Pastor Stephen Dedman

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God Can Turn It Around

Faith

‘But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. ‘
Genesis 50:20

Sometimes we don’t understand why bad things are happening to us. Especially when we are in the will of God and doing exactly what He has called us to do. It’s in these times that we must know that God is up to something great.

Our character and faith are tested during times of difficulties. We are not promised a life of ease just because we are Christians. In fact Jesus said we will be hated by the world because the world hated Him first (John 15:18).

After Jacob’s death, his elder sons feared that Joseph would seek revenge for mistreating him. Indeed, payback would be expected. But Joseph’s attitude was outstanding. Joseph told them, “God intended it for good so that many would be saved.”

When we live by faith, we see that God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Joseph understood that God can take the worst of circumstances and turn them into a blessing.

Have you experienced God’s grace? Are you witnessing God working in your life? Give Him praise!

Pray

Lord, Your ways are higher than mine and Your thoughts are better than mine. Help me to see what You are doing in my life so that I become a hero of faith. Change my heart.

Turn It Over To The Lord

Trust

‘And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”’
Mark 4:37-38

It feels great when you are in control of your circumstances. But what about when God allows things to happen around us that are completely out of our control?

Sometimes (many times) we tend to forget how big God really is. We also tend to forget how much He loves and cares for us.

The disciples found themselves in a helpless situation in the middle of the lake. Little did they know they were about to learn a very important lesson.

They were very familiar with the Sea of Galilee as they sailed many times before. But on this day the unthinkable happened! The disciples were experiencing hurricane force winds that were threatening their lives.

Where was Jesus in all the chaos? Mark tells us that Jesus was in the stern, fast asleep! Have you ever felt like God didn’t care about what was happening in your life?

They woke Jesus up and said, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Worry and fear will control you when you forget how much God cares and loves you. As soon as Jesus calmed the winds and waves, the disciples knew that God was right there in their midst.

When we find ourselves in the middle of difficult situations we need to immediately admit our helplessness to God and trust in His care and love and know that He is right here with us.

What is out of your control that you need to give over to the Lord? Trust God to take care of it.

Pray

Lord, I admit my weakness and helplessness to You right now. I need to experience Your love and care. Remove my fear and worry and give me peace. Let me know that You are with me.

Trust Jesus’ Commands

Faith

‘And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”’
John 2:3

What do you do when you have problems? Our problems are actually good opportunities for God to show us what He can do. They give God the opportunity to work on our behalf and display His glory.

Jesus’ mother knew exactly what to do with the problem. She went straight to Jesus and said, “They have no wine.” It is interesting to note that Mary did not tell Jesus what to do or how to resolve it. In verse 5, Mary simply said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

When we give our problems to the Lord, we trust Him to work on our behalf and we do whatever He commands us to do. We must remain faithful and obedient to the Lord regardless if it makes sense or not. Jesus turned the water into wine because the servants were obedient to Jesus.

Most of the time we want to tell Jesus how to fix our problems. However the most important thing to do when we give our problems to the Lord is be obedient and patient. Do whatever He tells you to do.

The servants obeyed the words of Jesus and had faith that He had a plan. They could have easily came up with excuses and reasons of why not to go fill up the water pots, but they didn’t. In the end, the servants were not only witnesses of the miracle, they were participants in it.

What is the Lord telling you to do? Allow the Lord to turn problems into opportunities. Only the Lord can do such marvelous works.

Pray

Lord, when You speak I will listen and obey. Help me today to do Your will and let me witness a marvelous work.