September 11
Isaiah 8:1-9:21; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 23:4-5
The most important thing for everyone to deal with in life is God. Our response to God determines not only our lives now but also our eternal destiny. Isaiah tells Israel that judgment in the form of an Assyrian invasion is coming upon them because of their sin. They have failed to look to God, so God will come against them in judgment. He wanted to be a gentle stream that provided refreshment, but due to their rejection of him, he will instead come upon them like a destructive flood. He wants to be a sanctuary; instead, he will be a stone that smashes them to pieces. God is willing to bring difficult things into our lives with the hope that it might get our attention and bring us back to him.
Paul, like Isaiah's audience, is an example of God using difficult things to bring about maturity and humility. Paul experienced a "thorn in (his) flesh," which he begged God to take away. God allowed the thorn to remain because it taught Paul that God's grace is sufficient, humility is essential, and God's power is the strength that counts. God can use hard things in our lives for our good and his glory. Do not just run from difficulty, but instead ask God what he might be trying to do during it. If we run from God, then all we will be left with is the difficult circumstances. However, if we seek him then we will experience his work, joy, and presence amid it all.
Father God, thank you that you can use and redeem all things. Thank you that even in the midst of difficulty and hardship, you are at work. Help me to gain your perspective and use all things for your glory. Amen.
Question of the day: When have you seen God use difficulty to mature you?
The most important thing for everyone to deal with in life is God. Our response to God determines not only our lives now but also our eternal destiny. Isaiah tells Israel that judgment in the form of an Assyrian invasion is coming upon them because of their sin. They have failed to look to God, so God will come against them in judgment. He wanted to be a gentle stream that provided refreshment, but due to their rejection of him, he will instead come upon them like a destructive flood. He wants to be a sanctuary; instead, he will be a stone that smashes them to pieces. God is willing to bring difficult things into our lives with the hope that it might get our attention and bring us back to him.
Paul, like Isaiah's audience, is an example of God using difficult things to bring about maturity and humility. Paul experienced a "thorn in (his) flesh," which he begged God to take away. God allowed the thorn to remain because it taught Paul that God's grace is sufficient, humility is essential, and God's power is the strength that counts. God can use hard things in our lives for our good and his glory. Do not just run from difficulty, but instead ask God what he might be trying to do during it. If we run from God, then all we will be left with is the difficult circumstances. However, if we seek him then we will experience his work, joy, and presence amid it all.
Father God, thank you that you can use and redeem all things. Thank you that even in the midst of difficulty and hardship, you are at work. Help me to gain your perspective and use all things for your glory. Amen.
Question of the day: When have you seen God use difficulty to mature you?
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Thank You Jesus and Derek for fixing the strange type in the daily devotion.