Scripture with an asterisk (*) is referenced at the bottom of the page. Micah 7:8 NKJV When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The Lord will be a light to me. There are times in our Christian life when we have a drought period. We feel as if God doesn't hear our prayers, and that we are wandering aimlessly throughout the earth. We feel abandoned by God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We also feel vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. God doesn't care anymore, We say. Where is He? Do you remember when you first got the training wheels taken off of your bike, and someone had to teach you how to keep your balance? That is all God is doing - teaching you how to hold your balance. You start out riding with His hand tightly clutching the back of your seat, and you feel like you are more than a conqueror. But suddenly, He lets go! You don't realize it at first, but you happen to glance back and see Him running freely beside you. He is smiling proudly and cheering you on. However, you become afraid and fall over. Why? God believed that you were ready to balance on your own. Otherwise, He would not have let go. He just wanted to prove to you the power and fruits that He has placed within you. He promised that He will never leave you, so why do you let the enemy tell you that you are alone? In *Ps 37:23-24, He promised that He will order your steps, so why are you quick to believe that you are without a leader? In *Matt 6:30-32, He promised to provide for your family, so why are you worrying day and night about your finances? When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, I believe that He really could have used an "audible" word of encouragement from God. After all, God had spoken from the clouds on His behalf on other occasions, why not now? From the way the Bible describes the events in the garden, I would guess that Jesus labored so long in prayer before the Lord because He wanted to feel God's presence and hear His Father's reassuring voice (*Matt 26:36-46). Thankfully, Jesus was able to press on and be at peace just knowing (not feeling) that His Father was with Him. In times of drought, don't be afraid, follow Jesus' example, and press on. *John 16:33 says "..In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." So don't worry, God's just taking off your training wheels. And He's cheering beside you! I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray Scripture References NKJV Matt 6:30-32 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Psalm 37:23-24 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand. Matt 26:36-39, 42, 44 36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." 44 So He left them, went away again and prayed the third time, saying the same words. John 16:31-33 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." |
| When He Lets Go! Sept. 15, 2004 |