5 This is what the LORD says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the LORD. 6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives. 7 "But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit. (Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation - NLT)
Trust in God? So you are one of those people who have no faith in their fellow men, some might scoff. Of course, our trust in God does mean that we have surrendered all into His hands. But it does not in any way suggest that we have given up on life. We understand that the LORD created us and place us on this planet for a purpose His purpose: one that brings honour to Him and victory / benefit to our fellow men. To be able to fulfil that purpose to the fullest extent, it is imperative that we invest our trust in Him in all that we do.
Needless to say, we ought to put our trust in the Most High God, and rely on Him at all times. He is the ruler of the whole universe and the controller of the affairs of men. He works in different ways, and some of His ways are beyond our comprehension.
8 "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8 NLT)
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:11-14 New King James Version - NKJV)
Talking about intrigue.
As mentioned earlier, He works in different ways, and some of His ways are beyond our intellectual capacity. On some occasions, He may send angels who may or may not put on human appearance. More often than not, God works through human agents. That's right; human beings like you and I. But does the mere fact that the LORD God will typically employ human instrument(s) to reach out to you - to bring forth His glory, power, miracle or anointing - justify investing your trust in man than you would God? There about 6 billion humans on the face of the earth. And He is more than able to use any one of them regardless of their racial, ethnic, academic, socio-economic background; or their disposition towards Him to reach out to you. Indubitably, when God created human beings, He commanded us to "fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over" His creations. This conferred some semblance of kinghood on mankind. Notwithstanding, the Most High God is still very much in control of the affairs of men. After all "the king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he turns it wherever he pleases" (Proverbs 21:1 NLT). He can touch the heart of any human being anywhere, anytime, any day and use them to accomplish wonderful things in your life. There is nothing in creation that is not within his reach and direction. Take for instance the case of Elijah and God's ability to provide through very unlikely sources.
1 Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, "As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, livesthe God whom I worship and servethere will be no dew or rain during the next few years unless I give the word!" 2 Then the LORD said to Elijah, 3 "Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook at a place east of where it enters the Jordan River. 4 Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food." 5 So Elijah did as the LORD had told him and camped beside Kerith Brook. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land. 8 Then the LORD said to Elijah, 9 "Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. There is a widow there who will feed you. I have given her my instructions." 10 So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, .............. 14 For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There will always be plenty of flour and oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!" 15 So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her son continued to eat from her supply of flour and oil for many days. 16 For no matter how much they used, there was always enough left in the containers, just as the LORD had promised through Elijah. (1 King 17:1-10,14-16 NLT)
See!
"So do not start worrying: 'Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?" 32 (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need these things. 33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other things. 34 So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings." (Matthew 6:31-34 Good News Bible - GNB)
God seem to be saying: Chase me the way others chase these things. And the things which others chase that made them turn their back on Me will chase you. God is not an irresponsible Father. He knows our needs even before we think about it. In the Garden of Eden, God created all things ready even before man was created. All the animals and vegetables needed for human consumption and sustenance were there before man was made. Nature was created to contain the things humanity need for its survival before Adam was created. Adam did not need to ask God for all these things. He met them there in the garden. God envisaged and knew the needs of man even before he was created. And He made provisions for him before he moulded him.
As mentioned earlier, 'He can touch the heart of any human being anywhere, anytime, any day and use them to accomplish wonderful things in your life. There is nothing in creation that is not within his reach and direction.' Take for instance the case of Naomi and Ruth.
1 In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a man from Bethlehem in Judah left the country because of a severe famine. He took his wife and two sons and went to live in the country of Moab. 2 The man's name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. ............ During their stay in Moab, 3 Elimelech died and Naomi was left with her two sons. 4 The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her husband or sons. ........... 15 "See," Naomi said to her, "your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same." 16 But Ruth replied, "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. I will go wherever you go and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. ............. 22 So Naomi returned from Moab, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. .......... (Ruth 1:1-5,15-16,22 NLT)
11 "Yes, I know," Boaz replied. "But I also know about the love and kindness you have shown your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. (Ruth 2:11 NLT)
14 And the women of the town said to Naomi, "Praise the LORD who has given you a family redeemer today! May he be famous in Israel. 15 May this child restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you so much and who has been better to you than seven sons!" (Ruth 4:14-15 NLT)
God knows man's needs even without requesting for it. Adam did not have to ask God for a spouse. Even before he realised the need for one, "the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make him a suitable companion to help him." (Genesis 2:18 GNB) Good remark. Who want to disagree with the Lord on that one? It didn't even register on Adam yet how much he needed a wife before the Lord provided him with one. He didn't even spend some time dating her before he landed "a suitable companion." He didn't spend a dime on her either. The Lord spared him the hassle of planning a wedding as well as the hustle and bustle of wedding day procession. And yet, he landed a "companion suitable for him." Some guys have all the luck.
20 He gave names to all the livestock, birds, and wild animals. But still there was no companion suitable for him. 21 So the LORD God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. He took one of Adam's ribs and closed up the place from which he had taken it. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib and brought her to Adam. 23 "At last!" Adam exclaimed. "She is part of my own flesh and bone! She will be called 'woman,' because she was taken out of a man." (Genesis 2:20-23 NLT)
"Your Father in heaven knows that you need these things" whether you ask for them or not. Whether or not you ask Him not to allow diseases to afflict you; whether or not you ask Him to heal you, He already knows and declares Himself as "the LORD who heals you."
"If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and laws, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you (Exodus 15:26 NLT)."
All you need do is walk in the path of obedience and do that which He requires (Deuteronomy 28:1-68; 7:12-24; Leviticus 26:3-46).
Endeavouring to do as He pleases or requires is very important. It is quite rewarding and yields less frustration.
Some have argued that there is no need to invest one's trust in God; after all, if and when something you've probably been expecting eventually happens to you, a human being will be instrumental to the occurrence. After all 'oh what the heck, when was the last time God took the next available flight from heaven down to earth to deliver a package of goodies? Why waste my time looking up to a God who is capable of picking any of the 6 billion homo sapiens to make things happen for me, when I can proof to be the master of my own destiny, and make my own luck happen by relying exclusively on my ability to manoeuvre and hit the 'right connection''? Might as well focus exclusively and 'directly' on the arms of flesh, one might conclude. Well, you could go that route. But what do you think may happen if the LORD allows wondrous deeds to be wrought through the arm of flesh you so much rely upon? What do you think may happen if the LORD grants you your desires through the 'right connections' you are so fixated on? Your guess is as good as mine: Sooner or later, your level of trust in God will begin to diminish. That is not advisable. As a child of God, this is not quite healthy for you. Besides, it does not accord the appropriate level of honour to Most High God. Sooner or later, the delusion of invincibility sets in. Watch it, you are reaching for the self-destruct button!
1 Destruction is certain for those who look to Egypt for help, trusting their cavalry and chariots instead of looking to the LORD, the Holy One of Israel........... 3 For these Egyptians are mere humans, not God! Their horses are puny flesh, not mighty spirits! When the LORD clenches his fist against them, they will stumble and fall among those they are trying to help. They will all fall down and die together (Isaiah 31:1,3 NLT)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil, 8 it will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8 NKJV)
As odd as it may seem, there is a correlation between the level of trust you have in God and the level of humility He sees in you. Call it blind trust, believe me my friend, it is advisable to "humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you." (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT)
Why do we invest our trust in God again?
"Casting your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV)
"........... Put your trust in the LORD your God, and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed" (2 Chronicles 20:20 Good News Translation - GNT)
Trust in the Lord God Almighty. Hope in Him for
"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV)
.............. "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26 NKJV).
God is the source of everything. Avoid limiting yourself to the arms of flesh. Avoiding limiting yourself to human circumstances lest human circumstances limit you in life. Remember the story of Joseph. He had a dream about the Lord's wondrous plans for his future. The youth got excited about it and spoke to members of his family about it. As it turned out to be, some family members did not receive the dreams and their connotations very well. Joseph must have assumed that the ability to fully comprehend the things of God has to do with the number of years an individual have spent on the face of the earth. How wrong he was! The dreams and their nuance brought about indignation from his brothers, and rebuke from his dad (Genesis 37:1-11). Joseph and God may have been of the same mind but some folks did not see it the same way. In fact, his brothers found the dreams' overtone very demeaning and insulting.
6 ......... I am young in years, and you are very old; therefore I was afraid, and dared not declare my opinion to you. 7 I said, 'Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom." 8 But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice (Job 32:6-9 NKJV)
Some Bible scholars have contented that Joseph probably should have exercised some discretion on whether he should have discussed the dream with some of the people who got to hear about it. It might have been advisable to leave the revelation between him and the Lord, and allow God's plan to unfold as time goes on. On the other hand, let's not forget that Joseph's supposed 'indiscretion' sparked off the chain of events that culminated in the fulfilment of the inevitable plan of God for his life. Highlights of the events in the life of Joseph can be found under the topic OF THE REJECTED STONE AND THE CHEIF CORNERSTONE:
That's right, the eleventh son of Jacob whose story is chronicled in Genesis chapters 37,39 to 40. The one who was maliciously captured by his ten older brothers because of what some might have misconstrued as the youngster's garrulous tendencies. While operating under the misconception that the wonderful plan of God for his future could be crushed under the burden of hardship, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. After all, who wants blood on the hands when money can go into the wallets? Needless to say, elimination by death would have brought blood on their hands. On the other hand, getting rid of him via slave trade brought money into their pockets. The wandering Ishmaelite traders took him down to Egypt where he had the fortune of being sold to Potiphar who happened to be the captain of the guard in the palace of Pharaoh. Not even his brothers could have seen that coming. If they had - with their selfish attitude - they probably would have preferred to sell themselves to the traders instead of their brother. While in the household of Potiphar, the hand of God that was mighty upon him spoke loud and clear for itself. The royal officer trusted him so much that "he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority" (39:4). Just as good fortune appeared to be smiling on Joseph in the household of the palace official, he got on the wrong side of Potiphar's wife. His 'audacity' to have refused to "do this great wickedness, and sin against God" (39:9) and against his master was not without a price. It cost him his freedom as well as his job and the perk that came with it. His incarceration did not diminish the mercy of the LORD on him. He was soon at the helm of affairs. Compared to the conditions that exist in a maximum-security prison, Joseph's confinement seemed more like a house arrest. Due to circumstances that tended more towards divine appointment than mere chance, he came across two royal officials (the butler and the baker) in prison custody. Through the butler, one thing led to the other that culminated in Joseph being brought before the king. This marked the turning point in his life. His God-given ability to interpret dreams as well as his God-honouring talent in offering seemingly simple yet insightful ideas on issues landed him a soft spot with the monarch. The LORD who "gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison" (39:21) also gave him favour in the eyes of the king of Egypt who was delighted to bestow on him vast power and authority; only the Pharaoh's status was greater than Joseph's. Only "the LORD who was with him" and "made all he did to prosper" (39:3) could have scripted Joseph's life, itinerary and encounters perfectly. Left to his brothers and Potiphar's wife, Joseph would have perished and the memories of him long forgotten.
Did the scripture not state that
22 The Sovereign LORD says to the people: "I will signal to the nations, and they will bring your children home. 23 Kings will be like fathers to you; queens will be like mothers. They will bow low before you and honor you; they will humbly show their respect for you. Then you will know that I am the LORD; no one who waits for my help will be disappointed." (Isaiah 49:22-23 GNT)
And again and again we declare: "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30 NKJV)
27 .......... how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? 28 Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. 29 He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. 30 Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. 31 But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:27-31 NLT)
Joseph's level of trust in God can be compared to that demonstrated by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be brought before him. When they were brought in, 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance. If you bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments, all will be well. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. What god will be able to rescue you from my power then?"
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." (Daniel 3:13-18 NLT)
Wow! Ain't that something? Guess who had the upper hand eventually? See for yourself:
19 Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully clothed. 22 And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames leaped out and killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in! 23 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell down into the roaring flames. 24 But suddenly, as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?"
"Yes," they said, "we did indeed, Your Majesty."
24 But suddenly, as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?"
"Yes," they said, "we did indeed, Your Majesty."
25 "Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire. They aren't even hurt by the flames! And the fourth looks like a divine being!"
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. 27 Then the princes, prefects, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke! 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him............. (Daniel 3:19-28 NLT)
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory. 31 What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? Will Christ Jesus? No, for he is the one who died for us and was raised to life for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us (Romans 8:28-34 NLT).
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion; which cannot be moved, but abides forever. 2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever (Psalm 125:1-2 NKJV)
1 Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. 2 Just as the mountains surround and protect Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds and protects his people, both now and forever (Psalm 125:1-2 NLT)
Please keep in mind that one way to derive comfort as you invest your trust in the Most High God is to be attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Imbibe the word of God; "and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21 NKJV). Get familiarized with it. Remember "Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105 NLT).
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17 NKJV)
Don't just be attentive to His word; be receptive! To be attentive involves merely listening. Being receptive involves believing and obeying.
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts .......... (Hebrews 3:7 NKJV)
The essence of Him talking to you is taking steps in obedience accordingly.
19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword"; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken (Isaiah 1:19-20 NKJV).
Regardless of the political, social and economic situation,
19 If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat. 20 But if you keep turning away and refusing to listen, you will be destroyed by your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!" (Isaiah 1:19-20 NLT)
The Lord God Almighty seems to be saying: 'My people, continue to serve Me diligently, continue to love Me fervently, continue to obey Me. "For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV). Keep in mind that I did not bring you this far in order to disappoint you. I did not raise you up in order to let you down. "But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth" (Exodus 9:16 NKJV). Did I not promise to always uphold you with my right hand of righteousness? "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NLT). I am responsible for your prosperity, your miracle, and your well being. As your God and Father, I am responsible and responsive. It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in your way; it will flatten out before you! (Zechariah 4:6 & 7 NLT) For no one will succeed by strength alone (1 Samuel 2:9 NKJV). Faith takes care of the miracle. Patience will flow naturally out of your heart to keep you steady till the miracle manifest itself. Trust in Me and you will not regret it. Invest your trust in Me; even though you are the laughing stock today, eventually you will have the last laugh. "As it is written: Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame" (Romans 9:33 NKJV).
As mentioned earlier, regardless of the circumstances,
19 If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat. 20 But if you keep turning away and refusing to listen, you will be destroyed by your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!" (Isaiah 1:19-20 NLT)
When you invest your trust in God, He will go to any extent to ensure your miracle. Has it ever occurred to you how far the Lord is able and ready to go for the sake of his children? In a rather unprecedented move, He parted the Red Sea to ensure the safe passage of His people while He - at the same time - wiped out the Egyptians in order to protect His children. Similarly, in order to ensure your deliverance, He is able and willing to unleash catastrophe on the powers of darkness to the extent "that whoever hears of it, his ears will tingle" (Jeremiah 19:3 NKJV).
The Lord God is willing to go to any extent "that whoever hears of it, his ears will tingle"? Well, just how far is He able and willing to go? See for yourself:
9 Joshua traveled all night from Gilgal and took the Amorite armies by surprise. 10 The LORD threw them into a panic, and the Israelites slaughtered them in great numbers at Gibeon. Then the Israelites chased the enemy along the road to Beth-horon and attacked them at Azekah and Makkedah, killing them along the way. 11 As the Amorites retreated down the road from Beth-horon, the LORD destroyed them with a terrible hailstorm that continued until they reached Azekah. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword. 12 On the day the LORD gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the LORD in front of all the people of Israel. He said,
"Let the sun stand still over Gibeon,
and the moon over the valley of Aijalon."
13 So the sun and moon stood still until the Israelites had defeated their enemies.
Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. 14 The LORD fought for Israel that day. Never before or since has there been a day like that one, when the LORD answered such a request from a human being. (Joshua 10:9-14 NLT)
In Joseph's case, not only did He give the king dreams, He also deprived the official clairvoyants the interpretations.
8 The next morning, as he thought about it, Pharaoh became very concerned as to what the dreams might mean. So he called for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt and told them about his dreams, but not one of them could suggest what they meant. (Exodus 41:8 NLT)
This, of course, set the tone for the chain of events that led to the realization of the Lord's plan for his life.
9 Then the king's cup-bearer (chief butler) spoke up. "Today I have been reminded of my failure," he said. 10 "Some time ago, you were angry with the chief baker and me, and you imprisoned us in the palace of the captain of the guard. 11 One night the chief baker and I each had a dream, and each dream had a meaning. 12 We told the dreams to a young Hebrew man who was a servant of the captain of the guard. He told us what each of our dreams meant, 13 and everything happened just as he said it would. I was restored to my position as cup-bearer, and the chief baker was executed and impaled on a pole." 14 Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, .......... (Exodus 41:9-14 NLT)
A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time. (Isaiah 60:22 NKJV)
As you place your trust firmly in God, remember to forget about your past. Don't let your past rob you of the wonderful things the Lord has in store for your future.
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13 NLT)
Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earthso wonderful that no one will even think about the old ones anymore. (Isaiah 65:17 NLT)
For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. (Isaiah 65:17 NKJV)
Of course, Satan the spoilsport will try to demoralize you and rob you of your joy and peace of mind, and see if he can make you lose sight of the things the Lord has ahead for you. My friends, don't hesitate to stick it up to him. If Satan reminds you of your past, don't hesitate to remind him of his future. And what about his future? See for yourself:
7 When the thousand years end, Satan will be let out of his prison. 8 He will go out to deceive the nations from every corner of the earth, ......... He will gather them together for battle - a mighty host, ......... 9 ......... But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them. 10 Then the Devil, who betrayed them, was thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:7-10 NLT)
That's a hell of a future!
7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. ........... (James 4:7,8 NLT)
Remember how Nehemiah placed his trust in God when he was rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem? He prayed to the Lord his God:
10 "We are your servants, the people you rescued by your great power and might. 11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success now as I go to ask the king for a great favor. Put it into his heart to be kind to me."
In those days I was the king's cup-bearer. (Nehemiah 1:10-11 NLT)
......... And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me. (Nehemiah 2:8 NLT)
Did Nehemiah have more than his own fair share of spoilsports? See for yourself:
18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king.
They replied at once, "Good! Let's rebuild the wall!" So they began the good work. 19 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem ....... heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. "What are you doing, rebelling against the king like this?" they asked.
20 But I replied, "The God of heaven will help us succeed. We his servants will start rebuilding ..........." (Nehemiah 2:18-20 NLT)
1 Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked ........, 7 But when ........ (they) heard that the work was going ahead ........., they became furious. 8 They all made plans to come and fight ....... and to bring about confusion there. 9 But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. (Nehemiah 4:1,7,8 NLT)
5 The fifth time, Sanballat's servant came with an open letter in his hand, 6 and this is what it said:
"Geshem tells me that everywhere he goes he hears that you ........ are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. 7 He also reports that you have appointed prophets to prophesy about you in Jerusalem, saying, 'Look! There is a king in Judah!'
"You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me." 8 My reply was, "You know you are lying. There is no truth in any part of your story." 9 They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could break our resolve and stop the work. So I prayed for strength to continue the work .......... 12 I realized that God had not spoken to him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin by following his suggestion. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me. 14 Remember, O my God, all the evil things that Tobiah and Sanballat have done. And remember Noadiah the prophet and all the prophets like her who have tried to intimidate me. (Nehemiah 6:5-9,12-14 NLT)
Who said the business of investing your trust in God is an easy one? Risky business, some have contended.
30 "Therefore," says the LORD, "I stand against these prophets who get their messages from each other 31 these smooth-tongued prophets who say, 'This prophecy is from the LORD!' 32 Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:30-32 NLT)
1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. (1 John 4:1 NLT)
Despite the odds that stack against Nehemiah, eventually
15 .......... on October 2 the wall was finally finished - just fifty-two days after we had begun. 16 When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. (Nehemiah 6:15-16 NLT)
Did the scripture not state that
......... Then you will know that I am the LORD; no one who waits for my help will be disappointed." (Isaiah 49:22-23 GNT)
As you place your trust firmly in the Lord, avoid dwelling on your problems. It will only keep magnifying itself more than it really is. This is conducive to making ungodly moves, and decisions based on poor judgment. Rather than watch your crisis magnify itself, you take it upon yourself to continually magnify the Lord with praise and thanksgiving in the midst of it, and watch wonderful outcomes unfold. Remember the story of Paul and Silas?
22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. 24 So he took no chances but put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. 25 Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. .......... 29 Trembling with fear, the jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 He brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with your entire household." 32 Then they shared the word of the Lord with him and all who lived in his household. 33 That same hour the jailer washed their wounds, and he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 Then he brought them into his house and set a meal before them. He and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. (Acts 16:22-34 NLT)
Avoid looking on and on at your not-so-pleasant circumstances / predicaments. Rather, look up to Jesus. He is the source of the solution to all your predicaments. Remember, circumstances that are beyond our control are all under His majestic control. Though the world look down on you, you take it upon yourself to keep "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV). The circumstances we go through do not decide the course of our destiny; rather because we trust in the Lord, we - like Paul and Silas - will govern those circumstances. Like Peter, we will walk on water - no matter how uncanny it may sound (Matthew 14:28-33). Even if you look ahead and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, do not despair. The Lord is still on the throne. Hence, you will rise and shine "for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising" (Isaiah 60:1-3 NKJV)
As you place your trust firmly in the Lord, let your prayer reflect how deep your faith is in Him, and high your level of trust is in the heavenly Father. Remember,
7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (Matthew 6:7-8 NKJV)
Many people have wondered how to avoid falling into the snare of "vain repetitions" in prayer. Simple. Pray the prayer of supplication to present a prayer point / need to the Lord. Subsequently - if and when there is need to bring such prayer point up again -, lift it up to Him as prayer of thanksgiving. As time goes on, your approach to your prayer points will tend less towards supplication, and more towards prayer of praise, worship and thanksgiving. Jesus Christ - our pacesetter - demonstrated this vital aspect of our faith and devotion.
17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. ......... 38 And again Jesus was deeply troubled. Then they came to the grave. It was a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 "Roll the stone aside," Jesus told them.
But Martha, the dead man's sister, said, "Lord, by now the smell will be terrible because he has been dead for four days." 40 Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell you that you will see God's glory if you believe?" 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so they will believe you sent me." 43 Then Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 And Lazarus came out, bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, "Unwrap him and let him go!" 45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. (John 11:17,38-45 NLT)
There!
You see how the Master did it? He prayed like someone who is fully aware of the fact that "For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him". He prayed like he already established a communication line with God concerning the issue at hand way before he showed up at the tomb of Lazarus. All he needed to do is to just show up and "looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so they will believe you sent me." Indubitably, supplication has its place in our prayer lives. Just remember that abundance of praise, worship and thanksgiving in our prayers is a vivid expression of the level of our faith and trust in the Most High God, our heavenly Father.
It's just a matter of time before your life is characterized by miracles after miracles; signs and wonders; testimonies after testimonies that will make the ears of those who hear about it ring! Due to the series of marvellous deeds of God that will characterize your life and ministry, you will become a living testimony that "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30 NKJV)
............ And they will say, 'Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you. (Zechariah 8:23 NLT)
As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, 'due to the series of marvellous deeds of God that will characterize your life and ministry, you will become a living testimony' - just like the Israelites proved to be as they approached Jericho. Who can ever forget astounding deeds like the ten plagues that ravished the land of Egypt (Exodus chapters 7 to 12); the parting of the Red Sea, and the subduing of the mighty Egyptian army (Exodus 14); the defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17); the provision of manna from heaven, and water from dry rocks (Exodus 16 & 17); etc? Certainly, Jericho - like the rest of the surrounding nations - have heard about how awesome Jehovah God have proved to be on behalf of His people. They - like the rest of the surrounding nations - have come to realise that "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him" (Psalm 18:30 NKJV). Hence,
1 ...... the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go in or out. 2 But the LORD said to Joshua, "I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its mighty warriors. ........ 5 ....... the walls of the city will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the city." (Joshua 6:1,2,5 NLT)
6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright. (Psalm 20:6-8 NKJV)
In closing, I thank the Lord for the revelation knowledge of His word
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, .......... (1 Corinthians 2:13 NKJV)
63 It is the Spirit who gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (John 6:63 NLT)
His word indeed is heart gripping. Did the scripture not state that:
12 For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. 13 Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done. (Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT)
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)
I perceive that the Lord has used this message to transform our lives and minister immense blessing to you. The word of God by itself is exceedingly powerful.
19 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. 20 He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:19-21 NKJV)
5 When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 "Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and racked with pain." ......... 8 ........ Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed! ......... 13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go on home. What you have believed has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour. (Matthew 8:5-6, 8,13 NLT)
The Lord Jesus mentioned: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31,32 NKJV)
The word of God by itself is able to minister to our needs, and take care of our diverse circumstances. There have been occasions when during a gathering or fellowship, the mere preaching and hearing of the word of God had brought about the kind of outcome similar to the ones described in Psalm 107:19-21 and Matthew 8:5-6, 8,13. Miracles are happening. Breakthroughs are taking place. Positive turn around is taking place in the lives of many. People are experiencing deliverance. Yokes are being broken. Barrenness is giving way to fertility. Drought is giving way to abundance. Walls of spiritual and emotional oppression are collapsing; blessings of diverse kinds are surging in. Sights are being restored as physical and spiritual blindness goes away. Hearts of stones are being replaced with hearts of flesh so that the sword of the Spirit - the living word of God - is able to penetrate. Lost souls are finding their way back to the Lord. Many hearts and minds are being guarded by the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7 NKJV). Lots of lives are experiencing the true meaning of freedom and joy. The spirit of the Lord is touching the hearts and lives of people to bring about positive changes and prosperity in their homes, careers, health, matrimony, academics, finances, etc. Lots of people are receiving lasting rejuvenation to their health. Believers are being shaped into the image of Christ, and are yielding abiding fruits to the glory of God the Father. Hallelujah!
The word of God - the anointed word of God - is very powerful.
10 "The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. 12 You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! 13 Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where briers grew, myrtles will sprout up. This miracle will bring great honor to the LORD's name; it will be an everlasting sign of his power and love. (Isaiah 55:10-13 NLT)
As the anointed word of God flow, the Holy Spirit unlocks the revelation knowledge that releases the anointing and power to address different aspect of your life situation. The anointing and power being unleashed by the ministry of the Holy Spirit is like a healing touch that is being administered to your circumstances - just like when Jesus entered into the house of Peter's mother-in-law and he administered a healing touch on her hand, and the fever left her (Matthew 8:14-15). The strength and mercy of the Lord will saturate your environment, and minister grace to your life and circumstances.
And in Jesus name, no matter where you find yourself and regardless of your circumstances, your life will continually be a living testimony of the fact that "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." (Psalm 18:30 NKJV)
God bless.
Yours
Adekunle Majek'
H I A F E M
Of impact, quality and excellence
That's the Spirit!
P.S. I believe that this piece has been of great blessing to you. Why not share it with others?
To return to HIAFEM HomePage, click here.
