All For Your Good

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT.

No one likes being under pressure. It just does not feel good when you are under pressure, plain and simple! However, sometimes experiencing pressure is good for us. We may not see the good at the moment, but in time we will see it. It will work together for our good.

In the book of Exodus 14, we read where the children of Israel were leaving Egypt, and the Egyptians pursued them. They were afraid they would die and was upset at Moses. And they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” vs. 11-12 NLT They were under pressure!

Moses reassured the children of Israel that God was with them. But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Vs. 13-14 NLT. It’s not easy to stay calm under pressure, but we must trust God!

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground – vs. 15-16 NLT. God said to Moses, why are you crying to me. I have already equipped you for the assignment. Use what I have given you and move forward. The pressure from the Egyptians pursuit was good for them. Get up and get out! There was no turning back! It was one way out and that was forward!

I do not know what pressure you are facing today but know that God is with you! Just do what He says and move forward! It will all work together for your good!

Those Who Know God

“In the gale and the storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet…The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.” - Nahum 1:3, 7 NASB

For those who know God, He will be their stronghold in the middle of the storm.

Where do we turn during the storms of life? Many react with fear or worry. They may believe in God, but they don’t have a personal relationship with Him. They aren’t confident that He is with them. While things go smoothly, they pursue their own pleasures, ignoring His Word and following the ways of the world…until the storms hit.

But people who have a personal relationship with God react differently. When the storms come, they have a firm foundation. They are prepared for adversity, for they’ve built their lives on the Rock of stability, not on shifting sands (Matthew 7:24–27). They know they can turn to God and trust in Him; God is their Protector, Shield, Friend, and Father.

They also know that “the Lord is good.” Instead of running from Him or ignoring Him, they embrace Him. They seek to know Him more intimately and immerse their lives in His Word. They are so confident in their relationship with Him that they realize He is “a stronghold in the day of trouble.” During the storms of life, they run to Him, for “He knows those who take refuge in Him.”

Today, there may be storms in the world or in your own life. Make sure that you are prepared. Deepen your personal relationship with God. Remember that He promises to take care of you if you trust in Him.

Father, I want a deeper relationship with You. Thank You for being my stronghold; my refuge and strength, my very present help in times of trouble. Through every storm, remind me to run to You. In the Name of Yeshua…Amen.

War With The Saints

“Also, it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority was given to him over every tribe, people, language, nation.” - Revelation 13:7 NASB

Some Believers seem surprised when they experience problems…when things don’t seem to work out the way they expected or when they are persecuted for their faith.

We need to remember that the Bible tells us we should expect to go through tribulations in this life. Both James and Peter write about encountering “various trials” (James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6). Paul writes about being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). Revelation describes a time when the “beast” was given permission to make war against the saints, and he was even able to “overcome them” for a time.

Yes, Satan is at war with God’s people. But the Bible reminds us that the devil is already a defeated foe, for Yeshua is the victor! God is sovereign, and He has an eternal plan for our lives. He is our rock, fortress, deliverer, and shield (Psalm 18:1–2). We can depend on Him and trust Him to guide and protect us. Although we will go through short-term problems, we must remember that we are “more than conquerors” through Christ (Romans 8:37 NKJV).

If you go through trials and experience problems, don’t despair or give up, but fill your life with praise to God! Use the authority God has given you over the enemy. Obey His Word and grow stronger in the Holy Spirit. Trust in the Lord. Persevere. Rejoice that Yeshua is the victor!

Heavenly Father, I commit my hard times to You. Thank You for being with me in times of trial. I trust in You. In Yeshua’s Name, Amen.