comforters and you choose to invite death into every corner of your life

Reflections

Where are you most likely to choose a comforter and master other then God?

Have you really been satisfied, or is it leaving you even less comforted?

Turn from these comforters and confess to your Father in heaven that you have Chosen another over Him. He will hear your cry and reestablish your feet on solid ground

Prayer

Father, we have forgotten You and Your power to comfort and save.  Empower us to repent.  Remind us of Your truth and let us not be deceived.  For you alone can rescue, You alone can save.  You are our rock and comforter, let our eyes be fixed and content in Your provision of Christ. By His name, we pray. Amen!

We must make sure that the fuel for your ministry isn’t just your strength or skill.  Knowledge of the Father’s love and the eternal comfort He has given us is like and endless supply of food and water as we minister in the desert. 

I love the phrase “good hope”.  There are many choices for the objects of our hope. I hope that snow only falls on grass.  Somehow it never does.  I hoped the Packers would win. Where did that get me?  The hope we have in our salvation, through Christ,  cannot be compared with any earthly hope.  For it is always good and results is righteousness. It is a hope that never disappoints but instead is always increasing faith, more hope, and love.  We have that hope because of God’s marvelous grace.  Remember this was given to us while we were yet sinners(Rom. 5:8 NASB). How much more hope do we have now that we are children of God and see His goodness!

One other quick observation: Paul prays for hearts to be comforted and strengthened in every good work and word.  The goodness of God should be spurring us on to good words and deeds.  How can we contain the goodness of God?  For it was designed to fill us to overflowing; hat others may be filled to overflowing and so on.  

May your hearts be comforted and strengthened today as you work for Him in word and in deed!

#truthtalk4life #knowlivespeaktruthinlove

@brianfriedl