Hello everyone! We just got back from a wonderful visit with family over Christmas, and we’re still recovering from that fun-filled trip. So I’m re-posting one last devotion, which was originally published at the end of 2014.
Enjoy reading, and have a very happy and blessed New Year!!
“See, God saves me. I will trust and not be afraid. For the lord God is my strength and song. And he has become the one who saves me.”
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
If you look carefully at the above verse, you will see 3 things that the Lord has become to Isaiah. More importantly, He wants to become these 3 things to you. I can say this with certainty, because he is these 3 things in my life. In order to personalize this scripture, we need to look at the 3 S’s that Isaiah has outlined for us. The Lord has become Isaiah’s strength, song and salvation, but has He become yours?
I’d like to tell you a story to illustrate what I mean. I have found what may be a golden opportunity, and if it works out it could mean wonderful things for my wife and I. But no matter how wonderful it may seem to me, I don’t want to push my agenda onto God. Many times, I think that we all do this under the guise of prayer, instead of asking for God’s will in our lives. If I’m not careful I might say something like, “God, I have a great opportunity here, and I could really be of use to you.” I did some soul searching and I came upon this week’s scripture verse, which helped me to put both patience and prayer into perspective.
The first S we see is strength. What does the presence of God’s strength mean to you? I don’t know what you’re going through, but if you ponder this concept prayerfully, I’m sure you can find your own answer to this question. To me God’s strength means stability, and whether you are facing opportunities or obstacles, you can have the peace of knowing that God is in control. Personally, that helps me have the patience to endure tough times. Whatever you’re dealing with, just know that He has the power to calm the stormy seas in your life. Alternatively, He can give you the strength to walk on those rough waters. Knowing that God is a good and loving father also tells me that His will is the best thing that could happen in my life.
The second S is song. Has the Lord become your song? No matter what you are facing, he can give you unspeakable joy which nobody can take away from you. This joy comes from knowing that He is always right there with you, and you know that you will be victorious no matter what man may say. This song of joy also brings hope, because with God all things are possible. This joy can give you new confidence in your prayer life, just as it has in my own life.
The third S is salvation. While God wants to save you from your sins, He also wants to deliver you from whatever you may be facing. Again, no matter how impossible circumstances may seem, the Bible says that God can make a way where there seems to be none, and I have seen Him do just that. Do you look fearfully at the waves and storms around you like the apostle Peter did, or are you letting the Lord Jesus hold you in his arms when trials come?
Knowing that God is your help today can give you new boldness when facing tomorrow. I hope you will begin allowing Him new priority, power and purpose in your life.
My wife and I hope that the new year will be filled with God’s love, joy and strength. Have a very happy new year, and may it promote new beginnings in your life!
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870. Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Monday night Bible study or Tuesday night prayer meeting. Both are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 5:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 712-775-7031, and our ID is 607518748. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.
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