Be a Contributor to Bless, Influence and Transform Lives

What amazed me about Job is that he put his focus on God. He knew God. He knew that God desires the work of His own Hands (Job 14:15). Not only He knew God, He pleaded with God not to watch over his sins but to cover his iniquity (Job 14:16). How much do we know God? It is crucial that we walk with God and to talk with Him and know Him in our good times so that if anything happens, we can continue this intimate relationship with Him to draw comfort and strength in times of trouble.

Sometimes you have amazing experiences with God. You get to hear His voice; you feel His love and then .... nothing! You can't hear or feel Him when you needed Him most. You turn to Him and He seems to have disappeared. You're left crying: "Where are you, God? I need you."  Do not rely on your feelings. God promises: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5). When things get tough, He says: "When you pass through the waters ... they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned ..." (Isaiah 43:2). If you are feeling like God has deserted you, know for sure 'the Lord whom you seek, will suddenly come.' (Malachi 3:1)

Why is it that at times God appears to be altogether quiet? Even though you are seeking Him wholeheartedly, why does it seem like He's gone completely silent?  Friend, you desire to hear God and that's wonderful. However, there are times when His silence will do more to grow your faith than anything else. That's because you must continue to do as He desires and exercise your trust in Him without any outside encouragement. It is difficult but you can depend on His trustworthy and unchanging character and lean on His truth, love and grace. Take heart - He's still working on your behalf. And when you see how much He has done for you, it will speak volumes to your soul. Meditate Psalm 83.

It's time this morning to praise God. Offer your praises to God for all your blessings, benefits and bounty. Take the opportunity to tell Him how much He does on your behalf means to you. Take what is in your heart and put in on your lips and tell God how great He is in your life. Declare it like Daniel: "Praise the name of God forever and ever ..." (Daniel 2:20). The magic words you learned as a child, THANK YOU, are just as important in your relationship with God as they are with others. When you give thanks to God, you acknowledge what wonderful gifts He has given you. The most significant prayer you will ever pray is just 2 words: "THANK YOU."

Are you feeling insecured? Jeremiah 1:4-12 says: ...."Before I formed you in the womb I knew you ... Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord. Now, does the job you've been called to do seem too big for you? Perhaps, it seems to be if you are on your own but not when you include God! You're not working alone; God is with you. When God called you, He will equip, empower you and give you success. He did not make a mistake when He picked you.  Do not say, "If only I had the education, talent and experience of so and so." If God wanted them, He would have chosen them but He chose you. Just be yourself, trust Him and everything will go well for you.

God gave you your talent but it is your job to develop it. Your gift relates to something that excites you. God made you and He hardwired the desires of your heart. Knowing this will help you to understand why the things you find rewarding involve your innate talents and abilities. When we are doing what we are called to do, enthusiasm and excitement exude from us naturally. If you find it a struggle, then it may not be your nature .... generally life should not be a constant struggle. When you are fulfilling your purpose, one of the most noticeable results is how rewarding it feels to 'stir up the gift of God ... in you' by using your natural talents (2 Timothy 1:6).

Sifting is the shaking of wheat until it separates. It means to be strained to the point until everything falls apart. While you may be sifted, it is amazing who is praying for you. Your intercessor is JESUS who defends you and walks with you daily. Can you imagine the power and insightfulness of Jesus'prayers? It is in the sifting that you experience the sacred because you receive Jesus' very thoughts concerning you. Instead of shaking apart, you become one with Him. Today, remember that Jesus is praying for you. Then your faith will not fail but will remain strong and hopeful in Him. You can make it through anything with Him as your Defender and Friend. Read Luke 22:31-32.