Today’s Reading:
Esther 4:17;Psalm 138:1-8;
Matthew 7:7-12
IN THE FACE OF FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN who will you run to for protection? When people ask you, who is backing you up, they want to ascertain that you have the requisite spiritual potency to resist evil and unwanted influences on your life. So, I will ask again: Who is your back up?
QUEEN ESTHER, in all her glory, never forgot her spiritual roots and upbringing. She addressed God as “My Lord, our King, the only One of Israel”. God was her back up and no one else. As she said, “I am alone and have no one but you, Lord”. The sincerity with which we approach our relationship with God is what will save us even in the face of danger to life and wellbeing. Wealth, fame or your relationship with a man or woman cannot back you up. They will fail when push comes to shove. God is the only one you should serve and no one else.
GOD ALONE IS GOOD. Jesus encourages us to trust Him as our loving Father who gives good things to His children. He encourages us to A.S.K (Ask, Seek and Knock). He qualifies God’s response to us with the adverb “ALWAYS”:
“For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him.” (Matthew 7:8)
IS THIS ALWAYS THE CASE or is Jesus being untruthful? We are often impatient with God or desirous of having things done our way and according to our timing. This is why we overreact when God seems to be taking His time. Adversity reveals your true identity. Who or what do you become when God has not granted your request? Who do you become after God has answered your prayers?
YOU ARE NOT WISER THAN GOD. Our impatience often gets us into trouble and sometimes the only reason we still worship God is because we have not received the favour we desire. Whether you are asking God for a spouse or praying for the gift of children in your marriage, God is in control and He will act at the right moment when all the conditions necessary for your wellbeing have been fulfilled. If you are looking for God’s blessings in your job or career, your blessings will come if you are steadfast, consistent and diligent in your service. Seek God’s approval and not the approval of men and women.
ASK GOD TO PURIFY YOUR HEART AND INTENTIONS. God is BIGGER than His gifts. Ask God's blessings for the right reasons. Not because others are putting pressure on you, and not because you are not getting any younger. God’s blessings give joy and add no sorrow. They are given to draw you closer to God and to your salvation.
YOU WILL NOT BE HAPPY IF you allow your love for God’s gifts pull you away from Him. Stay close to Him, obey Him and trust in His timing. And He will continue to back you up with His protection and provision through Christ our Lord, Amen.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty, the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he has girded Himself; the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generation.
Create a pure heart for me, O God, and give me the joy of your help, in Jesus name.
I thank you for your faithfulness and love, in Jesus name.
Keep me faithful to you and may nothing ever separate me from your love, in Jesus name.
Revisit Christian homes with Your love, Your mercies, and Your compassion, in Jesus name.
Lord visit all hurting families of the world, especially in our nation Nigeria; save, deliver, heal and transform lives, in Jesus name.
Father let Your Kingdom come; let Your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven, in Jesus name.
Lord, use the situations in the world to populate your Kingdom, in Jesus name. Amen.
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