Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: jesus

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.

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.

Everyone Needs Jesus

Faith, Salvation

‘Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” ‘
Acts 3:6

Have you ever had someone ask you for money and you didn’t have any cash on-hand to give them? I don’t mean just another beggar asking for money, I’m talking about someone who you really wanted to help but you couldn’t. It’s a bad feeling to know that you can’t help someone who really needs it.

Peter and John faced a similar situation. While walking into the temple to pray, Peter was asked by a lame man if he had any money to give. Peter didn’t give him money, instead he gave him the best thing that he could ever receive and that was… a new life. Peter had faith that the beggar could be healed and he was.

Immediately the man got up and started praising God. The Bible says that all who saw him were amazed at what happened. Peter used this miracle as a preaching opportunity and Acts 4:4 tells us that about five thousand men were saved because of it.

Perhaps the best words that Peter said were, “What I do have I give you.” Peter knew that he possessed what the lame man needed. Not just a healing but salvation. Don’t ever miss an opportunity to share your faith with someone who is in need. God may be sending someone to you today so that you will give them what you have.

Pray

Lord, give me the spiritual power to give people what they need. Help me to notice when someone is in need. Thank You for giving me the best thing that has ever happened in my life.