Post by forgiven on Apr 4, 2005 3:03:29 GMT -5
In Touch Early Light Devotional
Monday April 4, 2005
God's Presence in Hard Times
Genesis 37:12-36
We are hurting, circumstances are outside our
control, and we see no relief for the future. What
can we be sure of?
God is with us in our troubles. God's presence
through His Spirit comforts us because He knows us
intimately. He gives us what we need-His love and
strength, a sense of security, and the knowledge
that we are not alone. Our Lord understands what
it is like to suffer, to be rejected, or to lose
a loved one. He comprehends the temptations and
obstacles we face. He has assigned Himself the
task of carrying His children's burdens (Psalm
68:19) and offers peace for our hurting hearts. The
God who walks with us is not limited by anything,
so we need not be afraid. (Matthew 19:26)
God has a purpose for allowing hard times. The
story of Joseph clearly illustrates this truth.
Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, but God
planned that these years would prepare him to become
Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph could not see
God's purpose-and neither will we most of the
time-but he knew God's character and trusted Him
through his many trials. His faith was rewarded when he
was able to rescue his family. (Genesis 45:1-8)
We are called to live a life of faith. That means
believing God's promises even if our
circumstances confound us. When troubles surround you,
remember what is true. God will never leave you nor
forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) and His good purposes
will be carried out. (Philippians 2:13)
In Touch with Charles Stanley
Monday April 4, 2005
God's Presence in Hard Times
Genesis 37:12-36
We are hurting, circumstances are outside our
control, and we see no relief for the future. What
can we be sure of?
God is with us in our troubles. God's presence
through His Spirit comforts us because He knows us
intimately. He gives us what we need-His love and
strength, a sense of security, and the knowledge
that we are not alone. Our Lord understands what
it is like to suffer, to be rejected, or to lose
a loved one. He comprehends the temptations and
obstacles we face. He has assigned Himself the
task of carrying His children's burdens (Psalm
68:19) and offers peace for our hurting hearts. The
God who walks with us is not limited by anything,
so we need not be afraid. (Matthew 19:26)
God has a purpose for allowing hard times. The
story of Joseph clearly illustrates this truth.
Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, but God
planned that these years would prepare him to become
Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph could not see
God's purpose-and neither will we most of the
time-but he knew God's character and trusted Him
through his many trials. His faith was rewarded when he
was able to rescue his family. (Genesis 45:1-8)
We are called to live a life of faith. That means
believing God's promises even if our
circumstances confound us. When troubles surround you,
remember what is true. God will never leave you nor
forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) and His good purposes
will be carried out. (Philippians 2:13)
In Touch with Charles Stanley
