"But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace." Acts 20:24 (NRSV)
The task given to Paul certainly was no walk in the park. He was persecuted and faced many challenges. He was an unlikely candidate to have such an effective evangelistic ministry. In spite of his past history and prior persecution of believers God chose Him as a forerunner in the faith. First, God uses whom he chooses. We can never discount anyone. For none of us are worthy. He calls us in spite of all our flaws. Secondly, just as God gave Paul assurance for the assignment and calling on his life, the same provision is for those whom He calls today. When God gives us an assignment He foreknew all the difficulties we would encounter. Often we are sent to places where we face great opposition. Nevertheless, if God has sent you, He will certainly give provision and protection for the journey. Paul was faithful to his assignment because of his absolute love for Christ and his divine encounter with Him. He fulfilled the tasks assigned to him with joy and a reverent heart, regardless of the obstacles. He stood on the promises of God that He would be with him and that He had prepared the way. We too, can stand on the promises of God. Wherever God charts your course, trust Him to clear the path for victory. Say yes to the journey and let Him get the glory. ADaubon
After the death of Moses, Joshua becomes his successor. God encourages him in his assignment. We have to believe God has prepared us for where He sends us. When He calls you to do something, He placed everything in you to accomplish the mission. As you completely rely and depend on Him to complete the task given to you, He will be your source of guidance, strength and protection. It does not matter what obstacles that come your way, God chose you, so go forth with boldness. If you stop and think too long on the magnitude or weight of the undertaking or responsibility you can allow fear and trepidation to plant seeds of doubt. After seeds of doubt have taken root, it can become a form of discouragement and a hindrance to you moving forward. Don’t let fear stop you from walking in your calling. When you have assurance that God is always with you, you will go wherever He sends you. Be confident in what God will do in and through you. God is with you and will never leave you. Know that God has a calling for each of us. He is the one using us as instruments and vessels to fulfill His will, plan and purpose. Be encouraged and keep pressing forward. A.Daubon
During the most challenging time in Job’s life he was greatly disappointed in those whom he considered to be his closest friends. When he looked for compassion, encouragement and comfort he was met with everything but. Job stood up to them and let them know how they had failed at being true friends. Often in life we will be let down by individuals whom we expect to be there for us. There can be many reasons why people miss the mark when we need them most. Maybe, they are going through things of their own or because of their lack of understanding as to what God is doing in your life they are unable to effectively be a supportive friend. Sometimes God removes individuals from our life on purpose, so we can learn to rely on Him instead of our closest allies. When God reveals the character of those around you, believe it. Hold no grudges because we all miss the mark sometimes in life. Don’t become bitter, for that is not the will of God. Forgive and keep living. Most importantly be kind and don’t ever stop allowing God to love others through you. Be the type of friend that you desire. A.Daubon
God you are all knowing. Apart from you we lack guidance from a reliable source. We look to you for comprehension and direction. Give us the ability to have good judgement and not respond based on our emotions. Teach us not to be reactive, but willing to lean on you for wisdom and counsel. We seek your will for all the decisions we have to make in life. We submit our actions and thoughts to you. Keep us alert and aware, so we are not easily led astray. Give us a spirit of discernment so we can see far beyond what the natural eye can detect. Help us to truly know and comprehend your plans and desires for us. We pray for clarity and Godly insight. As you continue to give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding help us to be good stewards over that which you have deposited in us. A.Daubon
Always trust, hope and have confidence in the Lord. When you truly trust Him you stand on His promises, even when everything around you does not seem to be in your favor. Believe and don’t doubt. You can rely on God to be faithful and work everything out for your good. Allow Him to be your hope. He will exceed your greatest expectations. Wait on the Lord and count on Him to strengthen, restore and heal you. Be confident that you serve a God that cannot fail. Stand firm in your belief in Him. He is able to conquer your greatest challenges, no matter how enormous they may seem. He is all powerful. Remember you are loved by the Almighty. Do not worry, you can depend on God’s providential care. Place all your hope in Him and be blessed.
Lord when I face situations in life that are fearful, help me to put all my trust in you. When I encounter uncertainty and insecurities begins to rise, I look to you to see me through. There is nothing that will ever come into my life that I cannot handle with your power. Your protection is with me every minute and every hour. You will keep me secure as I surrender my cares to you every day. Your deliverance will come without delay. No circumstance will overtake me, for that is not your will. When trouble comes my way, all I need to do is have faith in you and keep still. You are my protector, the one who will cover me until the end. Troubles and attacks may come but you have promised to defend. You bring victory every time, so I have no reason to fret. You have been my Savior and you’ve never failed me yet. I walk in confidence, not fear, because I know the God that I serve. There is absolutely no match for you, all the praise and honor you deserve. A.Daubon
“Leteverythingthathasbreath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.” Psalm 150:6 It is easy to praise God when everything is going well and when the blessings are flowing. But can you continue to give Him praise on the bad days as well as the good days? What about when you are faced with disappointments, receive an unfavorable doctor’s report or you are dealing with pain in your heart? We don’t just praise God for what He does, but for who He is. Just as God’s love for us is unconditional, our love and appreciation for Him should be unconditional as well. He has declared He is with us in every season of our life. Will you commit to remaining in Him in every season of your life? If He doesn’t walk away from you when the road gets rough, why should we ever contemplate turning our back on Him when we don’t get the answers we want or the things we desire? In times of crises does it draw you closer to Him or lead you further away? The reality is He is worthy of our praise without stipulations or conditions. Let your praise, adoration and love for Him be as constant and steady as His love for you. No matter what you are going through, praise Him anyway. Be restored and find relief in the midst of your praise. As long as He continues to breathe the breath of life into you, praise the Lord. And when we’ve gone onto glory continue the praise party. A.Daubon
You are very special in the eyes of God. He is there whenever you need Him. Call on Him day or night, He is faithful to answer. His grace is overflowing. His forgiveness is true and authentic. It keeps no record of wrong. His love is uplifting, constant, endless and inexhaustible. His love heals all our wounds and mends our broken places. It gives us hope and restores our joy. Find delight in knowing you are cared for with immeasurable love. You can’t outrun it, nor can you escape it. It surrounds you, like the air that you breathe. Find your rest in the abundant flow of His love.
When you doubt your abilities say, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. If you are feeling as though you don’t measure up or are disappointed because you are not where you think you should be in life, know that God is not through with you yet. Your future is brighter than what you can imagine. He will far exceed your expectations. Your family history, past mistakes or snares of the enemy cannot stop God’s plans for you. There is greatness within you and your future is bright. There is a mighty power working on the inside of you and on your behalf. Don’t allow anyone to speak limitations over you and don’t limit yourself with negativity or thoughts of inferiority. God can do the unimaginable in your life. He specializes in doing extraordinary things in and through ordinary people. Don’t let anyone other than God define your destiny. Keep pressing forward.