2 Samuel 18:1-19:10, John 20:1-31, Psalms 119:153-176, Proverbs 16:14-15

What God said to me – There is a song, “Blessings”, that says, “What if Your blessings come through raindrops?  What if Your mercy comes through tears?”  It is not what most people think of as blessing.  The song goes on, “What if the trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights are Your mercies in disguise?”  In this day of “name it, claim it” that is not a popular theology.  After the crucifixion My disciples spent several days in hiding, fearful and sorrowful, and not understanding what was happening.  On the third day, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb heartbroken and sorrowful.  In tears she begged who she though was a gardener to tell her where they had taken My body – then I said her name.  That’s all it took and she knew everything was going to be alright.  This great sorrow she had experienced turned out to be the greatest blessing in disguise.  As you go through trials and difficulties remember this – in My mercy and My love for you I allow you to go through trials to do a wonderful work in you.  Trust Me through your tears.  “I AM” at work for your good and My glory.

2 Samuel 17, John 19:23-42, Psalms 119:129-152, Proverbs 16:12-13

What God said to me – I laid out My plans for the world before its foundation – from start to finish.  I told various details to prophets to prophesy in advance, not for My sake, but for yours so you could see My faithfulness and your faith and trust in Me would grow.  Little details and seemingly insignificant occurrences are recorded in My word for your edification – the soldiers gambling for My clothes – the sour wine that was given to Me – the thieves legs being broken, but not Mine – My side being pierced – all were fulfillment of prophesies from hundreds of years before.  As you read My word and see how I carried out all of My plans down to the smallest detail, know that you can trust Me to do the same for you.  I know the plans I have for you and I will faithfully carry them out.  That doesn’t mean that you will never suffer – in the world you will have tribulation.  My own suffering was part of My plan, but I worked it for good.  No matter what you are going through, I can and will work it for your good and My glory.

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23, John 18:25-19:22, Psalms 119:113-128, Proverbs 16:10-11

What God said to me – “I AM” sovereign and all authority is Mine.  When My Son, Jesus, was on trial before Pontius Pilate, Pilate rebuked Him for not answering his question.  He said, “Do you not know that I have the authority to release You or to crucify You?  His response to Pilate was “you would have no authority over Me unless it had been given you from above”.  My sovereignty is over all and all rulers are in power because I in My sovereign plan granted them authority.  David understood this truth when he fled from Absalom and said, “If I find favor in the sight of the Lord, then He will bring me back again.”  He trusted My sovereignty and My plan.  So, when you see ungodly leaders elevate themselves and violate My word, don’t despair and don’t be afraid.  “I AM” always at work carrying out My plan and working things together for your good.  Remember the saying, “It’s always darkest before the dawn”.  Don’t despair over the state of the world – joy comes in the morning.  Trust My plan – trust My sovereignty and look up – your redemption draweth nigh.