We often make plans, write out “to do” lists or “bucket” lists, make long-term goals, and do so without ever consulting the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). We do this, because achieving our goals gives us a false sense of achievement, control, and empowerment. They give us a fleeting sense of hope and an attitude of endurance.
Obstacles to our plans certainly arise more often than we like. This is either because Satan is hindering us in spiritual warfare, or God is working out His plans for us, regardless of our choices (Ephesians 2:10). God uses adversity to change our direction, teach us lessons, and to strengthen our faith in His faithfulness to care for us in every circumstance.
God’s Spirit within us enables us to overcome the obstacles that Satan uses to discourage us. This spiritual warfare is real, and at times, very intense. As we persevere in Jesus’ name, we learn to put our complete trust in God’s faithfulness, which cultivates hope and resilience that flourish in our soul.
Even when a tree is cut down and its stump dies, its roots often age in the ground and sprout the new life of a plant at the first sign of water (Job 14:7-9). Our circumstances and losses do not control our life, because God keeps us growing and flourishing. Even in our old age we continue to produce fruit, because we are planted in house of the Lord (Psalm 92:13-14).
When we have the hope of eternity written on our heart and inspiring our spirit and soul (Revelation 21:4), we purify our self and walk in an authentic spirit-filled life, just like Jesus is pure (1 John 3:3). Even in lean times or vulnerable seasons of discouragement, God rescues us and gives us hope (Job 5:15-16).
A deep relationship with the Trinity of God within us gives us spiritual understanding; and the security of this intimacy with God allows us to be our true, authentic self rather than wearing masks and measuring up to someone else’s standards for us. This freedom in Christ permits us to walk in physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health (Romans 15:4).
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that when Jesus is revealed in us, our hope is firmly planted in Your grace (1 Peter 1:13). This helps us to focus on You rather than on our circumstances. Even when we struggle with concerns and issues, as we focus on You, You provide us with restoration, strength, power and success (1 Peter 5:10). You fill us with Your joy and peace so that we overflow with hope by the power of Your Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Enlighten our spiritual eyes to see the hope that we have in Your calling on our life, as well as the wealth of our glorious inheritance of Your Kingdom (Ephesians 1:18-19). Help us to cling to Your reliable promises that give us unwavering hope (Hebrews 10:23). When we are surrounded by trials, we can rest safely and lie down in peace, because of Your favor on our life (Job 11:17-19).
Thought for the Day:
We never completely lose our hope, regardless of our circumstance, because we know that God will never forget us forever; we are saved by our hope in Him, even if we see no end to our trials, and we wait patiently for our deliverance, thanking Him for what we cannot see as reality at this moment.
- Psalm 9:18; Romans 8:24-25
