But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1Peter 5:10 (NKJV)
We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives. Even though there are many ways that these storms can be manifested they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are:
We've been looking at, 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm." In our last devotional, we looked at our 10th way, so lets continue with number eleven.
11. We must await God's Deliverance.
This is probably the hardest of the 12-ways in dealing with a "Storm." Waiting, or being patient is not our best attribute. We live in an instant gratification culture, and we have been pre-conditioned to believe that we have earned certain things. This is a lie from the enemy when it comes to believing that we have some how earned the "Grace" of God. I have said it before, and it bears repeating, "The rain falls on the just and unjust alike."
The way I see it, I can willingly accept that He knows best and allow Him to bend me, mold me, and shape me, or I can resist His loving hand and be broken.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)
Notice, we are told first to humble ourselves that He may exalt you in "Due time."
Q: What does "Due time" mean?
A: It means in the "Proper" time.
As we humble ourselves in the midst of our trials and tribulations-whether we are enduring a"Storm of Correction", or a "Storm of Perfection," we will be "Exalted" or "Lifted up," in the exact proper time. To exalt our self or to fight the "Storms" in our own efforts is futile and it is prideful. We MUST humble ourselves and submit ourselves to God. We must seek the shelter of our Lord. We MUST call upon His name, and upon His power - in doing so, when we are exalted, He will be given glory and honor. Jesus gave us a promise and a warning concerning this.
"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11 (NKJV)
There is one thing we must understand here; when it comes to a "Storm" of disability or a grave sickness, we may not be exalted until we see God face to face. Another truth to remember is that God may choose to exalt us, or lift us up by allowing us to be in His presence. It doesn't mean that God doesn't love us when we die - in fact it just might be the greatest act of love - to bring us home with Him.
Q: So what should our attitude be during these Storms?
A: We are told in the book of James.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
I want to encourage you to wait upon the Lord when you're in a "Storm." Humble yourself, and submit to the will of God. Know that He is in control, and trust in His Plan. He is going to exalt you in due time, and it will be the perfect time.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to enduring the "Storms" we will face?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Do you find yourself humble and seeking God during your tests and trials?
APPLICATION: God wants us to be close to Him, and many times it is the tests and trials that do exactly that. Don't be dismayed or dejected if you are enduring a trial, seek the Lord, and praise Him for the work that He is doing in your life today. He will exalt you in due time.
We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives. Even though there are many ways that these storms can be manifested they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are:
- Storms of Correction These are the tough times where we go through trials and tests because we have unconfessed sin in our life - and we are going in a way that is not in the will of God.
- Storms of Perfection These are those times where we go through trials and tests because God loves us and He is transforming us to be more like Jesus.
We've been looking at, 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm." In our last devotional, we looked at our 10th way, so lets continue with number eleven.
11. We must await God's Deliverance.
This is probably the hardest of the 12-ways in dealing with a "Storm." Waiting, or being patient is not our best attribute. We live in an instant gratification culture, and we have been pre-conditioned to believe that we have earned certain things. This is a lie from the enemy when it comes to believing that we have some how earned the "Grace" of God. I have said it before, and it bears repeating, "The rain falls on the just and unjust alike."
The way I see it, I can willingly accept that He knows best and allow Him to bend me, mold me, and shape me, or I can resist His loving hand and be broken.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)
Notice, we are told first to humble ourselves that He may exalt you in "Due time."
Q: What does "Due time" mean?
A: It means in the "Proper" time.
As we humble ourselves in the midst of our trials and tribulations-whether we are enduring a"Storm of Correction", or a "Storm of Perfection," we will be "Exalted" or "Lifted up," in the exact proper time. To exalt our self or to fight the "Storms" in our own efforts is futile and it is prideful. We MUST humble ourselves and submit ourselves to God. We must seek the shelter of our Lord. We MUST call upon His name, and upon His power - in doing so, when we are exalted, He will be given glory and honor. Jesus gave us a promise and a warning concerning this.
"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11 (NKJV)
There is one thing we must understand here; when it comes to a "Storm" of disability or a grave sickness, we may not be exalted until we see God face to face. Another truth to remember is that God may choose to exalt us, or lift us up by allowing us to be in His presence. It doesn't mean that God doesn't love us when we die - in fact it just might be the greatest act of love - to bring us home with Him.
Q: So what should our attitude be during these Storms?
A: We are told in the book of James.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
I want to encourage you to wait upon the Lord when you're in a "Storm." Humble yourself, and submit to the will of God. Know that He is in control, and trust in His Plan. He is going to exalt you in due time, and it will be the perfect time.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to enduring the "Storms" we will face?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Do you find yourself humble and seeking God during your tests and trials?
APPLICATION: God wants us to be close to Him, and many times it is the tests and trials that do exactly that. Don't be dismayed or dejected if you are enduring a trial, seek the Lord, and praise Him for the work that He is doing in your life today. He will exalt you in due time.
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