When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
—King David
Last night I led a married men’s Bible study group in my home. Our focus point was how we as men can conquer fear. One of the brothers connected a Scripture on fear to his brother-in-law who’s battling Stage 4 liver and colon cancer.
The doctors have given him a limited time but, in spite of this, Joel is positive and full of faith, trusting that God will bring him through.
Sometimes as Christians we feel that we should never experience fear. But the truth is, fear strikes at all of us.
The Christian is not immune from fear, but he is greater than fear.
David—this same man that brought down Goliath—didn’t hesitate to admit that fear affected him at times. But, by turning his eyes from the situation to the Lord who had previously given him victory, he was able to find joy and consolation despite the circumstance.
We show the power of our faith by rising above the situation, confident that the God who rescued us from hell is more than able to deliver us from anything life throws our way… including cancer.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
-Jesus Christ
Rest has been a key part of God’s plan. In Genesis, God rested. In Exodus, He told the Jewish people to observe the 7th day as Sabbath (rest). But His plan went still further as He unveiled a spiritual “rest” through the Holy Spirit that was incarnated in Jesus Christ.
Spirit-filled Christians don’t need to fear the terror, political confusion and religious noise that seems to get louder each day. We don’t need to fear the power of sin or worry about whether we’ll go to heaven or not when this life is over.
Our lives are in the hands of a perfect, omnipotent God and, no matter what each day brings, we are at rest, knowing that He is STILL in control.
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
Esther 2:17 NIV
God’s power is revealed in new beginnings.
Because of the sins of her ancestors, Esther was born into a life of exile far away from the land of Israel. But the sinful lifestyles and consequent defeat of previous generations didn’t mean that God was finished with Israel. To the contrary, He was hard at work, sparking a new beginning.
In like manner, you may feel that your life has been marred by tragedy, sin and defeat. But if you can move beyond the past and identify yourself with God’s Word for this hour, you’ll see that His hand at work in you.
Esther was chosen–ripped away from the one man she could call family (Mordecai). But this trauma was necessary for the greater plan of God to be accomplished. Without this harsh reality, the girl would never have become a queen and her destiny would have been obscurity.
God demands a separation from the past in order for His plan to be accomplished in our lives.
This process is sometimes painful and filled with fear.
Imagine it for a moment: as a beautiful young woman, you’re kidnapped and thrust into the very heart of sedition and political intrigue that made up the court of Susa. What emotions were going through her heart?
Esther would lose her carefully guarded virginity. She would never go home again. But there a purpose behind it all.
Many quote Jeremiah 29:11 but fail to grasp the significance underlying this powerful verse of promise. One of God’s main purposes is to reveal Himself through His people (Col. 1:18 AKJV). To do this, we must accept His Will for our lives, no matter how difficult it may be at times. By surrendering to Him, our character is molded to Christ’s own character (2 Peter 1:5-8) and have our character molded to His own character.
And the King is all about character.
When Esther was summoned for that one night which would change everything, she made a startling announcement. Instead of taking advantage of the king’s offer to take anything she wanted from the gilded harem, she would go just as she was.
King Ahasuerus was no stranger to beauty. But, unlike many professing Christian women, Esther’s emphasis was not on how sexy she could look. This king wouldn’t make his choice based on sex appeal. Instead, she wowed him with a transparent character. And by the time morning came, Ahasuerus knew that she was indispensable.
Our King is not impressed by our religious works, the amount we pay into our churches or how beautiful our music can be. A humble, repentant heart that responds to His Word is what He’s seeking in His Bride.
Is that you?
JP Robinson
Eleanor’s faith is pushed to the breaking point when her infant daughter is killed in a German zeppelin attack. Where is God in the midst of her pain? Northshire Heritage Book 1. Start the journey>>
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
The reality of these words really struck me in church yesterday. But with it came a question:
Do I talk about my problems or do I talk to my problems?
Admittedly a modern mindset might see Christ’s words as strange but He was all about teaching us to live as He lived. It’s easy to talk about what we’re going through; it’s harder to talk to them.
One night on a raging sea Christ gave us a supreme example. While the disciples were talking about the storm, He turned and spoke to the storm.
Peace, be still.
When circumstances seem contrary, take God’s Word of promise and echo them from your heart and mouth. Anxiety, fear, depression, even physical challenges bow to His will.
I’ve heard that expression more times than I can count. But the truth of that statement becomes more real with each day that passes.
It’s especially true in our spiritual lives. Starting each day with an expectation that we will see God move in some way, sets the stage for Him to do what He does best.
Everyday, we Christians face challenges that sometimes leave us bewildered or emotionally-drained. As a result, we often lose sight of the potential that each day holds and start our mornings with a negative mindset.
This outlook is underscored by perpetually pessimistic news, tirades on social media and—worst of all—other people whose gloomy outlooks tend to prevent us from seeing the beauty and power that Christ wants to unveil in and through our lives.
I can’t help but wonder how many of us actually expect to see the miraculous each day, in our own lives. When we pray, are we just itemizing a list of wishes or do we actually expect God to answer?
Let’s change that.
Start your morning by vocalizing that you expect to see God’s loving hand.
Whether He parts the Red Sea of your morning commute, provides you with just enough to cover your next bill or simply whispers an inaudible I love you, you will not be disappointed.
Because you get what you expect. And today, you’re expecting a miracle.
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
