Daily Devotional for September 13, 2020
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Generally when we encounter difficulties and hard times, we think it is a REsult of the enemy, but over the last few years of my life, as I have grown in Christ and through experiences, God never said this JOurneY would BE easy, but as one of my favorite verses REminds me, He would work everything for my good. On this very day, nine years ago, I experienced one of the most difficult times in my life (at the time). I went into labor with my second child. This was not going to BE a new experience for me, but it would BE the most challenging and scariest experience at that time in my life. Focused on my first experience, I prepared to head to the hospital to go through the same process of being admitted, administered an epidural, and a few hours to prepare to welcome my second child. However, my princess could not wait to make her appearance.
BEfore I could get settled in the birthing room, the contractions BEcame very strong, but as with my first child, this was inevitable. However, the nurse informed me, to my surprise, that I would have to get in an uncomfortable position (on all four) and BEgin to push BEcause my baby girl was making her way out, and her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck! She was coming so fast there was no time for an epidural nor to wait for my doctor. The nurse ran out the door and grabbed the nearest physician from the hallway. With my heart pounding at the thought that something could go wrong with my baby, and my mind wondering if I would BE able to endure this pain, God knew I was built for this exact experience.
At 3pm on the dot, I experienced the most extreme pain and discomfort in my life, to birth the most beautiful baby girl. As Osteen speaks to this morning, “God sometimes will allow us to face difficulties to increase our endurance...and when we make it through we receive a reward...an inner strength, confidence, and a resolve we never had before.” For He knows how much we can bear.
Ecclesiastes 12
In all that we do, may we fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 )
We should never BE ashamed of our experiences, for they are the BEst teachers, and many times, it’s a confirmation for others who have experienced similar situations. As the quote from Faithspring’s devotional highlights this morning from Anna White, “I think this is what we all want to hear: that we are not alone in hitting the bottom, and that it is possible to come out of that place courageous, beautiful, and strong.” We all have had or will have valley experiences; some so difficult that we might BE ashamed to disclose to others. However, as this devotional encourages, we should not BE ashamed to ask for help when we are in need, and on the flip side, we must be a neighbor, a miracle-helper, for others during their time of need. “God will likely use others to help you achieve freedom. And He will most definitely use you to help others achieve their freedom too.” May we REmember, God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), and when we give it shall BE given unto us” (Luke 6:38).
Psalm 23:6
Let us REmain focused on our Father, for our latter will BE greater and our BEst is yet to come, for we haven’t seen nothing YET, for there’s more in store in His plan for our lives. 🙏🏽💚🦋🌈
Set your standards beyond the stars. Shoot for the Son, this Sunday, my friend.
