Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Trust

You Are In Good Hands

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:23-24‬

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel defeated and discouraged? Yes, we all have. Maybe you’re feeling that way right now. Just know that the enemy is the one who is trying to discourage you, not God. As today’s scripture promises, God upholds you with His hand. As the insurance commercial states, You’re in good hands.

David wrote Psalm 37 while he was in a desperate and discouraging time. He was reflecting back on when he was in a similar situation and leaning on the promises of God. David knew God would never forsake him. He had a close relationship with God which gave him confidence. He knew that if he stumbled, God would be there to pick him back up. God is a loving Father who wants the best for His children.

The devil wants to make you feel that you are disqualified and rejected once you make a mistake. Sadly even some Christians criticize one another in the like manner. We must encourage one another and lift each other up. You can find plenty of negative people around you but how many are positive and encouraging?

Don’t ever believe the lies of the devil that you are disqualified when you mess up. In fact, most of our mistakes give us profound wisdom and understanding. We must learn from our failures and get up and make a difference. Some of the best people to receive counsel from are those who have encountered similar failures and made a difference moving forward. You may be the perfect person to give spiritual advice to someone who is suffering today.

Good people fall everyday but God will uphold you. You’re not defeated. You may feel discouraged or battered, but today is a new day. The first step of getting back up is reaching out for help. Reach out to God for what you need and He will not let you down. Keep a positive attitude and wait for God.

Pray

Lord, help me be an encourager to those who are discouraged. You are my Rock and Shield. Give me strength to endure.

A Different Perspective

Faith, Trust

“When the Philistine (Goliath) arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17:48‬

The story of David and Goliath is one of the greatest underdog stories of all time. It has motivated children and adults alike to face their biggest fears and claim victory over life’s toughest challenges.

David’s approach was so courageous that it seemed ridiculous to those who watched in awe. For 40 days the arrogant, loud mouth giant taunted the Israelites. The Israelites were scared to death. But once David heard what Goliath was doing he responded in faith.

David had a different perspective towards the problem. He had a God-perspective. While everyone was saying how big the giant was David was saying how small he was compared to God. Everyone was saying Goliath was too big to hit while David was saying he was too big to miss.

We all face challenges that test our courage and faith. How we respond depends on how we view God. When we respond to challenges with fear we are ultimately telling God He is not big enough or strong enough to take care of us. That’s not the right approach. Instead we need the courage like David had so we can face our fears with faith.

God wants to show us what He can do for us and through us. When we don’t give Him the chance to move in miraculous ways. We tend to down-size His majestic power and minimize His great blessings.

If you want to experience great victories, you’re going to have to place your faith and trust in God for all things and gain a God-size perspective for all your challenges.

Pray

Lord, give me courage to allow You to work in and through me. Show me what You are able to do. Thank You in advance for what You are going to do.

Be Strong And Full Of Faith

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬

Joshua was appointed by God to lead the people of God into the promise land. Stress and leadership pressures were upon him after Moses died. So God spoke a personal message to him to encourage him how to be a successful, spiritual leader.

That same message applicable to us today. God instructs us to be strong and courageous and to meditate on the Word of God. These are key elements to living a successful life under the lordship of Christ.

The devil knows the power that God’s Word has on your life. Satan will do whatever he needs to do to keep you from experiencing the supernatural power of God. He will distract you, keep you occupied on things that don’t matter, and he will make you stress on things that God has already accomplished.

The devil has a sneaky way of interfering with our daily walk with Jesus. It happened in the very beginning with Adam and Eve and it still happens today. But we have the mighty power of God to overcome and conquer the evil schemes of our enemy.

God wants you to be strong and courageous. He wants you to lean towards Him for wisdom and safety. Everything we need is given to us through faith in Him. But it is up to you and I if we rely on Him to see us through.

Would you rather have the resources from God or would you rather rely on your own human logic and strength? God wants you to trust Him and put your full faith into knowing He is all you need.

Pray

Lord, I trust You and place my full faith in You because You know all things. I will encourage myself in Your Words and I will enjoy the life you have given to me.