Devotionals
Have you ever said, “Jesus loves me,” but had difficulty saying “me?” That’s a good sign of a wound. Something has happened to make you feel less than you. We all go through it from time to time. I would like to address for just a few moments the times when it lasts for a while—depression, low self esteem, oppression, the world is against you and you don’t know where to turn—days in your life. If not you, look around, you will see at least one person who fits the profile.
Romans 12:12-13 “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
My friends, I’m sure we all have war stories of the boss from hell, the ex-spouse or friend who just wasn’t fair, the relatives (no mother-in-law stories please), or people on the bus, train, or other mode of transportation who was very nasty in their attitude and/or speech towards us—yes, more than enough to go around. But I am a living witness, as are many of you, that you can overcome even the worst of situations.
The scripture above says,
Rejoicing in hope—if you’re down today—refocus on your vision, your hope in Jesus; that He will bring you through every situation.
Patient in tribulation—When you have hope, you can get through anything. Jesus warned us that when we follow Him, we will be persecuted, and that all people will go through tribulation. Romans 8:37 says we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. You’re loved—you’ll make it through.
Instant in prayer—“Lord, send angels to help me now; I bind the spirits attacking me now; and release your power and love into my life, now.” (it works!) And better yet, form a prayer life starting every day with communication talking with the Father through Jesus—so you develop relationship not just a quickie “hi ya, I’m in trouble” prayer.
Distributing to the necessity of saints—Do you distribute the love you have from God to others? I know, this scripture is also talking about giving what is needed in terms of physical need if you have it to give—but I believe there is also the parallel of spiritual—love, patience, long suffering—the fruits of the spirit towards others? You may just be the Band-Aid that is needed to help that person get into relationship and healed through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Given to hospitality—gracious, giving, supportive, friendly, going out of your way to be of assistance to make somebody else comfortable. This is in the church, out of the church, wherever. We have seen disasters around the world. Even today, Pakistan had another 5.5 earthquake. The ground has not settled yet—more to come. Does your hospitality extend to giving to Hurricane relief, the Red Cross, Feed the Children, or other wonderful noted organizations?
Woundedness becomes a tradition when we wallow in self-pity, which is not a gift from God but an attack from the enemy, the devil and his evil demonic activity. Remaining focused on your circumstance instead of others, no matter how big the step, will keep you bound.
Take that first step, if even to make a phone call, write a letter to a soldier with encouragement, write a letter to someone you haven’t had contact with for a while. Write a check to a relief agency—even if its $5 do something for somebody else. Rake the leaves, shovel the snow, go talk with a shut in, read to the blind, there is something you can do for somebody else.
God will bless you for it, you will start to have more and more hope, and you will start to feel better and find other ways to do even more that brings joy, hope, peace, and love back into your life.
Have a great life,
Shalom and greater journey,
Pastor S. Storm Smith
www.mudinternational.bravejournal.com
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The opening sentence certainly caught my attention! Your argument is clear and flows well from point to point. It is practical in that you help the broken on their path to wholeness with advice that can be followed. You reflect the nature of God by bringing hope and not condemnation to the suffering.