The Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Rom 8:27
-------------------------
25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:25-28 (NIV)
I recently attended a one year birthday celebration. No, the honoured person was
not an infant. In fact, he had fathered a few children himself. I was in a rather stark
church basement and it was my first experience with a meeting conducted by
Alcoholics Anonymous. Luke was my hero.
At one point in his life, Luke was a slave to alcohol. Every spare penny went to feed
this habit. In fact, many dollars that were not ‘spare’ had been squandered. However,
Luke was confronted by Jesus one day a few years ago. He acknowledged his need
of help and took his first weak steps down a new path with Jesus. Luke made a
point of referring to Scriptures and he sought to learn all he could. His friends
at A.A. cheered him on each week. Brian, Luke’s sponsor, who attended
our church, invested a good deal of time and thought into
Luke’s journey, which they walked together.
I watched a man with his proud wife, family and friends gathered around. This was
a fantastic accomplishment that spoke of integrity and will-power, and gave
evidence to the degree that Luke had placed his life into the hands of God.
Thank You Lord for helping my friend, Luke, to take hold of his life. Luke will
apparently remain an alcoholic. The battle is not over. However, Luke has now
come to appreciate the difference God can and does make in the life of anyone who
accepts His offer of forgiveness, restoration and guidance.
There are people who have been born in the open streets with no shelter or hope of
enough to meet their physical needs, yet from such deprivation, some speak of their
friend Jesus. Others have lived in the dark ages of poverty, superstition and illness,
yet the testimony has remained consistent — God is worthy of praise and
thanksgiving. People have suffered all sorts of hardships, illnesses and needs,
as slaves, masters or free men. Changing the heart of the person or
changing the circumstances are each miraculous blessings.
Have you been looking to God to change your circumstances? Have you been looking
to Him to help you in your current situation? He can do either. As you yield the
challenge to Him, as you trust the intercessions of the Holy Spirit, He will bless you one
way or the other. May God help each one of us to go boldly into the future, confident
“that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” (Rom 8:28)
-------------------------
Heavenly Father, it seems to me that I focus much of my thanksgiving towards the
very things that distract me from You! I know that Your blessings can’t just be
measured in wealth, health or freedom, but these things seem to monopolize my
expressions of gratitude. Help me to offer everything into Your care and for Your
exclusive use. You are so patient, faithfully calling me on in my personal growth
and my appreciation of Your influence in my life. Thank You. Amen.
-Noel Churchman
0 comments:
Post a Comment