Enduring dark times

Today Charles Stanley completes his presentation of five reasons why the Lord allow us to experience enduring dark times.

2.  To prepare you.  Dr. Stanley notes that throughout Joseph’s thirteen years of enduring dark times in Egypt, God positioned him perfectly and spiritually for what would come next.  Dr. Stanley explains that is true for us as well:

“The Father readies your character and places you exactly where you should be, when you should be there, for maximum impact.”

3.  So others can witness His work through you.  It was obvious to all the Egyptians Who was helping Joseph.  The Lord completely orchestrated the events that led to Joseph becoming second in command under Pharaoh.

4.  To raise you up and place you in a position to bless others.  The Lord tirelessly refined Joseph’s character for those thirteen years so Joseph would be ready when his God-centered leadership was needed.  The same is true for us, as Dr. Stanley notes:

“Never underestimate the awesome encouragement you can be to another person or the example you set as a follower of Jesus during the difficult times of your life.”

5.  To change your perspective.  During his dark times, Joseph learned the importance of forgiveness and mercy because of the Lord’s great grace to him.  The author applies the lesson Joseph learned:

“If you are to endure courageously, you must center your attention on the fact that the Lord is responsible for your future and all that affects it.”

Today’s question: Which of Dr. Stanley’s five reasons strike a chord with you?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “The sword of the Spirit”

Enduring dark times

Walking in obedience

Today Charles Stanley concludes his presentation of seven questions designed to give us the criteria for confidently taking hold of a promise from God.

3.  Does the fulfillment of this promise glorify Him?  God’s fulfilled promises are part of our testimony.  In this way God makes Himself known to those around us.  Our request must benefit others, honor God and fit His character, and encourage others to seek Him.

4.  Is this promise consistent with His will for your life?  If we’re walking in the center of God’s path for us, generally His assurances will support what He is calling us to accomplish.  God’s purposes for us will take precedence over our expectations of His timing and methods.  When we obey God, He assumes full responsibility for our needs.

5.  Are you walking in obedience to Him?  Willfully choosing to go outside God’s will and meet our needs on our own means we intentionally deny His power and wisdom to help us.  God won’t contribute to our disobedience.  Dr. Stanley states:

“God’s promises are meant to bolster our trust in Him, not undermine it.  He will not sanction disobedience.”

6.  Is the fulfillment of this promise in your life encouraging to others?  We’ve been able to persevere because we see how God worked through the lives of the biblical saints.  We need to be that encouragement to others.

7.  Does the Holy Spirit witness with your spirit that God is pleased?  When the Holy Spirit confirms for us that this promise is for us deep within our soul, we’ll sense profound confidence and calm in our heart.  Although we’ll still face doubts and fears, the Father will restore tranquility to our heart by reminding us of His faithfulness.

Today’s question: Which of Dr. Stanley’s seven questions resonate most with you?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “Faith, patience, and obedience”

Walking in obedience

Open Spaces

“It is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it.”- James 4:17

“God sometimes removes a person from your life for your protection.  Don’t run after them.”- attributed to Rick Warren

Sara Horn concludes Chapter 6 of How Can I Possibly Forgive? with strong encouragement for us to forgive, explicitly stating that when we refuse to forgive, we are the ones who are offending.  We deem ourselves more important than others- or even more important than God!

Conflicts are inevitable.  The key is our response.  Sara cites the story of Isaac in Genesis 26.  Isaac’s neighbors resented his success and went out of their way to make his life difficult.  Isaac was forced to move his herds and livestock three times because of quarrels that erupted with local herdsman whenever Isaac attempted to settle down in one area.

The first two wells Isaac dug he named Quarrel and Hostility, respectively.  Finally, at the last spot, Isaac named the well Open Spaces because God had “made room” for them (Genesis 26:22).  Similarly, rather than hunkering down and stubbornly asserting our rights following our vocation loss, we need to just move on.  God may be removing us from our place of conflict, negativity, and hurt for our protection.  Don’t run after them!

Today’s question: What is hindering you from moving on following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “Conviction or condemnation”

Open Spaces