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September 3, 2004 Encouragement for Today How Big Is God? Micca Campbell, Director of Outreach, Speaker Team Member Key Verse: I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (Psalms 121:1, NKJ) Devotion: Last June, my husband and I became guardians of our thirteen-year-old nephew. Tony was different from other children his age. Our nephew had seen and experienced things no child should. He was behind two years in school, owned only the clothes on his back, and had never had his own room, toys, or a friend over to spend the night. This child had many needs; eye glasses, acne medicine, tutoring, and most of all counseling. It didn't take long to realize that we were not enough. We were in over our heads. Parenting our nephew created a desperate need for God in our lives to do the impossible-care for Tony. I don't know what desperate situation you're in right now, but most of us are dealing with something that is much bigger than we are. Often our circumstances can cause us to feel discouraged, depressed and defeated because we choose to look at our circumstances instead of our God. We are disheartened because we have forgotten just how big our God is. I'm reminded of the story found in God's Word when King Aram was warring against Israel. In the king's bedroom, he instructed his servants as to where they would camp and plan their attack. Among them was a man of God who took this information and warned Israel not to travel their way. When king Aram found out, he was furious. He asked his servants "Who among them was for the King of Israel." They answered, "The profit Elisha." When king Aram found out where Elisha was, he sent his great army to surround Elisha's entire city. In the morning, the man of God rose early and went out to find the army of King Aram circling their town. The godly servant said to Elisha, "What shall we do?" Elisha replied, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed and asked God to open his eyes so that he could see. At that moment, Elisha saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire from the Lord (2 Kings 6: 8-17) When we are encompassed by trouble and all we can see is doom, it's time for a new vision. Discouragement and fear are replaced with confidence when we turn our eyes to God. Seeing Him changes things. Nothing is too big or too difficult for our Lord. Concerning our nephew, my husband and I knew that we were in over our heads. The good news is what may be over our head is under God's feet, and He is big enough to accomplish what we can't. Sure, we could have given up, but instead, we chose to look up and see God at work. In one year, Tony has moved forward a whole grade. His face is clear, and he has a cool pair of glasses. He has new clothes and new friends, and is the starting running back for his Junior High football team. Tony is also being counseled by one of the top Christian counselors in our area, at no charge. Our God is big, and He is able. As we have responded to Him in faith to accomplish the impossible, others have seen how big our God is as well. Choosing to look up, our lives became a demonstration of what God can do in the midst of an impossible situation. He got the glory and we got the victory. The next time you are surrounded by trouble, don't fear. Look up and see how big your God is. Decide to do what we so often sing about on Sunday mornings. "Turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." His greatness will not disappoint you. My prayer for today: Dear Lord, as best I can I'm going to trust you with my situation. I believe that you are able to do the impossible. Lord, be my strength, my hope and my vision as I look to you until you've brought me through to the other side. Amen. Application Steps: Write down the things that are keeping you from trusting God. Is there anything on that list too big for Him? Then, tear up the list; lay your burden at His feet, and rest in His arms. Reflection Points: Can you say to God, "This is not what I would have chosen but I trust you?" Where has God proven that He is trustworthy in your life before? Why do you think you are tying to fix something only God can do? What is God trying to teach you by allowing this problem in your life that's too big for you? Power Verses: Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ((KJV) Habakkuk 3:19, The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high laces; To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. (KJV) Isaiah 43:3, When thou passest through the water, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (KJV) Philippians 4:19, But my God shall supply all you needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV) II Corinthians 12:9, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (KJV) Additional Resources: Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God, by Sharon Jaynes http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.191.25895.1.1698058 Coming Out of the Darkness, by Mary Southerland http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.191.25895.2.1698058 For Those Who Hurt, tapes set by Mary Southerland http://link.salemwebnetwork.com/UM/T.asp?A1.191.25895.3.1698058 >>> Share the good news <<< Please forward this message to a friend! FREE Christian Book http://l.salemweb.net/swnoffer0203/ ____________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO_______________________ * This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. To unsubscribe from this newsletter immediately, simply click on the link below. If this link is not clickable, simply cut and paste it into the address bar of your browser. http://www.salememail.com/unsub/191/1698058.aspx * Copyright C 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. 1698058 ____________________________________________________________ TRINITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY OFF CAMPUS & ONLINE Experience Personal & Ministry Growth Through Bible-Focused Degree Programs Associate and Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts, M.Div., Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Ministry http://l.salemweb.net/tcs2003tr/footer/ ____________________________________________________________ Questions or comments can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> $9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything. http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/BCfwlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kumpulan/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
