“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13
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| Trevor Bayne, 2011 Daytona 500 winner |
“We said a prayer, you know we pray a lot, about a lot of things, but this just goes to show how powerful God is.”, said Trevor Bayne after winning the Daytona 500 on Sunday. The Daytona 500 is arguably the largest racing stage in the world, seen by millions around the globe and was Trevor’s first NASCAR Sprint Series race. He turned 20 years old on Saturday, the day before the race, and has become the youngest person to ever win the Daytona 500. He has won smaller races over the last 4 years leading up to this and continually uses winner’s circle as a stage to proclaim the word of God. Once again, an example of God making what seems impossible, possible; just because He can.
We all remember seeing Laura Wilkinson, a diver in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia move from 8th position with 5 dives left to win the Gold medal. Her initial words to the reporters after being declared the winner were Philippians 4:13. A global stage, an impossible task, and a young heart driven by the faith of a mustard seed, God continues to demonstrate in this day and age that nothing is impossible for Him.
God is our strength and our refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). In your current situation can you trust this scripture verse? Consider that the Creator of the world is bound only by His own truth, and therefore is completely sovereign in all things. There is nothing that He cannot bring to fruition when His children are following His purpose. He brought the Israelites out of Egypt against every imaginable obstacle. He delivered the Savior of the world through a young woman with a heart for His purpose. He allowed Abraham and Sarah to conceive in their old age to bring forth Isaac and the lineage of His chosen people.
We put our earthly logic and perspective on situations and deem that they are impossible. Abiding in His grace and love requires that we accept His directions in our life. God is not held to our standards, but vice versa. He can do whatever He wants, however He wants and whenever He wants. If you have been struggling to conceive, it is not impossible for God. If you are weak and continually tempted by drugs, alcohol or sex, it is not impossible for God. If you are face with unbelievable challenges at work or school, it is not impossible for God.
The more difficult question is not whether we will praise Him when we get what we want, but will we praise Him when we don’t. There are times for reasons unknown to us that things do not work out the way we would choose. Even in those times, we must trust that God knows best and hears our cries. I often ask why God doesn’t just do it this way, or that way. I struggle with this at times, because I can see the shortest path to my desire. I have to take a step back and realize that I don’t see everything He sees, and often it is for my benefit that things do not come to fruition. Don’t give up, just because you haven’t seen the results of your prayers, my friend. Just keep breathing and keep believing. It’s in those times that I remind myself, “God is in control. He gave me another day, and I am blessed to be in it. Use what He has given me, and have faith for what He will.”
Prayer:
Loving Father,
We learn from Your word that we are loved and that You hear every word that comes from our lips and every thought on our mind. Before we ask, You know our needs. Help us Lord to be patient and to trust in You. We acknowledge Your sovereignty and omnipotence and rest in knowing that You are in control. We will praise You in our joy, and we will praise You in our sorrow, for You are worthy of all praise. In Your name we pray – Amen
http://www.10minutereader.com
We all remember seeing Laura Wilkinson, a diver in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia move from 8th position with 5 dives left to win the Gold medal. Her initial words to the reporters after being declared the winner were Philippians 4:13. A global stage, an impossible task, and a young heart driven by the faith of a mustard seed, God continues to demonstrate in this day and age that nothing is impossible for Him.
God is our strength and our refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). In your current situation can you trust this scripture verse? Consider that the Creator of the world is bound only by His own truth, and therefore is completely sovereign in all things. There is nothing that He cannot bring to fruition when His children are following His purpose. He brought the Israelites out of Egypt against every imaginable obstacle. He delivered the Savior of the world through a young woman with a heart for His purpose. He allowed Abraham and Sarah to conceive in their old age to bring forth Isaac and the lineage of His chosen people.
We put our earthly logic and perspective on situations and deem that they are impossible. Abiding in His grace and love requires that we accept His directions in our life. God is not held to our standards, but vice versa. He can do whatever He wants, however He wants and whenever He wants. If you have been struggling to conceive, it is not impossible for God. If you are weak and continually tempted by drugs, alcohol or sex, it is not impossible for God. If you are face with unbelievable challenges at work or school, it is not impossible for God.
The more difficult question is not whether we will praise Him when we get what we want, but will we praise Him when we don’t. There are times for reasons unknown to us that things do not work out the way we would choose. Even in those times, we must trust that God knows best and hears our cries. I often ask why God doesn’t just do it this way, or that way. I struggle with this at times, because I can see the shortest path to my desire. I have to take a step back and realize that I don’t see everything He sees, and often it is for my benefit that things do not come to fruition. Don’t give up, just because you haven’t seen the results of your prayers, my friend. Just keep breathing and keep believing. It’s in those times that I remind myself, “God is in control. He gave me another day, and I am blessed to be in it. Use what He has given me, and have faith for what He will.”
Prayer:
Loving Father,
We learn from Your word that we are loved and that You hear every word that comes from our lips and every thought on our mind. Before we ask, You know our needs. Help us Lord to be patient and to trust in You. We acknowledge Your sovereignty and omnipotence and rest in knowing that You are in control. We will praise You in our joy, and we will praise You in our sorrow, for You are worthy of all praise. In Your name we pray – Amen
http://www.10minutereader.com
©Sondove Enterprises, 2011
Great devotional!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebekah, but all praise goes to God for His word is endless.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed.