For those struggling financially …
Doubt seldom rushes in all at once. Rather it erodes our confidence little by little. The voices that say, “You’ll never get out of this. God has forgotten you. God no longer answers your prayers …” – these voices gather strength over time. You may have been out of work for months. You may be suffering your twentieth business failure. But God has not put you on the shelf. Every time you fall, you learn something and you get stronger. You are a member of God’s army, spiritually speaking. Don’t be surprised if things get tough. Twice in my life, I’ve worked for an entire year without making any money. I’ve had more business failures than even I can keep track of. I’ve probably made more mistakes than any two other people. But I’m not going to quit. And neither should you. The only thing hardship can do is make us stronger. So rejoice! We’re all getting closer to the breakthrough we’ve been praying for.
And everyone went to his own town to register. — Luke 2:3
Not long after I got married, I was initiated into the world of childbirth stories. You women have probably heard them all your lives, but this was a new thing for me, as a man. One of our friends described the whole ordeal — getting packed, timing the contractions, driving to the hospital, trying to remember how to breathe. The contractions got worse, it was the middle of the night, and she was tired. Finally, she said to her husband, “I don’t want to do this any more. Let’s go home.”
In Luke chapter 2, the people of God are sent scurrying around to get counted and taxed. Yet another unwelcome Roman intrusion into their lives. Like our friend, they probably just wanted to go home. But they couldn’t. Whether they realized it or not, the whole nation was in labor, about to give birth to their Messiah.
It seems to me that labor has begun once again. God is getting us ready for something new.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
What happens when you partner with Dwight Clough Ministries?
Victims of violent crimes and survivors of abuse are finding peace,
wholeness, the power to forgive and the strength to set boundaries.
Those ensnared by addictions are finding freedom. Marriages are being
restored. Families are strengthened. Christian brothers and sisters in
restricted lands who face persecution are finding strength and
encouragement. Young believers are learning how to walk with the Lord,
and people are coming into the faith for the first time. None of this
happens as a result of one person’s efforts, but rather this is God’s
work as He blesses the sacrifice of many people including yourself. We
partner with you, with other ministries, and, most significantly, with
the Lord. That’s how the supernatural happens.
Discoveries Devotional – Inspiration in Your Inbox is provided daily by
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1223 West Main Street #228
Sun Prairie, WI 53590 USA
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