That day…
Exodus 8:22, “But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the LORD, am in the midst of the land.”
In each of the plagues that God sent on Egypt to get His people out He somehow shielded them from harm either the plague was not sent into their lands, or He directed Moses how they could stay free of the disaster.
Many people in the church today still have this kind of theology that says, “If I stay faithful to God then He will keep me safe from all harm.” I’m not sure where people get that thinking from, but I am sure that they don’t get it from the Bible. The Bible says that the more we strive to serve God the more we will be persecuted. Hear what Jesus said in the Beatitudes, Luke 6:22 “Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.23 Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.”
When bad things happen to you or to me, it is not a sign that God has abandoned us; but it might be a sign that we are doing the will of the One who died for us, and I don’t know about you but I would be thrilled to be included in a list that has names like Moses, Isiaih, Elijah and Elisha.
Bad things are going to happen to you! People are going to talk about you! When this happens you can do one of two things,
- You can draw closer to God through His Word, and have a more intimate walk with Him.
- You can withdraw from God and become bitter because of your situation.
I can tell you from experience that the first reaction is the best because in it you will find joy inexpressable as you feel His Presence. The second reaction will only lead to bitterness and isolation at/from God and others.
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Father, I thank You for allowing the persecution and problems that I face, and I ask that as these problems come You would help me to remember that they are instruments I can use to come to closer fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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Yes, You Can Ministry 
