Wipe Your Brow

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters

‘What a friend we have in Jesus all our sins and griefs to bear… What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer’ -Converse/Scriven

Mankind was formed as the pinnacle of God’s perfect creation. Mankind’s purpose is to exalt God’s name and in doing so, participate in God’s perfect love. Everything we face whether trial, storm, temptation, or peace is used by Him to fulfill that purpose. But we were not made to face these alone, for God’s name is only exalted and we only participate in His perfect love when we admit our need for His lovingkindness and grace. If we don’t do this and choose our own finite capacities, thereby leaving Him out, we have ignored the truth and chosen what leads into darkness and despair. If we are on this path, it is because we are deceived.

John Bevere writes, “When we clearly hear the Word of God and do not obey it, something happens to us: a veil called ‘deception’ covers our hearts. Now we fully believe we are right in our view of God, Jesus, and the kingdom, but in reality, we are out of sync with God.”
The real choice we must make is, ‘Do we desire to live far below what we have been created to be just to hold onto some magic beans and empty promises… or, do we grasp hold of the extraordinary life God has made us for and humbly accept all the divine provision He desires to pour into us? Could it be that the very thing you face right now is the opportunity by which God has sovereignly designed by which to pour His blessings into your life? If it is, are you humbly opening wide your life so that He can fill you up? OR… are you deceived into thinking God doesn’t care, He has walked away, or you have a better plan?

Paul writes to those who are deceived like this, “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame, I say that some of you don’t know God at all.” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34) Paul presses the point further, warning us, “Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. For… At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:7-10)

Whatever we face today God is using to prepare us for the next step in His perfect plan. Take hold of His provision and press on in faith, knowing He is sovereign. What is happening is good, and we are to remain steadfast by His strength and grace in the crucible of His will. For when we do, He will be exalted and we will reap a harvest of blessing and participate in His perfect love.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give in, there is Hope and His name is Jesus!

Choose wisely…

I threw in the towel… God threw it back and said, ‘wipe your brow, we are almost there.’

Praying 4 U

 

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize:  “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; ⁶ For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” – Hebrews 12:5-6