Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: God is in control

Suffering For A Purpose

Faith, Trust

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:19‬

We often find ourselves in the midst of suffering. Suffering can surface in various forms such as mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. As we live for Christ, we will suffer for Christ.

So what should our attitude be when we encounter such great suffering?

Peter gives us detailed steps on how we should respond to suffering. First, we are to rejoice. 1 Peter 4:13 says, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” God is in control of all things and allowing your suffering for a reason.

Second, verse 17 says we are to review our lives. “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” Our suffering may be happening because God is cleaning house and He will start with His own first. If the suffering is due to our sin, we need to confess and repent immediately. But always remember Job; he suffered hard and was righteous.

Third, verse 19 says we are to simply rely on Him. “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” When we realize that our suffering is for the cause of Christ, we need to rely on the grace of God. Just rely on God’s promises.

Pray

Lord, give me strength to endure the suffering You have set before me and give me wisdom to understand why. Help me to rely on You for all things.

Christ Who Lives In Me

Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

Christ Who Lives In Me

 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

 

It’s No Longer Me

Being saved through Jesus Christ is not just a way to Heaven, it’s a new life in Christ here on this earth.  Jesus not only gives us eternal life, He gives us new life here and now.  Jesus changes our desires from the inside out.  It begins with our heart and mind and works it’s way through our words and actions.

Jesus set forth the perfect example of how to live a holy life acceptable unto God.  As Christians we strive to live like Christ and to strive for holiness and righteousness.  We cannot do it alone for the flesh is weak.  We must depend on the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.  We must be conforming to His ways and seeking to please Him.

The power in this verse is the fact that being found in Christ we no longer are captive to sin.  Yes, we do and will continue to sin but we are found not guilty when we place our faith in Christ.  We are justified through the blood of Jesus.  Jesus forgives us of our sins.  Paul says we are crucified with Christ.  We no longer satisfy our flesh desires, we aim to please our Lord and Master.  No longer do we live for ourselves.  Everyday should begin with the thought and ambition to please the Lord through everything we do.  What are you going to do today for Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, today I die to myself and live for you.  Use me and make me useful for Your kingdom sake.

Rejoice In The Lord

Encouragement, Trust

Rejoice In The Lord

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3:18‬

 

God Is In Control

Habakkuk was experiencing some very tough economic times. Verse 17 tells us what was happening.  There were no figs on the trees, no grapes on the vines, no oil to cook with, no crops growing and no animals for meat. This simply means there was nothing to eat or drink and the future was not very promising.  People would panic if that were to happen today.

Habakkuk remained positive and faithful as verse 18 shines rays of hope. Habakkuk knew God was the source of everything. He knew that God is the Creator and Sustainer and could make anything happen. He knew God had everything under control. If God wasn’t going to allow the earth to produce then somehow everything would work out in His timing.  That’s why he says, “yet I will rejoice in the Lord and take joy in the God of my salvation.”  Even in the worst case senerio he knew he would be saved, even if he died.

Don’t focus on your circumstances. Focus on praising the One who controls everything. Circumstances can change quickly.  There was not a lot of food, but Jesus fed 5,000 men.  There was no wine at a wedding feast but Jesus saved the best for last.  To rejoice in the Lord when things are not going well means you know that God has something great in the works.  People all around you may be down in the dumps and depressed but you could be the one who brings hope and encouragement as a solution. Your attitude and actions reflect how you trust God.

Prayer

Praise God for what He has provided and you will not dwell on what you are lacking. God will provide what you need. Thank Him in advance.