There was a man who bought a house young. He probably bit off a bit more than he could chew. Before there was regulation on adjustable rate mortgages he experienced in the period of three months his mortgage doubling. It became impossible for him to continue to meet his mortgage. The home was foreclosed. The man then rented a house and used up any bit of savings he had to get into the house. He started saving again trying to be responsible, only to discover a few weeks later, the rental home he was now in was being foreclosed. And he once again found himself looking for a home. The man then rented another home with the last bit of money he had, forfeiting all the money he deposited for the other home. He worked a full time job and two part-time jobs in order to continue to pay his obligations and provide for his family.
It was during this time, that this man began to feel messages and importations from the Lord, and started writing sermons. Meanwhile his life was an absolute disaster. Many would say he mismanaged his money, others would say he mismanaged many things in general. Yet others took plenty of time to make fun of all of his poor circumstances. This man got down on his knees and begged God for a breakthrough, for a change, for provision and a home he could own. Many times he felt completely abandoned and alone. After struggling for four years, the man was able to buy a home once again. Did it mean this guy finally arrived, did it mean that that was the only trial in his life, did it mean that God was punishing him? Have you ever felt like God wasn’t listening, has the pain been so long that it doesn’t feel like there is end in sight? Have you given up on hearing an answer from God? Did you give up on breakthrough? Imagine Jochebed’s struggle: EXODUS 2:1-10 AMP “Now a man of the house of Levi [the priestly tribe] went and took as his wife a daughter of Levi. The woman conceived and gave birth to a son; and when she saw that he was [especially] beautiful and healthy, she hid him for three months [to protect him from the Egyptians]. When she could no longer hide him, she got him a basket (chest) made of papyrus reeds and covered it with tar and pitch [making it waterproof]. Then she put the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. And his sister [Miriam] stood some distance away to find out what would happen to him. Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the Nile, and [she, together with] her maidens walked along the river’s bank; she saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid [to get it], and she brought it to her. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. And she took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a wet-nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go ahead.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. And she named him Moses, and said, “Because I drew him out of the water.”” I know the pain. That man we discussed was me. God was preparing my messages 8 years before I started to give them. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalms 23:4-5 KJV As Christians we have a special call. A special purpose. He needs us to walk in the valley. We can’t stay on the mountain top. Hear this, He will never fail you. “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.” Psalms 91:7 KJV It’s no secret, you will endure trials and tribulations. Sometimes these situations may go on for many years. This can become exhausting and test your faith. Don’t waver, my God will never fail. He has the hair on your head numbered, and sees every detail of your life. Understand you have to go through it. “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!” Romans 8:15-17 MSG God will never fail. It’s not your responsibility to understand His plan. It’s your responsibility to be obedient to it. Suffering may last for a while but joy comes in the morning. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
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AuthorPhilip Lukens is the senior pastor of the Carr Community Church. To receive updates please enter your e-mail address below and click subscribe. Archives
December 2020
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