3.25.10_Rough roads

 Praise the LORD!!!

   Yesterday, for those that don't follow me anywhere else, I was having what I consider as an "Elijah moment." Now for those of you not very familiar with Elijah and his life, I'm referencing a time in his life when he felt that he was totally alone in ministry and the whole world was out to get him(1 Kings 19:3-9).Now today's devotional will be a bit different, because of events that transpired last night and this morning. These are note worthy to say the least. For I'm sure that I'm not the only person that has ever felt like I did yesterday and these reading are for the purpose of enriching others lives as well as my own.

   This morning shortly after reading my personal devotionals(4 of them), which none dealt with this topic or even close, I was wondering if this would be another day like yesterday. I had a Bible study program update running, so I couldn't use my computer, so I was reading my hardcopy and was led to this verse below. Which I'd say is very relevant to the problems which had beset me yesterday!

   1 Cor. 15:58
      58 "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 

   I paused the update on my computer, and then went to my online Bible study at Logos and run a check on this verse for other references. Since I'd interrupted my update and had up to four hours before it would restart, I decided to check my emails and social sites. Praise the LORD. For when I did, the following was found and had been posted late yesterday and totally unbeknown to the sister that had posted it, were my problems. GOD truly does work in mysterious ways and when there is something that needs to be done, HE finds those that are willing to do them, no questions asked! Thank GOD for this fact too!!! Here is that which she had been led to email me at one of my other sites:

GOD said:
I thought my dreams were impossible,
but God said, "All things are possible."
(Luke 18:27)
I was lost and confused. I thought I'd never find
a solution, but God said, "I will direct your steps."
(Proverbs 3:5)
I almost gave up. I thought I couldn't do it,
but God said, "You can do all things."
(Philippians 4:13)
I almost quit. I thought my efforts weren't worth
the trouble, but God said, "It will be worth it."
(Romans 8:28)
I thought I'd never make it. I thought I didn't have what it takes, but God said, "I'll supply all your needs."
(Philippians 4:19)
I was worried. I felt trapped beneath a mountain
of despair, but God said, "Cast your worries on me."
(I Peter 5:7)
I thought I couldn't do it, because I wasn't smart enough, but God said,
"I give you wisdom."
(1 Corinthians 1:30)
I suffered from guilt. I was angry at myself for what
I'd done, but God said, "I forgive you."
(I John 1:9)
I disliked myself. I thought that no one loved me,
but God said, "I love you."
(John 3:16)

I wept, because I was lonely, but God said,
"I will never leave you or forsake you."
(Hebrews 13:5)

   Now I don't know about you, but this is enough proof for me to get my attention. GOD is leading me to continue that which I've been doing for HIM and has given me a blueprint to lead me through the rough spots in my walk ahead. Since I can't print this out, I'll have to write it out by hand so I can post it next to my computer for future references. Though these have helped me over this spot in the road, I'm sure there will be others! GOD never promised us a smooth and trouble free life, but did promised to always be there to help us when times got tough!!!
 

Prayer request can be sent to: prayers@vineofchrist.org


GOD bless and good day,

Rev. Marshall Barth

Vine of CHRIST Ministries

Vine Ministerial Network International