Daily Devotional for September 28, 2020
“Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” Zechariah 9:12
There was a time in life when I was so discouraged, frustrated, and hurt because things were not going the way I wanted or planned. I now REflect and even laugh many times, because that was a part of His plan. I had to REalize this life us not my own, and to Him I BElong. As the song says, “I give myself away, so You can use me.” I truly had to let go of what I thought I was REsponsible for, and truly let God. I had to truly trust Him, BEcoming comfortable with the uncomfortable, doing what seemed crazy in others’ eyes, and taking bold steps alone into the unknown. Moreover, REalizing closed doors would cause new doors to open that I could never have encountered without walking by faith and trusting in Him.
I know what I want in life, but as Osteen says, “God’s will, not mine, be done, because I believe and declare I will see exceeding, and abundantly, above-and-beyond a future that God has in store.” How do I know? I’ve tasted and seen His goodness, and I know my latter will be greater and the best is yet to come.
Deuteronomy 15
As I spoke to earlier, there was a time in my life where I felt defeated, not appreciated, taken for granted, and I BEcame somewhat hard hearted as a REsult. But I know as angry as I had BEcome, I knew that God expected for me to give freely, even if it wasn’t REciprocated. As Deuteronomy 15 REminds us, “...Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted...rather, be openhanded and freely lend...Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10). I am now, after only an appointed time, REaping the blessings of the seeds sown; even when I didn’t truly have to give. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over...” (Luke 6:38).
Perspective is critical as we work to see the will of God. For His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways...” (Isaiah 55:8). Mark Batterson’s devotional, Flipping the Blessing from Double Blessing allowed me to analyze blessings through a different lens. He REminds us that “Some of God’s greatest blessings are blessings in disguise. The blessing of God is not an immunity card against pain and suffering. Jesus said point blank, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33, NIV). We must REalize that we must go T.H.R.O.U.G.H. (Trials, Hurt, REgrets, Obstacles, Uncertainty, Guilt, Heartbreak) pain and difficulty in life, for our Savior suffered, and we’re not immune. But I am a living witness that those experiences that have brought me the most pain, have REsulted in the most blessings, JOY, peace, love, and happiness in my life. I know when I go through God is preparing me for yet another breakthrough. May we work to change our outlook to see lessons and blessings even in the storm and rain, and heartache and pain.
Psalm 85:2
Before we even asked and petitioned, He forgave, for He goes BEfore us and covers and protects us. If He can BE so forgiving, we must do the same. 🙏🏽💚🦋🌈
Meditate on the memories where God moved in your life, this Monday, my friend.
