Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- April 26, 2012
“Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28
God does not let go of His children; in fact there are times that a faith exercise feels like a wrestling match. Life can be good and uneventful, then all of a sudden change ambushes a Christian with a surprise attack. It could be the mental gymnastics of doubting God when a very committed Christian friend seems to be trapped in an unfair circumstance. Or, out of the blue, the deep depression blues can assault the most ardent saints.
Indeed, when we wrestle with the Lord there is a blessed outcome. It is not a contentious engagement but one of comprehending Who is really in control. If we fight against God conducting the course of our life, His loving pressure increases—even to the point of intense pain. If, however, we recognize His loving face during these pressure points, we patiently rest in this close proximity to Christ. He energizes our exhausted, feeble soul.
“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” Jonah 2:1-2
Has the Holy Spirit surprised you with a detour in what you thought was God’s will? Have you asked Jesus what blessing He wants to bestow on you and your family? Your spiritual struggle is not without spiritual significance. Blessings are birthed from friction and a feeling of resistance in your faith. Thus, embrace your confrontation with Christ and others as a prayerful process to build your character. His love will not let go of you!
Stay engaged with the Almighty and experience His relentless favor. His desire for you is a partnership of prayer that produces a fulfilling life. Change is inevitable as you grow in your intimacy with the Lord. Like the secure sensation of a roaring fire in a fireplace, the closer you get to the heat of the Holy Spirit’s heart, the more He will warm you to His ways. When you feel ambushed by God, see it as your “burning bush” blessing of glory!
“So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:3-5
Prayer: Lord, thanks for not letting go of me and for giving me your blessing of glory.
Related Readings: Genesis 32:27-29; Mark 1:13; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Post/Tweet this today: The closer we get to the heat of the Holy Spirit’s heart, the more He will warm us to His ways. #Holy Spirit
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good stuff!
You win if you don’t give up.
I took a class through work recently & the I structor encouraged us to “lean into conflict” instead of running from it b/c it makes us stronger. I love that advice! It’s true in every aspect of life. We should not stir up or encourage conflict, but when it is there we should lean into it & seek to be peace-bringers.
I wish I could believe this with my whole being…but I struggle as did Job with God ambushing me and right now not seeing a way out! I am tired of trying and giving my all (effort) and getting doors slammed in my face! Where is the hope in that! The world is so bleeepin messed up heaven looks like a much better option…pray for me, aka loosin it!
I feel you Pamela! If it weren’t for my beautiful kids I know I’d have given up long ago. I guess I needed to hear today that what feels like wrestling with God is a faith exercize. I started the day joking w my husband over leaving crumbs in the cereal box and he exploded in front of our young child and continued to tell me what a lousy house wife I am. Everything I do is for this family! He has brain cancer. I try to chalk it up to that but he’s only this way with me. He’s fine with friends and at his job. Besides, it’s not that much different than before. I’m trying to help and be supportive and do all I can do. I’ve abandoned my hopes and dreams to do so and am only met w critisizm. I just don’t know how much longer I can take this. these sorts of “faith exersices” make me angry and sad and confused about my faith. I know the Bible says Jesus has been through all we are and ever will go through. But He’s God! I’m not. I’m weak, lonely, and tired.
Hurting friend our heart goes out to you and we would like to mail you some free resources for spiritual support. Please email your mailing address to rita@wisdomhunters.com.
We will pray for a community to come around you for prayer and encouragement.
Love in Christ,
Boyd and Rita Bailey
Praise God, Praise God, We will Win if We just Trust God Just let Go of the ways of lies that satan has shown us so many years ,and come to know “Our Father in Heaven” loves us so Much ,I’m learning through his Son Jesus Christ And His Holy Spirit teaching and Guidance and “WANTING” to be obedient to his wisdom and knowledge and his Instruction he left us in the Bible on how he created us and that we are created from his “IMAGE” , we have got to learn to to learn to “TRUST GOD” our Family in Heaven will not lie to us . I to was Ambushed by Circumstances a week-ago Friday I Never saw it Coming, But I know God did , My Trust Is in God and it always will be I know everything is going to work out ,because God Is for us . He’s our Provider,Protector, Healer , He’s our everything that’s Good . we have “GOT ” to start walking by Faith and Not By Sight. We are God Children Not satans. God Bless Us All / Annisteen Jones/ Godschild I Know that’s who I’am Godschild
Thank you Mr and Mrs. Bailey for Humbling and Answering Gods Calling in and On your Lives , your daily Readings Is Part of My daily studying and walk in Gods Journey in my new life with Christ Jesus , I received Jesus Christ as My Lord and Savior in Feb,22,2006, and every since then I know it was the best decision that i have made in my whole 55 yrs. of life, God dose changes Circumstances and his people “But” each one of us has to want to change and get to know him ,as I said before thank you both so very much for all you do for Gods Kingdom. May Gods Heaven Keep Smiling Upon You and Your descendants . In Jesus Holy Name . Godschild
thank you for this I did think He has let me go the last 2 years was controled by people fear and worry and did the most riduculous things and lost evertthing. regrets unbearable didnt know He was trying to get my intention with pain.Thank you again and God bless