Monday, February 24
Monday Morning Manna
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4
These two words, Even Though, will from this day forward change how I see myself and my situations. Speaking from Psalm 23 Sis. Iyzaro Davidson shared a word of encouragement about an even though God. Even Though the situation doesn’t make sense, even though that idea seems farfetched, even though I feel unworthy, even though I have messed up again, and even though I not only tell myself lies I believe in the lies, God is still a good good Father.
The question was asked – what even though situation are you in right now? Do you know that God is right there with you even though you feel alone? Verse 5 says “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” What I did not understand prior to yesterday is the enemy isn’t always a person. Sis. Davidson says the enemy can be your situation. Yet God says He will prepare a table, a feast, in the presence of whatever circumstances you find yourself in today.
The Apostle Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always and at…all…times. This does not mean we will always want to rejoice because life is not filled with only the good but, even in our valleys we must be able to see Gods hand at work and with that confidence, God is in our midst we rejoice.
The example of the Three Hebrew Boys was shared to strengthen our faith. Daniel 3:17-18 records their response to King Nebuchadnezzar as he told them of their fate it says “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it…but even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Even though the king threatened to kill them, they did not bow. Even though the fire was hot, they did not bow. And even if God doesn’t deliver, they would not bow down!
God miraculously delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. But this is not always the case. In Acts 7:60 Stephen was stoned to death by an angry mob of unbelievers, including Saul who would later get saved and be renamed to Paul (Acts 7:58). In both cases we see an example of Gods people determined to do what is right (obey) and not what feels right even if it meant certain death.
Finally, Sis. Davidson shared with us three things we are told to do in a fire that we can adapt to the fires of life. Stop, Drop, and Roll. Stop – the unnecessary activities that is taking you away from time with God. Drop – to your knees and talk to God. Roll – roll over your cares to God.
Today, may you be reminded that our God whom we serve can and will deliver you. Even though things are not what you think they should be, continue to trust God and do what is right. Keep following His word and obeying Gods command. God’s word tells us that He can be trusted and if He has done it before knowing He will do it again.