Be Still (Pt. 1) - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 11, 2022

Recently, I faced a problem that involved another party. Prior to the issue occurring, I suspected it would arise and took every possible step to forestall it. The other party ignored my warnings. Of course, what I assumed would result came to be. And who do you think the other party wants to leave dealing with the negative consequences? Well, you guessed it - me.

My first reaction was to pray. However, the prayer was quite short because my irritation sparked and I kicked into my training to resolve the situation. Then something happened. I believe it was God's grace. I stopped what I was doing and called on the Lord sincerely. I spoke His word and somehow, I felt ... peace. It was in that environment that I was able to still myself and as I proclaimed scripture over the matter, He told me what to do next. His instruction was very different from what I would have chosen. In fact, it didn't change the injustice of it all.

And then, I remembered a verse and smiled. Psalm 103:6 - The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly (NLT).

The verse reminded me that God will give me something nice for my trouble - His righteousness. It was a reminder that I wasn't going through the trial for nothing. God's hand had not left me and no matter what the result, things would work out for me because that is His promise in Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

And as I write, another verse has come to mind. Nahum 1:9 - What do you conspire against the LORD? He will make an utter end of it. Affliction will not rise up a second time.

Although we don't want to be treated unfairly, the truth is that it will happen sometimes. Nevertheless, it is all for God's greater good for us. We forget that we cannot claim the promise of that verse - affliction will not arise again - without having experienced affliction.

As such, the way we react says a lot about the growth that's still needed in our walk with the Lord. We believers have to change our "default setting" to affliction, oppression or unfair treatment. It may take a while, but we must surely learn to switch from complaining, grumbling, or applying a scorched earth approach in retaliation. Instead, we must remember God will bless us for our momentary troubles (2 Corinthians 4:17). Righteousness and freedom from repetitive troubles are but a few of the rewards He has in store. And we need to claim these things for ourselves in prayer, using His very word. Praise the Lord there is an overabundance of scripture to proclaim.

May we each grow stronger in the Lord, in our knowledge of His power, His voice, and His word. May His grace enable us to avoid the snares the devil has set for us. To His glory and by His grace, IJMN, Amen.

See you at Noon EST for today's fellowship hour. Thanks to all of you who held it down on Tuesday when I was unavoidably absent. May the Lord bless you greatly, IJN, Amen.

THE M I R A C L E A L L E Y

Be Still (Pt. 1) - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 11, 2022

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M I R A C L E
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