God’s Great Rewards
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, when the weight of this world grows heavy on my shoulders, remind me that you sustain me and keep me. “He said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me,” (II Corinthians 12:9, NIV).
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:11
REFLECT:
One of the greatest stories in the Bible of persevering through difficult circumstances, to ultimately receive great reward, is the story of Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Sold to Potiphar to be a household servant. Thrown into prison after being falsely accused of attacking Potiphar’s wife. But then, after interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, he was elevated to the second in command of all Egypt, lower only to Pharaoh himself. Even though he endured great hardship and even imprisonment, he ultimately played a role in saving his family from the seven years of famine by bringing them to live with him in Egypt.
When I was 17 years old, my father passed away. I was devasted and asked God why he would allow this to happen? I was on my own and was not sure where I would turn. Our Methodist Church pastor invited me to live with he and his wife in the church parsonage. That was a blessing! Working at the local grocery store while finishing high school, I began to see the hand of God helping me through life. My dependency on him grew, and he miraculously provided for me to attend college at Oral Roberts University. Over the years I have counted many blessings afforded to me from the Lord and I owe him everything. But our greatest blessings are not in this world…but in the life yet to come when we go to live with him in eternity!
APPLY:
Where do your circumstances find you today? Have you recently suffered great loss? Are there health issues plaguing you and your family? Devote yourselves to prayer and standing in faith in God like never before. The devil wanted Job to forsake God and turn his back on him. Today, also, the enemy would like nothing better than to have you give up on God and walk away from trusting in him. Instead, when you find yourself in trials, ponder what great miracle or blessing lies ahead for you! Seek the Lord and ask what he is preparing you for during this difficult situation. Be encouraged to stand against the onslaught of the enemy! “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms,” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV).
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord, for your provision in our lives. “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8, NIV). Keep me anchored, “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers, (Psalm 1:3, NIV).
WORSHIP: