Michael’s knees gave in when he received his credit card statement. He fell on his sofa as he looked at the $13,000 account balance.
Michael was in debt before but was able to settle all his debts. He developed self-control and got a hold of his spontaneous spending. Nonetheless, he looked at the transactions on the statement and they were necessary purchases. Michael couldn’t believe he was back in the same predicament he was before.
Martha looked at her toilet after using it. She saw an unusual amount of blood in it. You see, she was diagnosed with a serious illness before, but she recovered. She worked hard to get back into shape. Martha followed a strict routine of exercise, diet, medication and recovered fully.
That day, she found herself looking at the symptoms of an illness she thought she conquered once again, and it seemed that this disease was ready for another round. Martha felt exhausted. She thought she couldn’t go through with this again. She wanted to rest.
We’ve heard so many definitions about life. Some say it is a series of hills and valleys, a wheel that takes you up and down, and a railroad track where the good and bad things are parallel to each other. Regardless of how we view life, all of us can agree that life does have its moments. Moments of joy and moments of suffering. For some reason, it’s easier to recall pain. The words and events that broke us are easily relived as if they only happened yesterday. That’s why I believe we should always have continuous encouragement, help, and gratitude.
More than One Moment of Encouragement
John 21:12-13
New International Version (NIV)
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
This moment was very special to Peter. You see, Peter denied knowing Jesus when the Lord was arrested to be crucified. Peter felt so guilty with what he did that he left Jesus’ ministry and went back to be a fisherman.
A few weeks after Jesus rose from the grave, Jesus went to Peter’s workplace and prepared breakfast for His disciples.
John 21:15-17
New International Version (NIV)
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Here is Jesus telling Peter to go back to the ministry that Jesus assigned to him. Peter denied Jesus three times in our Lord’s darkest hour and yet, Jesus still called Peter back. If you look at it, Jesus does not focus on our faults, He wants us to fulfil our purpose.
When we make a mistake, shake it off and get back to your ministry. Receive God’s encouragement. Your destiny is more important to Him than your mistakes.
More Than One Cry for Help
I’ve said this a few times, God is not only a God of miracles but a God of consistency. Usually, our battles are like marathons, we must be ready for the long haul.
When the challenge takes too long and becomes too hard, don’t hesitate to ask Jesus for help.
Mark 10:46-48
New International Version (NIV)
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging.
47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he shouted to get Jesus’ attention. Jesus didn’t hear him right away so Bartimaeus shouted louder. People were telling him to stop but he didn’t. Jesus finally heard him and restored his sight.
When it seems that you’ve reached the end of your rope, don’t let go just yet. Hold on tight and shout to Jesus louder. Sometimes all it takes is another cry for help to get the encouragement we need to see our plans to completion.
More Than One Shout of Praise and Thanksgiving
When God answers our prayers, we get so used to the blessing that we sometimes forget to thank God for it continuously.
There are a lot of things that we can thank God for. Our life, today, the breath we take and many more. We should stop whatever it is that we’re doing, take a moment to count our blessings and give thanks and praise to God who provides all our wants and needs.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
New International Version (NIV)
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
We should thank God for everything. The good and bad, open and closed doors, and for people who stayed and left. God can use all our circumstances for His glory, and everything works together for good to those who wait on the Lord.
Life can hit hard, but God is our shield. Remember His promises of empowerment and encouragement. Pray without ceasing. Praise and thank God always. Our time will come. We will not even realise that we have already stepped into the Promised Land.
I hope you received inspiration and encouragement from this devotional. Check out other devotional stories on www.high3r.com. God bless you! #gohigh3r #loveJesus