Monday, January 19, 2009

Devotion for today

Well here was the devotion from "My Utmost For His Highest." It was such a true reality. Be encouraged in those down times, those times of darkness and stillness. This is when God does His best work. I pray that you all find comfort and encouragement from the truth that follows.

Whenever God gives a vision to a Christian, it is as if He puts him in "the shadow of His hand" (Isaiah 49:2). The saint’s duty is to be still and listen. There is a "darkness" that comes from too much light-that is the time to listen. The story of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of listening to so-called good advice during a time of darkness, rather than waiting for God to send the light. When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you will wait on His timing. Never try to help God fulfill His word. Abram went through thirteen years of silence, but in those years all of his self-sufficiency was destroyed. He grew past the point of relying on his own common sense. Those years of silence were a time of discipline, not a period of God’s displeasure. There is never any need to pretend that your life is filled with joy and confidence; just wait upon God and be grounded in Him (see Isaiah 50:10-11 ).

Do I trust at all in the flesh? Or have I learned to go beyond all confidence in myself and other people of God? Do I trust in books and prayers or other joys in my life? Or have I placed my confidence in God Himself, not in His blessings? "I am Almighty God . . ."— El-Shaddai, the All-Powerful God (Genesis 17:1). The reason we are all being disciplined is that we will know God is real. As soon as God becomes real to us, people pale by comparison, becoming shadows of reality. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever upset the one who is built on God.


Blessings & hugs,

Melanie

5 comments:

Mrs. Davison said...

Thank you for putting it so eloquently. At this time I am in the midst of adjusting to my mother living with us. Though she is very helpful, kind and loving, as well as capable, it is hard sometimes. Knowing that God is in control and knows what is happening in my life and in my heart is very comforting. Your blog came at a very good time for me, so again, thank you. On a lighter side, you are a sweet person and have a beautiful family.

cindy said...

Praise God sis as I sat down with this same devotion at hand this morning I am reminded to be still and listen to my Lord... He is so amazing.Thanks for sharing sis I pray your day off has brought you blessings and rest God bless my friend!!!!!!!
Cindy

Kristin said...

Hi! I've been meaning to stop by....but you know the craziness of life! It was nice to hear from you in "blogland" as I feel so out of the loop in face to face contact with others...it has been a long and busy couple of months! Thanks for the head's up on the crop - I'll be doing my best to be there for sure...I need it! HSing is going very well at the moment as we started a new program that is working MUCH better for us right now (it was a God-send, literally, as we were struggling a little) BTW, this devotional really spoke to me - thanks for sharing it - it often IS hard to sit tight and wait for God to fulfill His promises sometimes, but so worth it when we do rather than forging ahead on our own. Before this gets any longer...I'd better scoot! Many blessings - hope to see you soon! (and your pics from the tea are beautiful (as are you and the 'girls' - looks like it was a blast!) Kristin

Jeshurun said...

Blessing posting!

when God gives us th vision we need keep waiting on him!Its real that Abraham was 13 years silent and when god gives us the vision darkness would suffer and suffocate us.But God is great and let us pray & hope that god will fullfill our vision.

daysease said...

Hi! it has been such a long while since i have stopped by, and i am happy to see that you are still as busy as ever with your fun craftiness and activities. i hope you are well... I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I am hosting a giveaway, and i thought I would invite you to come over to my new craft blog to check it out. Have a great day...

Celita
where the giveaway is... http://daysease.blogspot.com/2009/04/it-has-been-year.html

family blog
http://perilloparodies.blogspot.com/