November 23
DEVOTION TODAY Have you had yours?
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Jesus says, "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent. (John 17:3)
Often we read over these words not recognizing in them our eternal
destiny. When we weigh the reality of these words against the
reality of our knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, we should find in
them the drive that never rests. To know God and Jesus Christ is
eternal life! Do I know God and Jesus Christ who He sent? The
truth of whether I know God or not is made clear in every trial.
For example, Joseph was rebuked by his father, hated by his
brothers, who sold him to their enemy, and was made a prisoner in
a foreign land of strangers. All this happened while he was a little
boy. Yet, when all was said and done, he had no questions; he
knew God. He could then turn and serve his betrayers with
compassion. (Gen. 37)
Look at Joseph's life in light of Romans 5:1-5. His tribulation
worked patience in him; the patience to serve God while he
suffered. His patience worked experience; he experienced God
working mightily on his behalf though he was still a prisoner and did
not see a way out. His experience built his hope; the hope that
anchored his soul to the faithfulness of God. His hope made him
not ashamed because as God glorified His name in Joseph, all
who witnessed it knew that God was with him. As God glorified His
name on him, the shame was removed and the love of God filled
his heart to love even them that sold him out.
So, no matter the trial, if you could see it as an opportunity to know
God and Jesus Christ, it will change your outlook, and set your feet
on solid ground. If you can remember when you appear to be in
darkness, that God made darkness His secret place (Psalm
18:11), a light will shine and you will see a hand stretched out with
your name written in it and hear a voice saying, "Come unto me..."
(Isaiah 49:16 and Matt. 11:28) If you can remember that it is all for
your good if you love God and that your eternal destiny depends on
you knowing God and Jesus Christ, and that Jesus will not leave
you comfortless, you can take it.
Remember, Jesus prayed, "Father remove this cup from Me...",
and nothing changed, but when He surrendered His will to God, He
had the strength to go on. When we surrender our will to God,
angels minister to us. (Matt. 4:11 and Mark 1:13) We are not
without the help of all the powers of heaven.
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By: Pastor Aaron Clark
Overcoming Any trial
