Daily Devotional for March 19, 2021

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!” Genesis 30:1 NKJV

We are all fearfully and wonderfully made, yet there are still things we struggle with about ourselves. Some of us long for love, some of us weight loss, others for healing, and so much more. Yet some times we get so focused on the one, two, or even three things, that we let our frustration overshadow our faith. This morning Osteen highlights Rachel, one of the wives of Jacob. She was considered most beautiful, but she could not have a baby. Osteen says, “The point is, everybody is dealing with a secret frustration...but our attitude must become God, if it never changes, if I never have children, I’m still going to be happy.” God has blessed each of us uniquely, even if we don’t have all that we desire. Let us not focus on what frustrates us and forfeit favor REceived through friendships, fellowship, financial fortitude, and more.

Hosea 11

Let us focus on doing good deeds for ourselves and for others, for the Lord will repay according to our deeds (Hosea‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NRSV‬‬).

REflection from Conversations in a Cave

Over the last few days I have found myself having conversations with people, explaining my isolation. As I BEgan a new plan by T. D. Jakes, “Conversations in a Cave”, today’s devotional is right in alignment with the discussions I have had. Jakes explains, “Like Elijah, a lot of you run beyond human capability because God has anointed you to get things done. That is why when you find yourself in a situation it is troubling. You are used to running at a bionic pace, but now you are shut up in a cave and you don’t know what to do.” Sometimes we have to go into isolation and REst to REmember We can’t do all things, but we can do all things through Christ.

Jakes goes further to say, “Could it be that we were so busy doing God’s work that we did not have time to talk to God about the work? Could it be that we were so busy doing the work of the Lord that we have lost our relationship with the Lord of the work? Maybe God is shifting your life in another direction and you needed time to recalibrate...being in solitude eliminates intrusions and allows God to minister to us.” Whether as a REsult of the pandemic or if you isolate on your own, BEing alone and not communicating with others is necessary in this life. Steal away with the Savior sometimes to sit in His safety and hear and see His signs for your life.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to others even when you’re going T.H.R.O.U.G.H. (Trials, Hurt, Regrets, Obstacles, Uncertainty, Guilt, Heartbreak), for others might BE going through as much as you.🙏🏽💚🦋🌈

Fight the frustrations and focus on favor this Friday, my friend.