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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Grasshoppers
We saw the giants and were in our own sight as grasshoppers." Numbers 13:33 Have you ever felt like a grasshopper in comparison to the expectations, responsibilities and difficulties in your life?
I sure have, or maybe I should say at times I sure do feel that way. Have you noticed how life seems to come in waves? A day or two go pretty well, and then we are overwhelmed with all that appears on our plate to deal with. I like the cartoon from one of Barbara Johnson's books. It says, "I try to take one day at a time, but lately several days have attacked me at once!"
My husband and I just returned from three wonderful weeks with our family in America. It was such a blessing and joy to spend time with our children and grandchildren. However, upon arriving back home three days ago, I suddenly feel "attacked" by three weeks of work!
It is easy for us to feel as grasshoppers in our strength, wisdom and endurance. The children of Israel felt this way when they were preparing to go into the promise land. In fact they only saw the hindrances, the strength of the enemy and their own weaknesses. This was the wrong perspective on the situation.
Why was it the wrong perspective? The main reason is that they simply took God out of the picture. He had promised them the land and had promised to go with them and to give them the victory. Joshua and Caleb tried to encourage the people in Numbers 14:8-9. They urged them not to rebel against what the Lord had said and not to be afraid, as the Lord was with them.
This is exactly what happens to us---we forget to keep our Lord in the forefront and to claim His promises for our personal situations. He has promised to never leave us "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5 which obviously means He IS with us right now. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit to give us all the wisdom and guidance we need: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5. His grace is sufficient: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 and He never gives more that we can do in His strength: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19.
Therefore, we are not grasshoppers but rather victorious conquerors in Him. " " 2 Corinthians 2:14. So may both you and I take all that is facing us and prayerfully lay it before our Lord. Ask Him to sort out the things that are not according to His will and to give us the wisdom and strength to accomplish what is left. Then we should remember to thank Him for His faithfulness and the answer to our prayer.
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10
Let us take the "promise land" that is set before us!
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- Sandy Hastings |
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