But You Promised - Encouragement Café - September 2

But You Promised
 By Stephanie Davis

God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  1 Corinthians 1:9 NASB

As the day neared its end, doubt consumed my mind… 

Why did this happen?  Lord, it’s so unfair!  I’ve tried to do the things You asked me to, and yet still things are falling apart.  I don’t understand.  

Have you ever found yourself having this very same conversation with God?  Our Heavenly Father?  The One Who promised to take care of us… to protect us… to never leave our side and yet it seems that He’s gone… that He’s forgotten and doesn’t care?  

But You promised, Lord… You promised…

Before I could even finish the thought, I was reminded of what I already knew – the truth – His truth!    

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 NLT

You see, I had forgotten what I was promised.  

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  Matthew 16:24 NASB

Never once are we told in the scriptures that a life lived in Christ means happily ever after.  Yes, this life leads to a place where there are no more tears, but until then there is a life to be lived.  One that will have trials and sorrows.  One that requires me to bear His cross – constantly.  One that, if I continue to place my trust in Him, will lead to victory.   

But take heart, because I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 NLT

Not all that we are called to endure is our fault (1 Peter 4:19).  The enemy is on the loose and he seeks us out (John 10:10); looking for those opportune moments that he can cause us to doubt our Heavenly Father (Luke 4:13).  

As children of God, we must be careful in our how we handle these undesirable… and yes even unfair… situations.  We are called to this place… to these circumstances… so that He might be revealed through us (Romans 8:18). 

Take a minute and think about the circumstances that you are currently facing.  Are you buckling under the pressure of your trials and sorrows or are you trusting in Christ to carry the weight (Matthew 11:28) so that He might be revealed through you?  

Precious Heavenly Father… my sweet, sweet Daddy… You are faithful!  Forgive me for doubting You… for doubting Your love and affection for me… for choosing to believe the lies that Satan pours into my mind at every opportune moment.  I know that Your hand has been ever present because I can see the traces of Your fingerprints.  

As I think about what Christ endured at the work of Your hands, Lord I’m humbled.  May I never think I deserve better than my Savior!  It is my prayer that I will live blamelessly, fulfilling my God-given purpose, revealing an accurate image of Who You are for all to see.  For it’s in Jesus’ name I ask these things, amen.  

© 2019 by Stephanie Davis. All rights reserved.

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