Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Through the Storm

“So take courage!  For I believe God.  It will be just as he said.’ ”  (Acts 27:25)

Sometimes we may think that when we’re in the will of God, it will be smooth sailing.  But many times it is just the opposite.  Doors slam in our faces.  Obstacles appear in our paths and storms arise that threaten to drive us off course. 

That is why we need to remember there is a devil who wants to stop us from doing what God wants us to do.

As the apostle Paul was on his way to do the will of God, he hit some tough times.  An incredible storm arose that caused the people in his boat to despair of their lives.  But there was no obstacle big enough to stop Paul.  He always seemed to rise above his circumstances. 

As he went through the storm, he knew God had shown him what to do, and he would let nothing deter him from that course.

When a hard time hits, when a crisis hits, when a tragedy hits, we often want out.  We ask God for an airlift out of our problems. 

But many times, God wants us to learn in the midst of them.  Romans 8:35–37 says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (NIV).  Notice the phrase, “in all these things.”  It isn’t saying we won’t face some of these things.  But it says that in them we are more than conquerors.

If you are seeking to obey the Lord, expect opposition.  Expect obstacles.  Expect difficulties.  But also expect God to see you through.

Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries.  All rights reserved.  Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved. 

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to  www.harvest.org. 

SPECIAL OFFER

Lost Boy
The Bible says, "If any man be in Christ, he is an altogether different kind of person. Old things have passed away. Everything becomes fresh and new." That is the truth I want you and everyone who reads this book to come away with. And it is a message not just of hope, but also of Christ's redemptive power.
-Greg Laurie

You can have your own copy of the book Lost Boy in appreciation for your gift sent to Harvest Ministries this month.