JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Psalm 77:14) God is a God of miracles… “You are the God who performs miracles… you display your power among the peoples”
There are times in our life when we all meet situations that are beyond our control.
Life has thrown us a curve ball that we just cannot seem to overcome and we don’t know where to turn.
And that’s where our connection with God our Father becomes a strength and a confidence that opens the door for Him to do the miraculous and meet those areas in our life that we cannot control or deal with.
Lets face it… as human beings we all have this desire to be in control.
But there are times when we are out of control and simply don’t have the strength ability and or power to navigate… to get thru the ever challenging issues of life that are beyond our control.
That’s when our Heavenly father shows up and helps us in the midst of the challenges in the midst of life’s chaos… in the midst of those desperate lonely hours of pain and heartache if… we will call upon His name and if …we will let go of our own self will, pride and stubbornness.
James tells us that “we have not because we ask not” (James 4:2-23)
Jesus said “if you can believe all things are possible to them that believe” (Mark 9:23)
The writer of Hebrews tells us “Cast not away your confidence in God that has a great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35)
All thru the scriptures from the Old Testament thru the New… we read many promises of God that reveal His desire to meet our every need as a good father whom meets the needs of his children.
(James 1:17) tells us “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from God the Father of Lights”.
This verse highlights the truth that righteousness and eternal life, spiritual gifts, blessings and miracles… are given by God reflecting the idea of Gods unchanging nature and His goodness in providing for humanity.
In (Matthew 8:1-14) Jesus was challenged by a Leper who knelt before Him saying…”Lord of you will, you can make me clean”…
Jesus response to that human soul in need of a miracle that day is the same response to you and I and our need for a miracle today.
He said “I will” and immediately the leprosy was cleansed.
In (Malachi 3:6) God says “For I am the Lord, I change not”.
God still wills to perform miraculous works in the lives of men to prove His love, to prove His power, to prove His character and promises of constant unwavering provision and protection for you and I
His children.
(Hebrews 13:8) states that “Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever”
(Psalm 102:27) “But you are same and Your will never end”
The scene in (Psalms 102:27) is set in the presence of God, with the psalmist reflecting on the eternal nature of God contrasted with the temporary nature of creation.
The psalmist may have come to this place of reflection after experiencing challenges or difficulties, finding comfort in the unchanging nature of God amidst the changing circumstances of life.
The scene conveys a sense of peace and reverence, with the psalmist finding strength and hope in the eternal presence of God.
(Psalms 102:27) reminds us of the steadfast and eternal nature of God.
This verse emphasizes that God is constant and unchanging, unlike the ever-shifting circumstances and situations we encounter in our lives.
Think about how reassuring it is to know that amidst the turbulence of life, there is a divine presence that remains consistent and unwavering.
This verse prompts us to reflect on the reliability of God, who is always dependable and faithful, regardless of the ups and downs we face.
This verse challenges us to contemplate the limitless nature of God, existing beyond the constraints of time and space.
God, who provides stability and reassurance in a constantly evolving world, can be found as we navigate the uncertainties of life.
Let this verse serve as a reminder of the enduring and ever-present love and support that God offers to us.
“But you remain the same,” these words echo through the ages, emphasizing God’s unchanging nature amidst a world in constant flux.
(Hebrews 13:8) states that “Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever”
(Psalm 102:27) “But you are same and Your will never end”
The scene in (Psalms 102:27) is set in the presence of God, with the psalmist reflecting on the eternal nature of God contrasted with the temporary nature of creation.
The psalmist may have come to this place of reflection after experiencing challenges or difficulties, finding comfort in the unchanging nature of God amidst the changing circumstances of life.
The scene conveys a sense of peace and reverence, with the psalmist finding strength and hope in the eternal presence of God.
(Psalms 102:27) reminds us of the steadfast and eternal nature of God.
This verse emphasizes that God is constant and unchanging, unlike the ever-shifting circumstances and situations we encounter in our lives.
Think about how reassuring it is to know that amidst the turbulence of life, there is a divine presence that remains consistent and unwavering.
This verse prompts us to reflect on the reliability of God, who is always dependable and faithful, regardless of the ups and downs we face.
This verse challenges us to contemplate the limitless nature of God, existing beyond the constraints of time and space.
God, who provides stability and reassurance in a constantly evolving world, can be found as we navigate the uncertainties of life.
Let this verse serve as a reminder of the enduring and ever-present love and support that God offers to us.
“But you remain the same,” these words echo through the ages, emphasizing God’s unchanging nature amidst a world in constant flux.
While everything around us shifts and changes, God stands unwavering… a steadfast anchor in the stormy seas of life.
Like a sturdy anchor in a stormy sea… God’s eternal essence remains constant.
His miracles are with out limit and He has another one for you and I, in every aspect of our changing lives…
“If you can believe… all things are possible to them that will believe”
Remember… Jesus said that… (Mark 9:23)
Good day!
(Psalm 77:14) “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
God is a God of miracles… there is no doubt about that.
From recorded events in history past... to the many testimonies of people throughout history whom have experienced a miracle of God and have testified to that truth... myself included… there is more than enough evidence to conclude that miracles do happen.
But as I mentioned in previous blogs concerning this subject… there is a question that baffles the so called wisdom of man… as to why and how God is motivated to pour out His miracle working power in the lives of fallen mankind.
As I mentioned yesterday… the Bible uses three main words to refer to a miracle.
They are signs, wonders, and power.
These three words help us better understand what the phrase “God of miracles” means.
Basically, a miracle is an act of God beyond human understanding that displays God’s power… inspires wonder in humans… and acts as a sign that God is at work in the world.
From a human perspective… a miracle of God is an extraordinary or unnatural event (a wonder)… that reveals or confirms a specific message (a sign)… through or by a mighty work of (power)... not controlled, manipulated, motivated, or induced by humanity.
From the God of miracle’s vantage point, a miracle is nothing extraordinary or unnatural.
It is simply a divine display of His might (power)… that attracts the attention of humans (a wonder)… to His Word or His purposes (a sign).
The God of miracles… uses supernatural power to reveal Himself to people on earth.
The Greek word translated “miracle” is “dunamis”.
It is the root of our word “dynamite” and means “power.”
God’s miracles often defy or overpower the laws of nature... and yet He will also work within the laws of nature to perform a miracle.
When God parted the Red Sea... He used a powerful wind: “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided” (Exodus 14:21).
God does not only use miracles as a means of authenticating Himself to people… but to reveal Himself to people who have eyes of faith to see.
The God of miracles works extraordinary wonders to capture people’s attention.
The unusual, and unnatural dimension of God’s miracles… demands and commands our attention.
When the Lord caused a bush to burn but not be consumed… Moses took notice.
The angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush.
Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.
So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’
When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush… ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am’” (Exodus 3:2–4).
The wonder of it all… “a bush that did not burn”… piqued Moses’ interest and moved him to the place where he was ready to receive God’s message.
The God of miracles also uses signs to convey a message or reveal truth.
People who seek signs often want to be entertained like Herod in (Luke 23:8).
But God never uses miracles to amuse us… they always serve a purpose or a higher objective.
Their overall purpose or objective is to glorify Himself.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead… He confirmed this purpose.
(John 11:40–42) “Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone.
Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me... but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here... that they may believe that you sent me’”
Then Jesus called Lazarus back from the dead... unto life.
Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary saw this astounding miracle.
As a result… they put their faith in Christ and believed that Jesus was the Son of God.
Jesus showed the disciples and the world… that He has power over death.
The Bible portrays God as a God of miracles... a God who has revealed His power to us and is worthy of praise.
(Psalm 72:18) “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,...who alone does marvelous deeds”
Gods miracles declare His absolute control over nature, events, people, and powers.
His miracles reveal who God is… and awaken humans to His presence and the presence of His Kingdom.
God works through miracles to reveal His glory, confirm His message, and convey His purposes and truths… to those who see Him with eyes of faith.
And the beautiful part about this… is that as He does these miracles… we are often the beneficiaries of the supernatural move of God… as He works in the lives of men.
More concerning this topic tomorrow.
Good Day!
(Psalm 77:14) “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
Our God is a God of miracles.
Who can study the universe and doubt His power in creation?
Who can study the history of Israel and fail to see His providential arrangement of events?
In contrast to the handiwork of the God of miracles… the work of man is puny and trifling.
God does marvelous things… and He does them all with His own power and with no help from others.
The Bible uses three main words to refer to a miracle.
They are… a sign, a wonder or wonders, and power.
These three words help us better understand what the phrase “God of miracles” actually means.
Basically, a miracle is an act of God beyond human understanding that displays God’s power… inspires wonder in humans… and acts as a sign that God is at work in the world.
From a human perspective… a miracle of God is an extraordinary or unnatural event (a wonder)… that reveals or confirms a specific message (a sign)… through a mighty work or (power).
From the God of miracle’s vantage point… a miracle is nothing extraordinary or unnatural.
It is simply a divine display of His might (power) that attracts the attention of humans (a wonder) to His Word or His purposes (a sign).
Jesus performed some amazing miracles while He was here on earth.
Some were out of compassion… some for mercy… some because of His unending undying love for humanity… but every miracle performed… was for the glory or revealing of the Father in heaven.
Each miracle He performed was in response to a need and for those whom had no other resource to turn to.
In most every case where He performed a miracle… it was to bring focus to the Father and the kingdom of God.
Unfortunately there are those whom desire a miracle for their own self interests… with little or no regard for worship of the Father… or any thanksgiving or gratitude for His benevolence.
God works through miracles to reveal His glory, confirm His message, and convey His purposes and truths… to those who see Him with eyes of faith.
His greatest miracle is that He gave His one and only Son to become a man… who through His sacrificial death on the cross… overcame the power of death through the resurrection.
Jesus paid the ultimate price… the penalty for our sin, and accomplished for us the miracle of salvation.
And He is more than willing to go above and beyond that as our Advocate… who is seated at the right and of God the Father and who is ever interceding for us (Romans 8:34)
Good day!
(John 2:1) There was a wedding in Cana of Galilee.”
I’ve often wrestled with this topic of miracles and what moves the hand of God to perform them.
The subject of miracles performed by Jesus has caused much conjecture as to why He chose to heal some and others were passed over.
Were the some that were healed, better than others that were not.
Were some more deserving of the touch of Jesus than others?
Let’s examine the story of Jesus turning water into wine.
It was His first miracle, and I believe it has some keys that might help us unlock the door of this subject and reveals how He works in our lives.
1) Invite Jesus.
“There was a wedding in Cana of Galilee…Jesus and His disciples were invited”. (John 2:1)
When the problem arose, this couple didn’t have to send for Jesus because He was already there.
Not only did they know Him, they included Him in their plans.
They honoured Him.
The cry of Paul’s heart was “that I may know Him” (Philippians 3:10).
Why? Because when you know the Lord, you can call on Him with confidence and be assured He will be by your side when you need Him.
This couple probably had a long time to prepare for this event, yet Jesus didn’t criticize them for poor planning.
He came to their aid and met their need.
And He will do the same for you as well but you have to invite Him in.
(2) Do what He tells you even when you do not understand it.
Jesus mother told the servants… “do what He tells you” (John 2:5)
Faith does not require explanations… but it does require simple obedience and trusting in the goodness of God.
(Psalm 37:4-5) “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass”
(3) Understand that God can save the best for last. “You have kept the good wine until now!” (John 2:10)
It’s not too late.
What looks to you like a tragedy can become a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life.
The fact that Jesus first miracle was performed at a wedding is also significant.
By His attendance… Jesus places His stamp of approval on the marriage covenant, and with this miracle, He shows from whence the blessings in a marriage spring.
The love and joy inherent in a wedding ceremony are also characteristic of the ministry of Christ, who came into this world because of love…(John 3:16) “for God so loved the world that He gave”… it and brought joy to all who believe (Luke 2:10).
Also, Jesus may have chosen this family situation to perform this miracle because it is something everyone in every culture can relate to.
An ordinary setting became the showcase for His supernatural power.
Perhaps that is another lesson He wants us to learn from it.
He wants to do something supernatural in the everyday events of our lives as well.
Truly God is no respecter of persons. (Romans 2:11-16)
(Psalm 77:14) says “You are the God who performs miracles you display your power among the peoples”
If you need a miracle today, you need to know this… miracles are not just hit-or-miss.
You can tap into a miracle.
God doesn’t just sometimes decide to do a miracle, and sometimes not to.
No He is always ready to do a miracle in your life.
If you need a miracle in your life… get off the couch… and get involved...
(Matthew 6:33) (seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you”
Invite Jesus into your life… all aspects of your life… and give Him the keys to your will, your interests, your hopes, and your future.
More on this topic tomorrow.
Good day!
(Isaiah 40:3) “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength… they shall mount up with wings as eagles…
In (Psalm 103:5)… God promises to satisfy us with good things so that our youth is renewed… like the eagle.
It is both interesting as well as noteworthy… that eagles are mentioned and used as metaphors to illustrate scriptural truth numerous times in the Bible.
In my research of scripture I have found that the eagle is made mention of some 32 times across 20 different verses in the bible.
Each time it is used as a metaphor to help make or drive home a point concerning Gods strength, concern and care for Israel and the people of God.
After analyzing the 32 verses where the “eagle” is mentioned in the Bible… some clear symbolic themes emerge.
The eagle is portrayed as a swift and powerful bird of prey.
Its ability to swiftly strike from above and guard its young made it an apt metaphor describing in God protecting and disciplining Israel.
These eagle references reveal rich imagery that instills the qualities of strength, nobility, protection, and renewal to this regal bird.
Understanding these characteristics of eagles can help us to understand several biblical truths concerning Gods heart for His people.
Deuteronomy Chapter 32 refers to God as an “eagle fluttering over the young… spreading out His wings and bearing them up on His wings”.
It is a proven fact that the mother eagle will entice her young to follow her out of the nest with
food… the young eaglet will follow after her to the edge of the nest and as it gets more familiar
with “living on the edge of the nest”… it soon finds the instinctiveness to jump and to spread its
wings to learn how to fly.
And the metaphoric truth is… that God wants all of us to follow Him to the edge... to jump and fly
and soar like an eagle above the trials and temptations of this life.
In (Deuteronomy 32:11) the bible uses a metaphor… an illustration where we learn that God is willing to catch us, help us, and carry us until we can indeed… metaphorically fly like an eagle.
In (Exodus 19:4)… God reminds Moses… that “He bore the nation of Israel on eagle’s wings”.
(Psalm (91:4) say “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust…
Both of these scriptures describe Gods everlasting concern for His children… from infancy to adult hood... its quite a picture of God’s great power, care, and concern for Israel of old… and you and I today.
Another such case is found in (Psalm 103:5) where it talks about “our youth being renewed as an eagle”.
How is the youth of an eagle renewed?
As eagles age, their feathers become worn and frayed from years of use.
They eventually lose the ability to fly well and hunt prey and the feathers need to be replaced.
Just like the eagle cannot get his new feathers until he gets rid of his old feathers… we too must put off… cast down… or lay aside the old and put on the new.
We must determine mentally… make the choice… that those old things will no longer be a part of our lives… and then we must replace them with what the Bible declares to be our new nature.
For example in (Ephesians 4:25) Paul says to “put away lying and speak every man truth with his neighbor”.
Lying is part of the old nature... speaking the truth is a characteristic of the new nature.
So we can mentally determine to put away lying… we shed those “old feathers” with all of their carnal sinful attributes.
In their place… we make a conscious mental decision to speak truth putting on the new man...
and practice living out the fruit of the Spirit… which Paul describes in (Galatians 5:22-23) as…“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”
These qualities reflect God’s character… and are the behaviours of those living according to God’s Spirit.
In doing so, we can then walk with God unencumbered by the old.
As we shed the old feathers and put on the new in their place… we are renewed like the eagle
We can walk with Him and not faint.
We can run with Him and not be weary.
We can be renewed and mount upor sore like an eagle.
In (Deuteronomy 32:11) the bible uses a metaphor… an illustration where we learn that God is willing to catch us, help us, and carry us until we can indeed… metaphorically fly like an eagle.
In (Exodus 19:4)… God reminds Moses… that “He bore the nation of Israel on eagle’s wings”.
(Psalm (91:4) say “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust…
Both of these scriptures describe Gods everlasting concern for His children… from infancy to adult hood... its quite a picture of God’s great power, care, and concern for Israel of old… and you and I today.
Another such case is found in (Psalm 103:5) where it talks about “our youth being renewed as an eagle”.
How is the youth of an eagle renewed?
As eagles age, their feathers become worn and frayed from years of use.
They eventually lose the ability to fly well and hunt prey and the feathers need to be replaced.
Its a process as known as molting.
The molting process begins when the eagle plucks out these old feathers.
At first this can look destructive and painful but it sets the stage for new growth.
Over time fresh, vibrant feathers emerge in place of the shabby old ones.
The eagle’s strength and vigor returns as if they have been made young again.
In the same way, difficult seasons and trials in the spiritual life can feel destructive at first.
But they can pave the way for new depths of faith and intimacy with God if and when properly navigated.
The Psalms remind believers that God promises to continually renew their spiritual fervor.
Even in hard times, they can hope for revitalized passion and power like the youthful soaring of the eagle.
The molting process of the eagle is a great picture of spiritual renewal because it illustrates how God often uses difficulty to strip away old assumptions and habits that hinder our growth.
The molting process begins when the eagle plucks out these old feathers.
At first this can look destructive and painful but it sets the stage for new growth.
Over time fresh, vibrant feathers emerge in place of the shabby old ones.
The eagle’s strength and vigor returns as if they have been made young again.
In the same way, difficult seasons and trials in the spiritual life can feel destructive at first.
But they can pave the way for new depths of faith and intimacy with God if and when properly navigated.
The Psalms remind believers that God promises to continually renew their spiritual fervor.
Even in hard times, they can hope for revitalized passion and power like the youthful soaring of the eagle.
The molting process of the eagle is a great picture of spiritual renewal because it illustrates how God often uses difficulty to strip away old assumptions and habits that hinder our growth.
In a sense... to strip away the old feathers.
Out of the ashes of struggle... new life emerges… with greater vibrancy and strength than before.
By anchoring oneself to God’s faithful promises during the molting seasons of life… believers can experience deep renewal and soar to new heights in their walk with Christ.
The book of Isaiah says that… “those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength… they shall mount up with wings as eagles… they shall run and not be weary… and they shall walk and not faint”.
Our “youth”… or specifically… our spiritual walk with God… can be renewed as we shed the old and take on the new.
(Ephesians 4:22-24) tells us to “put off your old selfwhich belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt… be renewed in the spirit of your minds… and put on the new self… created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
There are a number of verses in the New Testament that refer to "putting off and putting on".
We are to put off the old man and put on the new man... (Ephesians 4:22-14)
Out of the ashes of struggle... new life emerges… with greater vibrancy and strength than before.
By anchoring oneself to God’s faithful promises during the molting seasons of life… believers can experience deep renewal and soar to new heights in their walk with Christ.
The book of Isaiah says that… “those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength… they shall mount up with wings as eagles… they shall run and not be weary… and they shall walk and not faint”.
Our “youth”… or specifically… our spiritual walk with God… can be renewed as we shed the old and take on the new.
(Ephesians 4:22-24) tells us to “put off your old selfwhich belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt… be renewed in the spirit of your minds… and put on the new self… created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
There are a number of verses in the New Testament that refer to "putting off and putting on".
We are to put off the old man and put on the new man... (Ephesians 4:22-14)
Just like the eagle cannot get his new feathers until he gets rid of his old feathers… we too must put off… cast down… or lay aside the old and put on the new.
We must determine mentally… make the choice… that those old things will no longer be a part of our lives… and then we must replace them with what the Bible declares to be our new nature.
For example in (Ephesians 4:25) Paul says to “put away lying and speak every man truth with his neighbor”.
Lying is part of the old nature... speaking the truth is a characteristic of the new nature.
So we can mentally determine to put away lying… we shed those “old feathers” with all of their carnal sinful attributes.
In their place… we make a conscious mental decision to speak truth putting on the new man...
and practice living out the fruit of the Spirit… which Paul describes in (Galatians 5:22-23) as…“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”
These qualities reflect God’s character… and are the behaviours of those living according to God’s Spirit.
In doing so, we can then walk with God unencumbered by the old.
As we shed the old feathers and put on the new in their place… we are renewed like the eagle
We can walk with Him and not faint.
We can run with Him and not be weary.
We can be renewed and mount upor sore like an eagle.
We become "more than conquerors in Christ" (Romans 8:37)
Good day!
Good day!
(Psalm 118:24) “This is the day the Lord has made… we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
I recall reading the following somewhere and felt that it is applicable to my thoughts this morning.
“One of the strategies I employ each day is to block out enough time so that I’m not thinking of what I have to do next.
I find it best to wait until I can invest more than a few minutes in being with someone… so that the person/individual is not frustrated with my divided attention and tight schedule.”
There are so many distractions in the lives we are living today.
Distractions that rob us of time with others… time that we may not have tomorrow.
If you keep robbing your loved ones of time, there may come a day when they have no time for you.
Ask yourself, “Is this person worth more to me than the plan, project, problem, or pressure I’m dealing with?”
Learn to enjoy the moment and focus on the person you’re with.
Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to answer with more than a yes or no.
Listen carefully, ask additional questions and offer your opinion less.
This helps people feel you are engaging with them and caring about their replies.
You may be tempted to let your mind wander and let your thoughts flit into the future for a few seconds, but instantly push them back into the present by rejecting those concerns.
As I have said before… people don’t really care about how much you know as much as they want to know how much you care
When it comes to loving others… you need to focus and concentrate, concentrate, concentrate.
There is great pleasure in doing this after you get used to it.
As I am getting older I find that I enjoy listening… more than I do offering my own opinion.
It’s helped me become more sympathetic to the plight of others and thankful for the blessing of God that I have been allowed to experience as I… “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”.
Remember the great Commandment of our Lord… “Love the Lord your God with all you heart… with all your mind… with all your soul… and you neighbour as yourself”.
(James 4:14) tells us that life is a vapour… a mist that is here for a little while and vanishes.
Your loved ones… your friends… live with them in the moment… because you may not have that moment tomorrow.
This is the day… now is the time.
Good Day!
(2nd Corinthians 2:12) “A door was opened to me by the Lord.”
I once read an article sometime ago that said… “People who study entrepreneurs say they excel in something called ‘opportunity alertness.’
They look at the same circumstances as everyone else, but they ‘notice, opportunities that have hitherto been overlooked.’
They are ‘alert, waiting, continually receptive to something that may turn up.’”
Paul was such a person... He says “I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel… and a door was opened to me by the Lord”
He practiced “divine opportunity alertness.”
For Paul, walking through the doors God opened often led to hardship.
But you have to remember it was God that called Paul to this task, and these open doors of hardship were the foundation building blocks for the early church to grow.
However… they also led to great achievement.
Open doors don’t come with a meticulous set of instructions about precisely what you should do and exactly what will occur as a result.
To discover what’s on the other side of the open door, you have to go through it.
Will you experience fear… doubt?
Any time you attempt the untried, the unknown, and undone… you will experience a certain amount of apprehension, trepidation, worry doubt and fear.
That’s when you need to remind yourself that whatever awaits you on the other side of that door… God will be there.
Here are two things you need to keep in mind.
First, sometimes an open door doesn’t signify going to someplace
new… it can mean recognizing a new and previously undetected opportunity in an old place.
Second, open doors never exist solely for the advantage of the people offered them.
They are an opportunity to bless others (Genesis 12:1-3).
In (Genesis chapter 12), we find Abram, later known as Abraham, receiving a divine call from God.
The scene is set in the ancient city of Ur in Mesopotamia, where Abram lived with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot.
One day God speaks to Abram, instructing him to leave his homeland, his relatives, and his father’s household, and to go to a land that God will show him.
This divine call marks the beginning of a significant journey for Abram … and sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s plan for him and his descendants.
Abram, Sarai, and Lot find themselves in a moment of decision and faith as they stand at the crossroads of obedience to God’s call.
The surroundings are likely bustling with the activities of daily life in Ur, but in the midst of it all… Abram hears the voice of God calling him to a new and unknown future…an open door if you will.
The scene is filled with tension, anticipation, and a sense of divine purpose as Abram contemplates leaving behind everything familiar to follow God’s leading.
As Abram responds in faith to God’s call... he sets out on a journey that will ultimately lead him to the land of Canaan where God promises to bless him and make him into a great nation.
This pivotal moment in Abram’s life sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s covenant with him and the fulfillment of God’s promises to bless all the nations of the earth through his descendants.
An open door never exists for your benefit alone.
Imagine the courage it must have taken for Abram to leave his country, his family, and all that was familiar to him, solely based on God’s promise.
It challenges us to reflect on our own faith journey.
Are we willing to step out in faith, even when we cannot see the full picture or know what the future holds?
This story from the life of Abram encourages us to have faith like Abram… to trust in God’s promises… and to be willing to follow His leading.
Even if it means leaving behind what is comfortable and familiar.
It’s a powerful reminder that when we take that leap of faith, God is faithful to fulfill His promises and lead us towards His blessings and purposes for our lives.
Has God opened a door for you?
If He has, don’t hesitate or vacillate… walk through it!
Good day!