Perseverance: A devotion by Ann Broughton

“And not only this, but we also exult in tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance proven character; and proven character; hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3-5 NIV)

Have you ever exulted in tribulation? It is tremendously difficult to do, but according to scripture if you do, you will be blessed. At the moment I have many Christian friends who are persevering through chemo treatments in order to be healthy again. Thinking about week after week of treatments seems so daunting, but all of my dear friends know the Lord, and are persevering through it with peace and complete faith that God is in control. You see they can do this because they know their lives are secure in Gods love and eternal life is very real to them. They have the hope that is spoken of in the above verse. They are wonderful witnesses of how faith in God can help you get through serious tribulations.

Do you have the faith required to meet tribulations head on with a firm belief that God is in control and will see you through it? You know troubles happen to all of us. Life is certain to lambaste you some time with a situation that will drive you to your knees. Will you persevere and remain faithful? It is so important to keep a close relationship with the Lord at all times. Pray to Him as if you are praying to a friend. Ask Him to show you where you can serve Him. Ask Him to show you where you need to improve in you Christian walk. Praise Him for the many blessings he has given you. Read the Bible daily and glean from it ways to have a stronger faith in God.

I have personally gone through many trials. I have been driven to my knees in tears, but as I cried out to God, he always gave me the peace I needed to persevere through my trial. Trust me, the peace of God is very real. One of my favorite verses that I refer to when I am in a trial is, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

Dear Lord,

I know that trials will come in my life. Help me to trust you. Help me to persevere through my tribulation knowing that you will never leave me or forsake me. Help me to be a witness to others during my trial, so that they may see your peace in me. Thank you for the peace that passes understanding.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Who Do You Listen To? a devotion by Ann Broughton

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10: 27-28 NIV).

Who do you listen to? I know there might be some people who are reading this who listen to an inner voice that says: “You are stupid”, “You are fat” “You will never amount to anything”, “Nobody loves you”, You will never succeed”. If you are a Christian you need to know that these words are not what Christ would want you to dwell on. You are an heir to the kingdom of God. “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17 NIV).

You can listen to the voice of darkness, Satan, or choose to listen to the Holy Spirit. Satan is spoken of in the Bible as being the darkness. Jesus spoke to Paul about this. “I am sending you to them (Gentiles) to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:17-18 NIV). Satan would love for you to wallow in misery and self-condemnation. But the Holy Spirit within you will fill your soul with hope and peace. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV).

When you start saying negative things about yourself, you are in darkness. When Jesus was being tempted by Satan, he rebuked him. Jesus said, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10 NIV). I would suggest that you say the same thing to the devil.

“Away from me, Satan. The Bible says I am an heir of God. You have no authority over me because I am sealed with the Holy Spirit”. You must be the one to change your thinking. Nobody can do that for you.

Dear Lord,

Please help me when my thoughts are full of negativity about myself. I know it is only the devil trying to convince me I am worthless. I know that he is wrong. Help me to immediately rebuke him, and believe the truth that only you can give me; that I am a child of God. Let your light in me shine before others so that they will see your love through my actions.

In Jesus’ name, Amen