Remember

Yesterday I wrote about some of the things that happened last year, circumstances and situations we faced and a little about what is going on in the world.  Some things were very devastating and disappointing causing stress and turmoil, maybe even pain at times.  Today I think I should talk about how the Lord blessed us last year.  Sometimes we can focus so much on the disappointments and discouragements that we forget that God is in control.

It says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV Bible)  Let me also remind you of this verse in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (NIV Bible)  

Now I want you to think about this, did God prosper you last year? Prosperity preachers preach that it is all about money, but if it was, most every believer would be rich and God would have many spoiled children.  When we are faithful in little things then we will be trusted with bigger things.  I think prosperity also has a lot to do with peace, love, joy and contentment in the Holy Ghost, when you have these things you are prosperous, praise the Lord!!

Did the Lord harm you last year or did He comfort and bless you, encourage you and help you through the trials you faced?  Was He faithful in giving you hope or did He leave you totally void of any hope whatsoever?  Before you answer these questions ask yourself about how you may have contributed to any of these outcomes, either positive or negative by the choices you made or someone else made for you.  We seem to have a bent toward blaming someone else for our circumstances and situations when many times we bring devastation on ourselves by our own choices.

Think about the future you have now compared to the one you had before your conversion in Christ, is there any comparison?  What about the heavenly future you have, looking forward to spending all eternity with your heavenly Father, your Savior Jesus and your comforter the Holy Spirit?  That should excite your heart and soul.

I want to remind you of another verse that Jesus said and that is in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  Jesus warned us ahead of time that we would have trials and tribulations but He also said that He would never leave us or forsake us.  If Jesus lives within us in the form of the Holy Spirit and He overcame the world, He will help us to overcome all the things we need to handle as we walk through this life.  Jesus said in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.  I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” (NIV Bible)  

Now let me ask you this question, have you looked for the good that came out of your circumstances and situations, trials and tribulations or have you taken a negative view?  Have you been willing to give the Lord a sacrifice of praise or have you become angry and bitter?  Try to think of things this way, the Lord will never allow anything to take place in your life that will cause you to react that way, He loves you and wants the best for you.  Whatever He allows in your life is for your good, so try to look at things with a positive view and don’t forget the enemy of your soul who comes to kill, steal and destroy.  Rebuke him if you need to and start standing on the promises of God and be encouraged, then start thanking and praising Him.  One more thing, don’t forget to think back in your mind on all the ways the Lord has blessed you last year and be thankful.  I hope this has been an encouragement to you.  God bless you and yours and have a great day!!