ESOCS Devotional 23 April 2022
TEXT: JAMES 5:7-END
MEMORY VERSE: “Be ye patient, stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Godliness means to live life in accordance with the word of God. Our text teaches the ability to exercise the fear of God while waiting for the manifestation of His will in one’s life. The time when one is in pain and is expecting relief on the basis of God’s promises is a very tempting time. There is the urge to complain and blame people for one’s pains; there is also the urge to go astray to seek help or indulge in self-help. We should be mindful of what we do or say when times are hard. God will hold us accountable for every ungodly act or comment (v 9; 1 Peter 4:5).
It is the same with the gospel message of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. While we wait, let us not get weary. Let us be focused and committed to the will of God (vs. 7, 8; Rom. 13:11).
Looking at biblical history, there is none of the early saints who had a smooth sail from the beginning to the end of his life in God’s service. Even Abraham had his share of pains and subsequent season of joy in the fulfilment of the will of God (vs. 10, 11; Heb. 6:13-15).
The way out of any form of pain we pass through in our Christian journey is prayer. If your personal prayer cannot do it, go to the church for the anointed and gifted servants of God to help you out. When you approach God in prayer, open your heart to confess and learn from His words and His servants (vs. 13-20). God does not fail.
- Have you experienced a miraculous and joyful sudden realization of your expectation before?
- Father, may I witness a surprise package from you this month, in Jesus Name. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Exodus 11:1-end; Mark 14:1-9; Jeremiah 42:13-end
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ESOCS Devotional 23 April 2022
