Devotionals

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Let the Joy of the Lord be Your Strength!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

As you seek to serve God in your life, expect the unexpected but know (I mean, REALLY know) that nothing is impossible with God. Once you have a firm grip on how big God is, nothing will seem too big for you to handle.

I read a lot. I love to read testimony books and I find that some of these really strengthen my faith. Some believers go through so much for their faith. The book 'Vanya' by Myrna Grant is a great story of a young man, who suffers to the point of death for his faith. But before he dies, he experiences such incredible things, he walks with angels and his faith never falters. If I'm having a day when I feel like I can't do the things that God has placed in my path, I think of Vanya and what he suffered for his faith. Compared to him, my problems almost always disappear! Otherwise, I take a look at current happenings around the world, at how people are suffering right now for their faith– it's good to know and be aware about what's happening in the world around you. Some organisations that are good to subscribe (for free) to are: Voice of the Martyrs (USA), Release International (UK), Open Doors, Eurovision (which is incredible as David Hathaway takes a look at what's happening in Europe at the moment, and gives such insight into the book of Revelation), Barnabas Fund and these are just to mention a few. It's great to see what's going on in the world around you and strengthen your faith.

Know that God is in control and nothing is impossible for Him, no matter what you're going through. If you are going to go on and be used by God, it will not be an easy task. You'll find yourself in the enemy's firing line, you may find that you're not even popular. Many prophets and men and women in the bible had to do a job that rendered them 'unpopular'. However, always remember Philippians 4:5 which says, “ Let your gentleness be know to all me. The Lord is at hand.” So don't fight your battles by yourself. Give them to God. Remain gentle, even if you're doing something that's not popular. Remember we don't battle against flesh but against principalities, powers and the rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).

Finally, why not try praying for joy when you're feeling weak? Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the 'joy of the Lord is your strength,' and when Jesus was on the cross, he endured it due to the 'joy set before him,' (Heb 12:2). So try praying for joy and see the strength that comes with it. For we are told to 'Rejoice in the Lord always!' (Phil 4:4).

God is with you and will speak to you as you seek to do His will in your life. But remain close to Him, knowing that He is a big God with whom there is nothing impossible. You're merely there by His side, being His hands and His feet. As long as you remember that you're walking in His strength and not yours, you'll be amazed at what God does and what lives He reaches through you, as you endeavour to do the will of God in your life.

Prayer:
Thank you God, that You have brought me into this world for such a time as this. I thank You that You have plans for my life in the palm of Your hands. Help me to walk in Your will and never doubt that You are in control and that I can expect big things in You. Stay with me and keep me on Your path. In Jesus name, Amen.

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