Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Despair Vs Hope


For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the [east] side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. When we heard it, our hearts melted, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Joshua 2:10-11 AMP

When we hear what our God has done our perspective changes. For the people of Jericho, a sense of hopelessness and despair came over them,

We heard it and our hearts sank. We all had the wind knocked out of us. And all because of you, you and GOD, your God, God of the heavens above and God of the earth below. Joshua 2:11 The Message

For us, as believers in Jesus Christ, what happens when we hear about what our God has done? When we hear about the victories He has delivered for His people, individually and corporately. Does our faith rise and we say "Yes and Amen"?

For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes [answer] in Him [Christ]. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him [in His person and by His agency] to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 AMP

What happens when the circumstance looks too big, like a forgone conclusion? Where is our "Yes and Amen" then? Are we standing in faith? In these times we need to remember that God sees the full picture. We need to go back to His promises, His truth and stand.

And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. GOD, your God, is with you every step you take.  Joshua 1:8-9 The Message

Don't be timid. Don't get discouraged. Stay close to God. Align your thoughts with His truth. Pray. Trust. Wait. God always has the last word.

Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge - a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 The Message

Question for today, is there are a "Yes and Amen" you are struggling to declare in faith in response to one or some God's promises?  If yes, then why not ask God to forgive you for your unbelief and ask for His help to believe, to come to a place when you are fully aligned with His Yes. Hope restored.

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