How many times have you said “if I only had…” usually followed by a thing you lack. The enemy likes for us to focus on what we don’t have. If he can keep us focused on our lack, we are then distracted from thinking on what we do have. As a minister of the Gospel, I face this challenge some. If only I had more volunteers in the church, if I only had a higher voice, if only I could read music. I think you get the point. I’m reminded of a little shepherd boy named David. They tried putting armor on him but David shook it off. He wasn’t worried about what he didn’t have, but instead he focused on who he had. “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45Be encouraged today even if you feel inadequate or in lack, with God on your side you have all you need. Remember God doesn’t always call the equipped, but he always equips the called.
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for
ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
2. When things get worse
Have you ever made up your mind to go on a diet? You have finally decided it’s time to cut those calories, watch your sugar intake and hit the gym. So you sit down to watch tv and wouldn’t you know your favorite fast food sandwich pops up on the screen and guess what they are half price!!!! Better yet your friend calls and invites you over for a grill out (hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad baked beans and strawberry shortcake, your favorite dessert). The pressure is on and the heat has been turned up and your about to melt.
In life it can be similar sometimes. Maybe you decide it’s time to get more dedicated in church attendance and then boom they finally offer overtime on Sunday’s. You decide to be faithful in tithing and then your rent goes up and so does gasoline. See what I mean? The enemy likes to turn up the heat sometimes. Look at the three Hebrew boys. They take a stand for God and the fire gets turned up seven times hotter. But the good news is they met Jesus in the fire and their enemy saw it.
The Bible tells us in Psalms 30:5 “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” So be encouraged even if times seem hard right now, morning is coming and the best is yet to come for the child of God.
