Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Shalom,


Today I want to share a portion from the Daily Devotional found on the website of our partner, Jerry Savelle:


If you are in a place of misery and tears today, I want you to know that God did not create this “Valley of Baca” for you. It is the devil who brings misery. Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy. God gives life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).

Now, I don’t want you to think that just because you have faith in God that you won’t have any more problems either. That is not true. Having faith in God creates problems because, for the first time in your life, you’ve become dangerous to the devil. The devil isn’t going to roll over and play dead just because you have decided to follow God. He hates what you stand for. He doesn’t want you filling your heart with the Word of God because that is what is dangerous to him and his operations.

The more of God’s Word that you put into your spirit, the stronger you become. No matter how strong the attack may get, you have sufficient faith to overcome the attack. The Valley of Baca will only prove where you stand. It is Satan testing you. He doesn’t know that much about you except what you reveal to him through your words and your actions.

However, God already knows you. He knows the very thoughts and intent of your heart. He doesn’t have to test you. He knows everything about you. He knows what you are going to do and not do under pressure. So, now you must show the devil what you are made of. Show him that the Word is in your heart and that you haven’t just been playing church. You may have to tell him, “If it’s a fight you want – it’s a fight your gonna get, but when the dust settles, God and I will be standing.”

If you will make this your attitude and take the Word of God and stand while you are passing through the “Valley of Baca,” you can come out stronger on the other side.

I have always liked these two "nuggets" found on The Spoken Word Church website:


"Character is not made in times of pressure, it is merely revealed."  
"A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure."


Pressure, or tests, trials, and temptations are nothing more than the opportunity to put the Word you know into action! Then let GOD confirm His Word with signs following! HE is waiting for YOU! Amen! Here is a song that reminds us what he has done in us! "Stronger" by Hillsong:




Shalom in Him!