SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL SCRIPTURE READING: PSALM 139:1–12 KEY VERSES: PSALM 139:7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? Under what circumstances do you most seem to notice God’s presence? When does your prayer life become more intense? When do you seek after God with every ounce of energy you can muster? For most people, times of intense pressure and trials result in a greater awareness of the power of God. It is during these times—not during life’s greatest successes—that one’s utter dependence on God is at its zenith. How odd that the hardships in life produce greater faithfulness. Would you not expect the opposite result? After all, it seems perfectly natural to praise God in times of joy; however, when your shattered life lies in ruins at your feet, what is there to be thankful for then? During these trials, you quickly realize your own inability to positively impact your situation. The feeling of complete helplessness is a shocking eye-opener; in the face of desperation, the only alternative is to turn the matter over to God, who is more than able to meet the need. It has been noted that those who cry, “A loving God would not allow that to happen,” are the people who have never experienced extreme trials themselves. Those who are familiar with pain through loss, famine, disaster, etc., are the ones who elevate the value of the lessons learned through hardships. If you are facing insurmountable trials and you feel broken in spirit, bring your pieces to the foot of the cross. There you will find the One who can reshape your life into something beautiful. Lord, when the rug is pulled out from under me and I am already on my knees, I find it easier to pray. Thank You for shaping my character during those times. Stanley, C. F. (2006). Pathways to his presence (p. 310). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 12:31:18 +0000
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