Isaiah 39:1-41:16, Ephesians 1, Psalms 66:1-20, Proverbs 23:25-28
What God said to me – Have you ever been in a group where the conversation turned to everyone’s aches and pains – all the health issues they are suffering, or how bad the economy is and how hard it is to make it financially, or how society is collapsing morally, or their kids are in rebellion? The focus is on the negative – on the bad things and the difficulties. However, your perspective as My child should be different. You were chosen to be My child and predestined according to the purpose of My will. I use all of these things to refine you as silver is refined – to transform you and to sanctify you. When you truly understand that “I AM” the one who brought you into the net or laid an oppressive burden on you, or took you through the fire and water and that “I AM” working in you for your good and for My glory, then you will quit fighting against Me and begin to cooperate with Me as you seek My direction, and My will, and My transformation. You will begin to share, not about all the difficult things you are experiencing, but about all I have done for your soul through those things – how you walk in peace and joy knowing that “I AM” in control and at work in you. It is not easy to get to this place of maturity in your faith. You must cling to Me in faith, and I will give you the spirit of wisdom and enlighten your heart so you will know the hope of My calling.